Need help as to 649 frame size

[JPM70535]

Help please.

I have always been under the impression that a J frame S&W was the same physical size except for barrel length , regardless of caliber. I am attempting to order a custom holster for my model 649 (shrouded hammer 357 J frame) and the company's owner says he can't use a J frame to mold the holster as it would fit the model 649 too tightly. Have I been misinformed as to a J frame being a J frame , Is there a difference in cylinder diameter that has to be taken into account when ordering Holsters

Thanks
JPM

 

[Model520Fan]

Newer J frames are larger than the original J frames, and are distinguished by the long vertical integral lug which keeps the open cylinder from coming back off the frame (actually, off the yoke), as opposed to the separate round lug which used to be pressed into the frame. They also generally have 2.125" barrels rather than 1.875" barrels. The frame was enlarged, I believe, when S&W started making .357's in J frame.

 

[BluesBear]

The new generation 5shot .357 magnum S&W are made on the J-Magnum frame which as 520fan said is slightly larger. I have found, however, than most leather holsters, especially open muzzle models, will have enough give, especially after breaking in, to work just fine.

 

[JPM70535]

Model 520Fan
BLUESBEAR

Thanks for the info. The holster I was after is Kydex so I don't think a standard J frame mold would work. If I had thought about it I probably would not have suffered from what is commonly referred to in the Senior community as a Brain Fart.

JPM

 

[Mike Irwin]

Think of it as a Plus Size J frame.

In reality, only the L-frame guns have a single size frame to them. All others -- J, K, and N -- have dimension differences between some models in the line up.

For instance, a Model 19 is slightly different in size that a Model 10.