S&W Frame Question

[c.r.a.]

I have a few questions about frame sizes within categories for S&W's.

Are all j-frames' actual frames the same dimensions.......like thickness, height, and length of the actual frame?

As far as lenth of pull to the trigger (not the actual distance the trigger travels, but the length from the back of the handle to the front of the trigger) is this the same accross all J frames? If not, are the grips the only thing that will make this "length" different?

specifically, i'm curious about the model 60 compared to the model 442. How similar are the two revolvers in actual physical size of the frame, cylinders, and "length of pull"? On my 442, i have to adjust my strong hand thumb, so my "trigger finger" won't hit it while pulling the trigger. I place the trigger on the second pad of my index finger. And for that matter, i have to adjust my weak hand hold compared to larger frame revolvers in order to keep my digits out of the way.

With the recent thread on the model 60 pro 3", i am thinking about buying one (probably the regular model 60 though) for a "working/pasture" gun. My ruger gp100, is simply too large and heavy for my liking in this situation. i like the idea of the extra barrel length, SA option, and .357 capabilities of the 60 over my 442. The adjustable sights have me favoring the 60 over an sp101.

Thank you,
c.r.

 

[Majic]

Yes all frames of the same designation are the same size. The CNC machine will cut a batch of frames all the same. They will then be determined what model it will be built into. Now don't forget a few years ago the J-frame went thru an upgrade. There is now the J-magnum frame which constitutes the J-frame as the word magnum is generally left out. So don't confuse the older J-frame with today's J-magnum frame.

 

[rcmodel]

Are all j-frames' actual frames the same dimensions.......like thickness, height, and length of the actual frame?

Yes & no.

In the older guns, there were also round & square butt J-frames.

RB & SB grips will not interchange.

In K-frames, early alloy-frame, or Airweight guns used a different grip due to the grip frame being slightly narrower.

Square-butt & Round Butt frames have at one time or anothr been available in I, J, K, & N frame sizes.

I believe L & X-frames have all been round butt.

rcmodel

 

[Walkalong]

L Frames?

My 686 no dash was a square butt gun.

 

[rcmodel]

Oh!

O.K. then!

I figured that was going to be wrong right after I posted it, but too lazy to go look it up!

rcmodel

 

[MrBorland]

Are all j-frames' actual frames the same dimensions.......like thickness, height, and length of the actual frame?

Yes & no.

In the older guns, there were also round & square butt J-frames.

I also understood that, compared to a standard .38spl J-frame, .357mag J-frames have a longer frame to accommodate a longer cylinder. The link below goes into some of this.


http://www.snubnose.info/docs/Model_36.htm

 

[woodsltc]

Square-butt & Round Butt frames have at one time or anothr been available in I, J, K, & N frame sizes.

I believe L & X-frames have all been round butt.

L-Frames have been offered in Square Butt & Round Butt. In the early 80's when the L-Frames were first introduced the 4" & 6" guns were originally Square Butts. Shorter barrels could be found to have Square or Round butts.
Today, all the L-Frames are normally Round Butts.

Don

 

[Moonclip]

Ys there is J and J magnum frmae sizes. Aren't all newer S&W j's made on the j magnum frame?

 

[Elvishead]

RB & SB grips will not interchange.

Really?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes really!

S&W factory grips, and most aftermarket grips are not interchangeable between SQ & RB guns.

Some aftermarket grips like your rubber ones might be, I don't know.

But unless the RB back-strap is covered up by the SQ grip, you will have an unsightly & uncomfortable fitting grip.

rcmodel

 

[Elvishead]

I have to laugh a little.

It is a little unsightly but not to bad on shooting Reg .38 which it was designed for.

Love that Pachmayr on the 638 though.