S&W Revolver frame question
How can you tell the difference between S&W revolver frames just by looking at the firearm (without disassembling it)?
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just go to a gun store and compare the 5 current frame sizes in person, afterwards you should be able to distinguish them apart by just looking at the relative weight,size of frame /grip/cylinder, when in your hand, and as you grow more confidant just viewing one even in a photo , as long as there is something else included to help you "guess" the size.
Of course if you are looking at one that has the model # stamped in the frame at the crane, all you need do is google it .0 -
Without knowing the model number, it can be really difficult.
For example, the grip of the K & L frames are identical ---- both frames use the same stocks.
Modern J-frames can be either "J-frame" or "J-frame (magnum)".
Some small frame revolvers were made on both the I frame & the J frame.
So, the best answer to your question is: "It depends."
Neal0 -
quote:Originally posted by Zulu7
How can you tell the difference between S&W revolver frames just by looking at the firearm (without disassembling it)?
How can you tell the difference between a beagle and a schnauzer just by looking at them?
The answer is that the frames are of significantly different sizes, and if you're familiar with them, its obvious.
J frames are small-frame easily concealable 5 shot revolvers.
X frames are massive gigantic cannons in .460 or .500SW.
N frames. . .like the "Dirty Harry" model 29 .44 magnum. . . are on large frames.
The only two that might be difficult to tell one from the other and K and L frames. Both of these are medium frames, though Smith now calls the L a "large frame" (where as medium/large is probably more appropriate).
The L frames are similar to the K frames, but are slightly beefed up in terms of thicker cylinder, and thicker frame where it meets the barrel. One good visual clue to tell a K from an L is that the L frames usually have full length underlugs under the barrel.
Other easy way to tell, without "disassembling" anything is just to open the cylinder and read off the model number. Then, if you aren't familiar with the model, you can go to the book and read off if its a K or L. Off the top of my head models 586 and 686 are L frames. Models 10,13,14,15,17,18,19,64,65,66 are K frames.
I don't know if the modern 617 .22 revolver is a K or L; I think L, but honestly who cares. Its a big .22 revolver, and the K and L grips interchange anyway.
EDIT:
Smith and Wesson image, K vs L:
On telling the "I" from the "J" frames, well, while both are small frame revolvers, I don't think Smith has made an "I" frame gun in 50 years. If you're familiar with both, they're not all that hard to tell apart in the hand. If not, either show someone who does, post a picture, or check the model number.0 -
In a nutshell, S&W frame designation is determined by the size of the window where the cylinder sits. 0 -
Here is a good tutorial http://youtu.be/GwA2oKk1i-40
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