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Mike Irwin
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That refers to the particular frame size of Smith & Wesson revolvers.
J-frames are the smallest, followed by the K-frames, L-frames, and N-frames, which are the largest. Most of the frames are chambered in a wide variety of calibers.
J-frames are the small, 5-shot revolvers that are used by many for concealed carry.
The K-frames are most recognizable as the Model 19 .357 Mag. and the Model 10 in .38 Spl.
The L-frames are very similar to the K-frames, but are "beefier" in certain frame areas to better withstand the pounding of full-bore .357 Mag. ammo. Generally the L-frames are chambered for .357 Mag.
The N-frames are best represented by Dirty Harry's Model 29 in .44 Mag. "The most powerful handgun on earth... it will blow your head clean off..."
While these frame designations apply only to S&W revolvers, they're commonly known and accepted, and really form a basis for comparison with guns from other manufacturers.
For example...
Question: "How large is the 9T2792MHLH revolver from Blastemflats?"
Answer: "It's a little bit bigger than a Smith & Wesson K-frame..."
J-frames are the smallest, followed by the K-frames, L-frames, and N-frames, which are the largest. Most of the frames are chambered in a wide variety of calibers.
J-frames are the small, 5-shot revolvers that are used by many for concealed carry.
The K-frames are most recognizable as the Model 19 .357 Mag. and the Model 10 in .38 Spl.
The L-frames are very similar to the K-frames, but are "beefier" in certain frame areas to better withstand the pounding of full-bore .357 Mag. ammo. Generally the L-frames are chambered for .357 Mag.
The N-frames are best represented by Dirty Harry's Model 29 in .44 Mag. "The most powerful handgun on earth... it will blow your head clean off..."
While these frame designations apply only to S&W revolvers, they're commonly known and accepted, and really form a basis for comparison with guns from other manufacturers.
For example...
Question: "How large is the 9T2792MHLH revolver from Blastemflats?"
Answer: "It's a little bit bigger than a Smith & Wesson K-frame..."
Welcome aboard Texas
A really comprehensive thread on Smith frame sizes.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9016&highlight=spring
Sam
A really comprehensive thread on Smith frame sizes.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9016&highlight=spring
Sam
The actual size difference between the S&W K/L series and the N frame series is more in mass then in overall size. Here's a picture of two Smith, the top is the N frame M-28 while the bottom is the K framed M-19. Both have 4" barrels. While the N frame IS bigger (try putting a N frame in a K frame holster) it is mostly fatter and thicker.
For instance, if you told an experienced wheelgunner that a Taurus Tracker .357 was about the same size as an L-frame, he'd know exactly how big the gun was. 
The Taurus 85 and Charter Arms Undercover, while not Smith and Wesson products, fall under the "J-frame" category because both are almost exactly the same size, and are also 5-shot .38s and .357s.
S&W invented most of those frame sizes, so the other makers gun more or less fit into those categories. Just like the Government (5" barrel) Commander and Officer size 1911s. All were originally Colts, but any 1911 maker by saying their so-and-so is a "Commander-size" 1911 will tell a 1911-shooter it's got about a 4" barrel and a full size grip (or slightly under full size grip).
The Taurus 85 and Charter Arms Undercover, while not Smith and Wesson products, fall under the "J-frame" category because both are almost exactly the same size, and are also 5-shot .38s and .357s.
S&W invented most of those frame sizes, so the other makers gun more or less fit into those categories. Just like the Government (5" barrel) Commander and Officer size 1911s. All were originally Colts, but any 1911 maker by saying their so-and-so is a "Commander-size" 1911 will tell a 1911-shooter it's got about a 4" barrel and a full size grip (or slightly under full size grip).