J,K,L frame?

[BobSmith]

Ok so I know this is a newbie question but what is the differences and how can you tell? I don't own any revolvers but would eventually like to get one or two or three. I am constantly hearing these different terms but have absolutely no idea how to tell them apart. Pictures of each would be great.

[cne411]

They are Smith and Wesson frame sizes. All have various barrel sizes from 1 and 7/8 to 8 and 3/8 inch.

J is the smallest, these are the 5 shot 38's, 6 shot 32's and 6 or 9 shot 22's.
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg105-e.htm
K is the small frame 38/357.
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg76-e.htm
L is the medium frame 38/357, these usually have a full length lug under the barrel.
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg107-e.htm
N is the large frame 357/41/.44 .
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg77-e.htm
X frame is the new super large one for the 460 and 500.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW_500.htm

[Joe Garibaldi]

Well put, CNE.

It's always good to know beforehand . . . I've been to a couple of shops where otherwise very knowledgeable people mis-ID'd the frame size.

[BobSmith]

This is all so confusting. I get the X and the J frame but the K-38 looks like it could be an L frame and the N and L frame 357s seem to be about the same size. In the semi-near future I would like to get a normal size 357 with a 4 inch barrel or greater. Something to be used as a good trail gun and to take deer directly below my tree stand. What would be the best frame size for this purpose?

[sticks]

Originally Posted by BobSmith

I would like to get a normal size 357 with a 4 inch barrel or greater. Something to be used as a good trail gun and to take deer directly below my tree stand. What would be the best frame size for this purpose?

The L-frame would be considered normal size; such as a model 686 for example.

However, if it would be used primarily for hunting, you might want to consider the larger N-frame.

[cne411]

This is the best I can do to help. I don't care for L frames, I have a Python that is the same size that I like better. Here is a photo of J/K/Python/n.



One thing to remember is the K frame is a 38 that can fire 357 ammo but a steady diet of the magnum loads will damage it. N frames are great shooters but get heavy for carrying. So if you are planning on shooting a lot of 357 loads (especially the 125gr ones) look at a L or N frame gun.

I will be using my N frame to learn to reload 375 loads, I figure if I damage that gun I have really messed up.

L carry my K because they have the right balance for me.

[BobSmith]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I think I am starting to get the hang of IDing these frames.

I have an "I" frame 32 S&W long.its a pre J frame

[cne411]

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/S...omparisons.htm

[BobSmith]

Thank you for the link that really explained a lot.