Newbie question

[JP from Phoenix]

Alright i'm still a gun newbie here and I hear all this talk about j frames, k etc etc whatever what is the difference between them can you explain with pictures and the advantages if any between them? Thanks

 

[22-rimfire]

I know for someone new to the hobby or gun interest, the frame names (letters) can be confusing. The frame number relates to the overall size of the revolver. A larger frame is easier to use to shoot the more powerful calibers as the weight helps to dampen the recoil. Small frames are more concealable, but often not pleasant to shoot.

My thought is rather than make a list of Smith or Colt (or both) frame sizes or names, just look at the gun you like and go from there in terms of deciding on the purchase. For years, I didn't even know the letter designation, only that one is larger than another and so forth.

 

[Matt King]

This Book Is a Good Resource

 

[glassman]

Does Size Matter?

I know for someone new to the hobby or gun interest, the frame names (letters) can be confusing. The frame number relates to the overall size of the revolver. A larger frame is easier to use to shoot the more powerful calibers as the weight helps to dampen the recoil. Small frames are more concealable, but often not pleasant to shoot.

J frame


K frame


L frame

 

[W.E.G.]

N Frame (a man's gotta know his limitations)

 

[JP from Phoenix]

ok now i get it, thanks

 

[Don Lu]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...1&parent_category_rn=15701&top_category=15701

 

[BlindJustice]

Smith & Wesson makes various sized frames

The I-frame was used for pocket pistols up to WWII.
It was strengthened and became the J-Frame.

THe Medium K & L frame revolvers began with the 1899 Hand Ejector
S & W finally chambered the MOdel 19 in .357 Mag. as a lighter service
pistol for LEO use. HOwever a steady diet of hot loads would wear out a 19 so S & W came up with a bit bigger frame the L-frame
in the early 1980s.

The N-Frame revolvers for the big bores and magnums began with the 1908 1rst Model Hand Ejector. aka Triple Lock. In 135 it was chambered for .357 Magnum, and in 1955 it was chambered for .44 Gag.

The X-Frame is the newest frame and biggest for the .500 S & W and .460 SVR cartridges.

J-Frame .38 Spcl/.357 mag. are limited to 5 shot cylinders because of the CYlinder diameter. The Krames are six shooters, but the larger L-frame is offered with a 6 or 7 shot cylinder.