Some questions, some confessions

A

alphamaniv

New member
Ok, for the confession, almost all of my revolver exposure has been with Rugers of one kind or another. I do have an old 586 that I bought used and its a great gun. I have my sights set(no pun intended) on a couple of more Smiths and that brought me to my questions. What are the major differences in the frame designation? Of course, I know size will be one, but does anyone have links to different specs and such? Also, is being able to tell what frame you have an art form or is it listed somewhere? Man, asking that really makes me feel silly, but like I said, I am new to smith and wesson, but so far, I like what I see. :)
 
Frames

I am not sure what Ruger uses to designate their frame sizes. Or if they even do it. The GP 100 is about the same as a Smith L frame in size.(like 586) I am guessing the old Security six is closer to a K frame Smith, like a model 10 .38 or model 19 .357. I think it was created to compete with those types. The Redhawk is close to or maybe a bit bigger than an N frame like the Smith .44 mags. The little SP101 is nearest to a Smith J frame, like chief's special .38, but a bit chunkier. The comparable Rugers are a bit thicker than the comparable Smiths in some dimensions, they are cast frames, not forged like Smiths. Not that they are like your usual idea of a casting. They are a special casting technology that has very few flaws. And because of their beefier construction, there is a weight penalty, but they have a rep. of being a bit tougher than a Smith in long term shooting with hot ammo, some folks tend to try to abuse their Rugers, with hot handloads, believeing that fully.
You could get a buyers guide type book and compare the weights for these comparable models. Weight soaks up recoil!
 
I think judging Smith frame sizes is more a matter of experience. After a while you just know. Most people associate certian Model numbers with frame size. There are a couple of good reference books such as "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson". However, I don't know of any web sites.

Basicly, the difference is size. Current S&W frames from smallest to largest are J, K, L, N, and X.
J-frame: The smallest currently used. Primarily used for pocket and easily concealable guns such as the Model 36 Chief's Special.
K-frame: The service size frame used for many years to produce guns up to .357 Magnum caliber. This is your basic service revolver.
L-frame: slightly beefier than the K. Made primarily to cure supposed problems with K-frame .357s. BTW: the K and L frames use the same grips.
Your 586 is an L-frame revolver.
N-frame: this is the large frame used for mostly large bore calibers from .41 caliber to .45 caliber. Although many .357s and some .38s (the old 38-44 HD) have been built on it.
X-frame: this is new. Bigger than the N-frame it was developed for the .500 S&W cartridge.

I hope this helps with your questions.
 
The I-frame was the predecessor to the J-frame. When the .38 Special was first used in a small frame gun, the cylinder window in the I-frame was too small. Thus the J-frame was born. The I frame was still used to produce the Regulation Police revolver in .32 S&W and .38 S&W calibers up until about WWII.
 
Thanks much folks. Grayfox, your reply was especially good. I'm looking at an N-frame 44 mag and a j frame 357, but I might wimp out and go 38 ;) :D Thanks again!
 
Non-current Hand Ejector stuff & triviata...

We mustn't forget the adorable M-frame. Someday I'll own one. :)

(Then there's all those pesky variations, like "Improved-I" and "J Magnum"... :confused: )
 
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