but surfinusa.......
"The K frame design may be 100 years old, but it is still the basic design of S&W revolvers to this day. A real testament to its strength."
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The K-frame was never designed for magnum pressures.
The K-frame was "magnumized" only to give the cop on the beat a lighter holster gun than the N-frames which were used for the original .357 magnum.
The K-frame does not have the reinforcement in critical areas of its frame to withstand a steady diet of hot .357 magnum loads.
Heat treatment can only do so much, then extra frame and/or redesign is called for. That's why the L-frame made its appearance.
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"And finally, the fact that the K frame line of magnums is still around 25 years after the introduction of the L frame is an absolute confirmation that they are perfectly safe with factory magnum rounds."
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No, it's vindication of the concept of a light magnum service revolver:
to be carried a lot and not shot much with full-power magnums.
K-frames are certainly safe with magnum loads, until the pounding begins to loosen them up, as with my poor Model 13.
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" Had this not been the case the L frame would have replaced the K frame in magnum chamberings but that is not the case."
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No, the L-frame is an design upgrade by S&W which provides them with a product to match the sturdy Ruger concept of a revolver that can withstand unlimited use of .357 magnums.
The L-frame is bigger and bulkier than the K-frame, and for a "carry-a-lot, practice with .38 Special, and load Magnums for duty" gun, the K-frame magnum makes perfect sense.