what will be closer to a K frame

Status
Not open for further replies.

DANGERRUSS

Member
Joined
Sep 24, 2006
Messages
66
Location
Arizona
I once had a S&W model 13 round butt 3in heavy bbl. I loved this revolver. The way that if felt in my hand and the way it would shoot was hard to explain. Long story short, It was stolen from me. I have tried to find a 3in RB K frame .357 but I keep comming up empty. I have started to look at other platforms. My question is what would be closer the J frame model 60 in 3in or a 686 in 3in or 2 1/2 ?

Thanks for any help. Russ
 
I would say the 686. The L-frame grip frame is the same as the K-frame. The reinforcement was added in the forcing cone area. You almost don't notice it. I have a 19 4" and my 686 4" fits the holster fine. The thing that makes these guns look beefy is the full underlug. I also have a 2.5" 66 and a 686 in the same barrel length. Those 686s are nice.
 
Thanks for the replies. I guess I may have to settle for a L frame. I see they make them in both 6 and seven shot versions. What are your thoughts on these?
 
Instead of a 3" M13, you could go with a 3" M65. That is basically the same gun in stainless but is more plentiful than the M13.
 
Instead of a 3" M13, you could go with a 3" M65.

Or a 3" Model 10 which is just a 38 special version of the 13. Or go with the M19 or 66 2&1/2". 357 with adjustable sights. These are a little easier to find than the 3" versions and are K-Frames.
 
If what you REALLY want is a 3" M13 then just keep looking. You can post in the classified section of the S&W Forum. I find that trying to substitute something else for what I had previously doesn't work too well for me. I'm never truly happy and often wind up seeing what I really wanted when I have already spent my $ on something else... Good Luck
 
Does it have to be a S&W revolver? If you want something close to the M13 it's my opinion one of the Ruger Six-Series of revolver would probably be a close match to the K frame.

I have a 2 3/4" Ruger Police Service-Six that's a really nice revolver to carry and shoot. You might want to look around for one since they are still available and can be had for ~$300 in excellent condition. Good luck finding something you like...

service6-3.jpg

service6-4.jpg
 
+1 on the ruger snubbie. I have a security six (square butt), but you may want to find a speed six for the round butt just like your model 13. I just spent a week backpacking with mine on my hip. I find it to be the perfect size for carry.
 
Thanks for all the posts. I wish I was as lucky as you guys in finding all these K frames. I would consider a Ruger, I just dont know if the "feel" would be the same. I have not ruled out the 686 in 3 in. I need to find one I can fondle in person. For now the search goes on.
 
The 686 is a very nice revolver but is larger and has a heavier cylinder which shows in fast double action to some small degree.
The 686 is closer to the Ruger GP100 in size, weight and durability while the K frame compares more to the Ruger Sixes in size.

You are just building a partial database from the second hand knowledge that you get here, the ultimate decision is yours.
It will not be a rationale decision but based on how you like the gun and its feel.
I have a safe full and many guns have at one time or another been my favorite gun and have thus seen a lot of range time and use.

Few could maintain favorite-gun-status for over one season but some did.
 
Yes PZ, I was hoping for some second hand knowlege from someone who has or has had both a round butt K and round butt L to give thier "feel" on the two. I know the beauty of the K. I wish I could find a L with the round butt to try. If every post had said " they feel the same to me" I may have orderd one online. Based on the response I have seen I need to get one in my hand first. Also now, if I were to come across a Ruger Speed Six I will be open to it also.
Thanks Russ
 
I have k-frames and l-frames, and to me, they feel very different, especially when comparing with a 686. The closest to a fixed sight k-frame I've felt in an l-frame is with the newer 619 (fized sights).

I would go with the 619 (only available in 4") or with a 3" 64 (stainless version of m10)--still available iirc in 3" guise.

But, if your heart is set on a 13, I would hold out for one.
 
Yes, the 3" M64 K frame is still available but it's not a .357 Magnum like the OP is asking about or I would have suggested it. I do like the idea a 3" K frame is still being produced by S&W.

I had a M619 and it was a great revolver. It holds 7 rounds and is the fixed sight version of the M620. (L frame replacements for the K frame M65 and M66) Those revolvers really won't come close to the feel of a 3" M13 though. Also for some reason S&W dropped the M619 from their regular catalog and it's now only in the LEO revolver section. Also for some reason the M619 has held it's price while they raised the price of the M620 to $125 more than the M619.

I still think the square butt Ruger Police Service-Six or round butt Ruger Speed-Six both with fixed sights would be the best M13 replacement. Even the adjustable sight model Security-Six wouldn't be a bad choice. (I think I got that right)
 
Just for the Taurus haters to hate on........:neener:

attachment.php
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top