J-frame, K-frame, etc.

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WifeofBleys

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Hi, everyone...

I am new to shooting, as can probably be gleaned from my posts...lol! Several members have written wonderful, informative responses in threads I've started and I so appreciate everyone taking the time to give advice/suggestions. One thing I do not understand and would like to know more about are the different frames of revolvers. I don't mean for someone to sit and type it all out, as I assume that might take a long time. Is there one place I could go (wikipedia or somewhere on the web) to educate myself on this subject?

Thanks again, everyone!
 
There are different designations for different manufacturers, but 99% of the revolver frame size discussion is about Smith and Wesson's.

While they made other frame sizes in the past, the current ones are:

J-frame (smallest frame)

K-frame (medium)

L-frame (medium/large)

N-frame (large)

X-frame (XX large)
 
J-frame (smallest frame)

K-frame (medium)

L-frame (medium/large)

N-frame (large)
Click to expand...
Idiot me just realized that they are alphabetically ordered. I had been trying to keep the sizes straight in my head for a couple years.... Oh, what happened to "M"? Is it just missing from the order like "E" in test grades (A B C D F)?
 
yep, that covers it !

except they left out the part about k frames being endowed with a mysterious special magic unique amongst all firearms, you know ;)
(it is rumored in some circles that the k-frame designer had a crystal pyramid parked under his workbench)
try one, and you will understand why some us "believe" that

by the way, ma'm, your Taurus 941 is a close clone of the S&W J-frame model 651
the Taurus 94 equivalent being the S&W 63
(and it is pretty widely acknowledged that Ks do have better, lighter, smoother triggers)

people do sometimes talk about other brands of revolvers in J/K/L/N sizes, merely as "shorthand speak" in describing revolver size, only because the S&W alphabet is so well known
Ruger Speed/Security Sixes are "k-frame size", Ruger GP100s are "L/N" size, meaning quite similar to (though not precisely identical), for example
 
The "I" and "M" frames....

The S&W "I" frame was their first hand ejector, I believe, in 1896. It was a little smaller and lighter than the J frames and was a .32; they're sweet little revolvers. The .22 M-frames were the first Ladysmiths and were also lightly built.

Here's a picture from armchairgunshow.com. It's a good one for comparison.

11framesizes.jpg
 
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It's easy to forget the X frame, few people can afford the ammo to shoot it much!

Ken
 
If you are looking for a site that will match the model numbers with frame sizes and match model numbers to the older names of the S&W handguns there is a page on Handloads.com with the information. I find it very useful...

There is an "M" frame by the way, it's a 22 Hand Ejector.
 
Colt also used letters. I think the following list is complete but feel free to correct or add.

Revolvers

AA King Cobra
D Police Positive, Detective Special, Cobra
E Old type Official Police, Officer's Model Match, original Trooper
F All percussion revolvers
I Python
J New type Official Police Mk III, Trooper Mk III and variants
G, K, and Q SA .22 revolvers
MM Anaconda
P Single Action Army

Automatics

DA Double Action Government
M 1903/1908 pocket auto
N 1908 .25 vest pocket auto
O Government Model (1911)
S Woodsman .22 Auto and variants

Jim
 
The S&W M frame (original Ladysmith) is really tiny, something few people realize who have not handled one. The cylinder diameter is just about the size of a quarter yet it holds seven shots. Those guns should not be fired with ANY modern ammo; the guns are too valuable and the cylinder walls just too thin to risk damage.

Jim
 
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