J frame size

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It has come to my attention that I do not currently own a j frame Smith, a situation which I intend to remedy at the earliest opportunity. I had the chance to examine a sixties vintage model 38, but I couldn't convince the owner to part with it. Although I didn't have one of the newer models on hand to compare, the little gun seemed smaller, trimmer and more refined. Is this just my imagination? Did Smith & Wesson ever change the dimensions of the J frame, or maybe it's an optical illusion caused by the matte finish and larger synthetic grips on the newer guns. Would the older style wood grips still fit the newer 442, 642 or 638?
 
Older vintage Smiths, the small frame Smiths, were made on the "I" frame. The I-Frame window was too short to acommodate a .38 Special cylinder, so the frame was lengthened to become the "J" Frame. Early J-Frames had the trigger guards shaped differently and a flatter cylinder latch, which may give the gun a more petite look.

So far as I know, the grip straps were unchanged.

Bob Wright
 
Some did, but it was a variation, not the standard. I have (and carried for years as an LEO) a square butt, 3" barrel Chiefs Special (Model 36). This is an actual steel square butt, not a round butt with a wood filler.

Jim
 
Baby Chief

One thing the OP may be remembering is a very early j-frame Chief's special. The first J, it came out in 1950. It originally had a rounded trigger guard and a half moon site. After about 2-3 years the trigger guard was lengthen to the more oval shape we are used to today. The Frame size did not change but the over all appearance seems smaller.

This variation is now commonly known as the "Baby Chief"

As to your question of grips. Any J frame grip will fit any J frame (as long as you keep square and round separated)

Good luck on your quest.
 
The frame and cylinder size HAS increased since the "J" frame has been chambered for .357. All new guns are the same size as the .357 models-even the ones chambered only for .38 spl.
 
Older vintage Smiths, the small frame Smiths, were made on the "I" frame. The I-Frame window was too short to acommodate a .38 Special cylinder, so the frame was lengthened to become the "J" Frame. Early J-Frames had the trigger guards shaped differently and a flatter cylinder latch, which may give the gun a more petite look.

So far as I know, the grip straps were unchanged.
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I have a .32 S&W Long Hand Ejector (I frame?)that recently I decided I needed some bigger grips than the factories to make it more shootable (the originals are way to small, the gun shifts in my hand when shooting). I happen to have a set of factory J frame grips laying around, so I tried them on the grip frame. The locating pins line up but the J frame grip frame cuts were obviously made for a longer grip frame.
 
The J Magnum Frame was introduced in 1996 and all J-frames now use that size frame, even the .22s.

The original Chief Special Models 36 and 60 are excellent examples of the classic J-frame. I believe the weight of these was 19.5-oz unloaded with 1-875" barrel. The current Model 60 is 22.6-oz unloaded with a 2.125" barrel.
 
The frame and cylinder size HAS increased since the "J" frame has been chambered for .357. All new guns are the same size as the .357 models-even the ones chambered only for .38 spl.
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I noticed the same thing. Personally, I think one of the worst thing's S&W did was drop the .38 Special model 60's and 640's for the larger magnum sized versions. I used to own and carry a .357 J frame until I realized how utterly ridiculous it was and quickly sold it for an older model 60 and 640. S&W has been known to make some pretty dumb decisions. Dropping their line DA/SA 3rd gen autos, the dreaded lock, MIM internals, and of course increasing the size of J frames all across the board.
 
All I know is that I love my Model 36 - 2" J Frame. An easy CCW for me and the only thing I can say in regards to it is that I want to add a Model 36 with a 3" barrel when I finally run across a good one. I have smaller hands and for me, the J frame feels good. Everybody ought to hae at least one J frame! :D
 
I did some followup research on what Bill said. Smith introduced the slightly longer J magnum frame around 1996 when the .357 was added to the J frame offerings. The article didn't say whether the magnum frame is being used in all models or just the .357. Looks like I'll be focusing on pre-96 models.
 
My first year production Centennial (1952), along side my 340pd (2012). Although both are "J" frames, the 340pd frame is longer to accommodate the .357 cartridge.

The pre-model .38/32 "I" frame was the Terrier. The pre-model 36 "J" frame was the Chief's Special, introduced in 1950, followed in 1951 by the pre-model 37 Chief's Special Airweight and the pre-model 40 Centennial in 1952

Compare then, the 340pd to a current production 638 J frame. Note the .38sp frame is shorter than the .357 frame.

I sold the BodyGuard Airweight today or I'd post a comparison with the Centennial. The frames will be the same length.

Note the area just forward of the trigger guard. This is where the lengthening in most obvious.


 
I like the S&W j frame and shoot it quite well for it's size. Would like tho IDPA it, but 3-4 reloads per stage would wear me out!
 
.357 in the "J" frame was a bad idea, in my opinion. I'll never own one.
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All depends... I have a Model 60-9 that is one of my favorites. I've never shot a single .357 through it:eek: I do like the beefier frame, and heavier shrouded barrel. The extra weight alone makes shooting .38s more pleasurable. I have never been a great fan of the .357 as a handgun cartridge. However, it's a great round in my Rossi 92 carbine.
 
I agree Bill, 357MAG in 'J' and 'K' frames was a mistake. I'm not going to go so far as to say I'd never own on of either but I'm not going to shoot magnums thru either.
Of course this is just my opinion.
 
I fail to see how .357 in a j frame is a mistake. While I agree the 357 cartridge is much less pleasant to shoot I don't feel it is at all uncontrollable. I agree with PRM that it makes a much better .38 but saying the gun is .357 is a mistake is a statement that is itself a mistake.
 
It wasn't a mistake from a marketing viewpoint. They sold a bunch of them. Darned few of them have been shot much with .357 ammunition.
CAN I shoot one? Sure. Do I WANT TO? No.
 
I have a Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief Special Blue Steel with square butt bought it new in 1969. Makes a Great little pocket gun.
 
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