Any markings to determine which S&W frame??

[walker944]

I've handled, owned and shot firearms all my life, and have been fully aware of the various Smith & Wesson revolver frames; ie, J, K, L, N, and X. Other than just sort of guessing or memorizing each model and frame size, is there any markings on the frame to indicate which frame a particular revolver is? With the vast number of models that are being produced and have been produced, how is someone to know for sure? I know that the graduate in size starting with the J frame as the smallest, going up to the granddaddy X frame. But how can someone tell by looking whether a revolver is a K or an L frame, for instance.

 

[Radagast]

Assuming .38/357:
J frame = 5 shots
K frame = forcing cone is flattened at bottom (same for .22 version, not sure about .32).
L frame = forcing cone is a full circle (slightly larger cylinder window and cylinder allows this. If its a seven shot gun its an L frame. Can be 6 shots as well. if its a 5 shot .44 special its an L frame.

N frame = if its an 8 shot gun it's an N frame. Can be six shot as well. If it's a .45ACP. .45 Long colt, .44 magnum it's an N frame. If its a 6 shot .44 special it's an N frame.
X frame = 460 or 500 caliber.

Best bet is to handle and shoot a lot of S&Ws. You quickly learn the differences. Also buy the Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd edition by Supica & Nahas. You'll learn a lot.

 

[walker944]

So, I take it that there are no markings on the frame to indicate the frame size....you just have to know which is which?

 

[highorder]

So, I take it that there are no markings on the frame to indicate the frame size....you just have to know which is which?

Correct.

The ocean of model numbers and -dash's is the subject of many books.

 

[snorko]

K frame = forcing cone is flattened at bottom (same for .22 version, not sure about .32).
L frame = forcing cone is a full circle (slightly larger cylinder window and cylinder allows this.

I never knew nor noticed this. Learned something new today