I've read that a Ruger GP is about the same size as a Smith 686 (L frame)? The Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six is described as a tad smaller than a GP (but bigger than a SP), and a Smith M19 (K frame) is described as a tad smaller than a 686 (but bigger than a J frame), so it stands to reason that the Sixes are comparable in size to the K frames? Yet, I just saw a clip on youtube where they were comparing the Security Six to a 686 and they looked pretty much identical in size. Can someone clarify how these guns stack up in size? Much obliged.
Gun sizes
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The problem with comparing revolver "sizes" is that barrel length, grips and cylinder capacity more less determine how big the gun seems. I have N-frame Smiths that are easier to carry than some of my K-frames, which have smaller frames but more barrel. Combining a small grip, short barrel and a 5 shot cylinder will make for a small looking gun on almost any frame.
A quick way to determine "size" is to learn which speed loader each gun takes; that at least gives you cylinder diameter and SOME compatibility with holstering, etc.
A GP 100 and 586/686 take the same speed loader.
Memory serves me correctly, a K-frame and Security Six take the same speed loader.
A Python has the same dimensions as the 586 and takes a similar sized speed loader.
A Police Positive/Detective Special takes a different speed loader than all of the above, albeit being slightly smaller than the K-frame.
A GP 100 and 586/686 take the same speed loader.
Memory serves me correctly, a K-frame and Security Six take the same speed loader.
A Python has the same dimensions as the 586 and takes a similar sized speed loader.
A Police Positive/Detective Special takes a different speed loader than all of the above, albeit being slightly smaller than the K-frame.
The K frame S&W revolvers were essentially the same size as the Ruger Speed and Security Six. Most of the time you can use the same holster with equal barrel length.
Smith N frames are larger, and compare with the Redhawk from Ruger.
The Colt Python splits the difference in size and was the first to offer the full length ejector housing. The S&W 586/686 series is Smiths answer as is the Ruger GP-100. All 3 are very close in size.
The Smith J frames are much smaller. The Ruger SP-101 is much larger and heavier than a J frame, almost as large as a K frame or Speed Six. I never saw the point in the SP's. I'd just as soon by a K frame or Speed and get 6 shots instead of 5.
Smith N frames are larger, and compare with the Redhawk from Ruger.
The Colt Python splits the difference in size and was the first to offer the full length ejector housing. The S&W 586/686 series is Smiths answer as is the Ruger GP-100. All 3 are very close in size.
The Smith J frames are much smaller. The Ruger SP-101 is much larger and heavier than a J frame, almost as large as a K frame or Speed Six. I never saw the point in the SP's. I'd just as soon by a K frame or Speed and get 6 shots instead of 5.
I agree with jmr40 when it comes to the SP 101 although I'll admit it handles .357s better than any of the other small frames. I consider the SP 101 close in dimensions to the Colt D Frames, i.e. the Detective Special.
And again, yes, the Smith L Frames basically duplicate the Colt I Frames and were made to be compatible to police leather for those who were using a Python but wanted a cheaper alternative. When it comes to HKS speed loaders I've used the Python and "586" models interchangeably.
And again, yes, the Smith L Frames basically duplicate the Colt I Frames and were made to be compatible to police leather for those who were using a Python but wanted a cheaper alternative. When it comes to HKS speed loaders I've used the Python and "586" models interchangeably.
Rifleman1776
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Go to a gun shop and look at them.
"Size" is all about frame size. It is defined by the weight, caliber and pressure that a frame can handle.
The overall size of a gun is a combination of barrel size, grip and frame size.
The term "size" will often be directly related to the portability of a revolver. A J frame can fit in a pocket. A K frame is a light handy IWB or thin OWB holster. Going to L or N is big enough to be hard to CCW at all, but still possible.
The overall size of a gun is a combination of barrel size, grip and frame size.
The term "size" will often be directly related to the portability of a revolver. A J frame can fit in a pocket. A K frame is a light handy IWB or thin OWB holster. Going to L or N is big enough to be hard to CCW at all, but still possible.
The largest producer of DA revolvers in the US is no doubt S&W. Their Model 10 (M&P) has been in production since 1899. Because of this long history I think Smith & Wesson frame sizes have become the standard against which others are compared.
When most people say "medium frame" they are taking about the K-frame S&W, a 6-shot revolver. Colt's D-frame (the Detective Special) is also a 6-shot but is a little smaller than the K-frame S&W, while the 5-shot J-frame S&W is smaller than the D-frame Colt. Colt's Officer's Model/Trooper/Python frame size (their Model 0 if I remember correctly) is a little bigger than the K-frame Smith and was nearly matched in the early 1980s when Smith introduced their L-frame.
In the early 1970s when Ruger introduced the Security series of DA revolvers they were immediately compared to the K-frame Smiths, particularly the M19. Someone on YouTube saying the Security Six is the same as a 586 doesn't make it so. Most people think the GP-100 is the Ruger model that is the closest to the L-frame S&W.
Dave
When most people say "medium frame" they are taking about the K-frame S&W, a 6-shot revolver. Colt's D-frame (the Detective Special) is also a 6-shot but is a little smaller than the K-frame S&W, while the 5-shot J-frame S&W is smaller than the D-frame Colt. Colt's Officer's Model/Trooper/Python frame size (their Model 0 if I remember correctly) is a little bigger than the K-frame Smith and was nearly matched in the early 1980s when Smith introduced their L-frame.
In the early 1970s when Ruger introduced the Security series of DA revolvers they were immediately compared to the K-frame Smiths, particularly the M19. Someone on YouTube saying the Security Six is the same as a 586 doesn't make it so. Most people think the GP-100 is the Ruger model that is the closest to the L-frame S&W.
Dave
The SP101 is just a smidge bigger than a J frame and a D-frame Colt has about the same size frame as a SP with a bigger cylinder but the SP is is thicker throughout.
The K frame and Six series Rugers are about the same size but the Ruger is little heavier, the Dan Wesson small frame is nearly the same size. The L frame and the GP100 are again about the same size with thr Ruger being just a little thicker in most places. The colt Python and King Cobra are in between a K and L frame size.
The problem a lot of people have with this is there's not really a huge difference from top to bottom with all the med frame 357s.
The K frame and Six series Rugers are about the same size but the Ruger is little heavier, the Dan Wesson small frame is nearly the same size. The L frame and the GP100 are again about the same size with thr Ruger being just a little thicker in most places. The colt Python and King Cobra are in between a K and L frame size.
The problem a lot of people have with this is there's not really a huge difference from top to bottom with all the med frame 357s.
If you're near Wichita Ks I can help.
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