Determining frame type
- Thread starter siotwo
- Start date
There's no real "conversion chart" as you say, so wording has to do.
The other way to look at it is as I think of them;
J-Frame -- 5 Shot .38 specials, usually snubbies (note: .32's are 6-shots)
K-Frame -- Standard frame .38/.357 six-shot, barrels from 2" to 6". Typically these were police service guns (4" & 6").
L-Frame -- Medium Frame .38/.357 six/seven shot, 2.5" to 6" barrels with a full length underlug (protecting the extractor rod).
N-Frame -- Large Frame .357/.41/.44/.45 caliber six shot. 4" to 8" barrels with or without a full underlug.
X-Frame -- Huge Frame - .500/.460 caliber hunting guns.
Many of the N-Frame revolvers have either an "S" or "N" prefix to the serial number.
I hope that helps!
The other way to look at it is as I think of them;
J-Frame -- 5 Shot .38 specials, usually snubbies (note: .32's are 6-shots)
K-Frame -- Standard frame .38/.357 six-shot, barrels from 2" to 6". Typically these were police service guns (4" & 6").
L-Frame -- Medium Frame .38/.357 six/seven shot, 2.5" to 6" barrels with a full length underlug (protecting the extractor rod).
N-Frame -- Large Frame .357/.41/.44/.45 caliber six shot. 4" to 8" barrels with or without a full underlug.
X-Frame -- Huge Frame - .500/.460 caliber hunting guns.
Many of the N-Frame revolvers have either an "S" or "N" prefix to the serial number.
I hope that helps!
Mike Irwin
Staff
What's the model number?
If it was made post 1957, the model number will be stamped or engraved in the cut under the barrel that's revealed when you open the cylinder.
S&W's model numbers are all over the charts as per the frame size.
But...
J frame = smallest
K frame = medium frame
L frame = almost a K frame, just slightly beefier in certain areas
N frame = biggest, Dirty Harry's .44 Mag.
If it was made post 1957, the model number will be stamped or engraved in the cut under the barrel that's revealed when you open the cylinder.
S&W's model numbers are all over the charts as per the frame size.
But...
J frame = smallest
K frame = medium frame
L frame = almost a K frame, just slightly beefier in certain areas
N frame = biggest, Dirty Harry's .44 Mag.
Robert Allison
New member
What BillCA said is accurate and a good general guide. But keep in mind that if your question is in any way related to selecting grips for a given revolver, it becomes much more complicated. Most frame sizes come in both square and round butt configurations. Additionally, and complicating matters further, many newer N, L, and all X frame guns come with a K-frame grip, round butt, configuration. So if you are selecting new grips for a gun, you need to figure out which one it is.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Since it's a model 15, it's definitely a K frame.
Your Model 15-2 was produced between 1961 and 1967. I don't have a serial number range by year, unfortunately. It is a K-Frame .38 special revolver and should be able to handle most .38 special ammunition. This gun is a continuation of the older K-38 revolver (pre-1957).
These were offered with a 4" barrel and a 2" heavy barrel version was introduced in 1964. A few 5" barrel versions exist and are rare. Finishes were blue or nickle. Rear sights are S&W adjustable with a Baughman ramp front sight. Original grips are diamond insert checked hardwood. 2000 Model 15-2's were marked for the U.S.A.F and are considered rare and sell for a premium. Check your firearm for unusual markings or features, if any.
If your gun is in excellent condition, it's valued around $275. If your gun is as-new with the S&W box and all papers, it could be worth as much as $400.
The Model 15 series is a high quality .38 revolver. I've owned specimens in both 2" and 4" barrels. These guns served police, military and security personnel as well as civilians for years until they were discontinued in 1999.
A K-frame collection is a nice way to begin collecting S&W's. Companion models that compliment the M-15 are:
.38 Specials:
Model 10 - Military & Police version, fixed sights (some with a heavy barrel)
Model 64 - Stainless Steel version of the Model 10
Model 67 - Stainless Steel version of the Model 15
.357 Magnum
Model 13 - Heavy barreled M&P .357 Magnum
Model 19 - K-Framed .357 Magnum
Model 65 - Stainless Steel version of the Model 13
Model 66 - Stainless Steel version of the Model 19
Mike Irwin
Staff
Technically, the stainless steel "K" frames are really E frames, IIRC.
All of the stainless guns had a different frame letter designation (IIRC, the N frame stainless was the G frame) at least for factory use.
Not well known to most people outside of hardcore collectors.
All of the stainless guns had a different frame letter designation (IIRC, the N frame stainless was the G frame) at least for factory use.
Not well known to most people outside of hardcore collectors.
Sweet!
That's a nice 2" with the heavier barrel so that put it as a post-1964 manufactured gun. I can see the old trigger-shoe that is an aftermarket item, like the stag grips. It's seen quite a bit of use judging by the photo as I can see the blue is worn away on the right side of the trigger guard and there seems to be some scratches on the cylinder and sideplate.
This is a "keeper" little gun. I'd go for some slightly larger grips than the stags or the standard "magna" grips. You can also probably toss the trigger shoe too as the narrower service trigger is very good for a snubbie gun like that. I've carried one of these in an old Safariland inverted shoulder holster as a BUG in the 70's and it worked well. It also worked very effectively as an emergency sap too!
If you consider having it reblued, contact S&W first. They seem to do a very good job of rebluing and rebuilding revolvers at a decent price, especially if they can make it look nearly new again. Given proper maintenance you may (politics aside) be able to pass this down to your grandson.
That's a nice 2" with the heavier barrel so that put it as a post-1964 manufactured gun. I can see the old trigger-shoe that is an aftermarket item, like the stag grips. It's seen quite a bit of use judging by the photo as I can see the blue is worn away on the right side of the trigger guard and there seems to be some scratches on the cylinder and sideplate.
This is a "keeper" little gun. I'd go for some slightly larger grips than the stags or the standard "magna" grips. You can also probably toss the trigger shoe too as the narrower service trigger is very good for a snubbie gun like that. I've carried one of these in an old Safariland inverted shoulder holster as a BUG in the 70's and it worked well. It also worked very effectively as an emergency sap too!
If you consider having it reblued, contact S&W first. They seem to do a very good job of rebluing and rebuilding revolvers at a decent price, especially if they can make it look nearly new again. Given proper maintenance you may (politics aside) be able to pass this down to your grandson.
Hi Bill,
The cylinder scratches remind me of swirl marks on a car or eyeglasses. The trigger guard edge has a rougher finish, ie grind marks, but the blue looks good to me. I think the flash reflected on the grind marks. No real dug-in scratches. I've wondered about the trigger shoe. "Poppy" was a pretty big man, so maybe he put it on.
My son is 14months and he will be getting this one, along with all my purchases, and DU commerative auction shotguns (matching sn's), also from my grandfather. I have a very old side by side that used to be "my duck gun" when I was very young...drug it around Poppy's house. I was taught early how to handle firearms, and my son will be taught also.
nice talking to you,
Ron
The cylinder scratches remind me of swirl marks on a car or eyeglasses. The trigger guard edge has a rougher finish, ie grind marks, but the blue looks good to me. I think the flash reflected on the grind marks. No real dug-in scratches. I've wondered about the trigger shoe. "Poppy" was a pretty big man, so maybe he put it on.
My son is 14months and he will be getting this one, along with all my purchases, and DU commerative auction shotguns (matching sn's), also from my grandfather. I have a very old side by side that used to be "my duck gun" when I was very young...drug it around Poppy's house. I was taught early how to handle firearms, and my son will be taught also.
nice talking to you,
Ron