What Frame Size is the S&W model 617?
- Thread starter dentodoc
- Start date
4" item is 41 oz. 6" is 45 oz.
Go to www.smith-wesson.com. Have fun.
Smith/Wesson will not show you the common frame names on their website anywhere. Maybe somebody can explain why they don't.
Just from reading the website and then the forums a lot, I think you'll find:
"Small" means "J"
"Medium" usually means "K"
However, "K" wasn't enough meat for the .357, so the "L" size was invented.
This has the same grip as the "K" but is larger up front.
"Large" is "N".
Go to www.smith-wesson.com. Have fun.
Smith/Wesson will not show you the common frame names on their website anywhere. Maybe somebody can explain why they don't.
Just from reading the website and then the forums a lot, I think you'll find:
"Small" means "J"
"Medium" usually means "K"
However, "K" wasn't enough meat for the .357, so the "L" size was invented.
This has the same grip as the "K" but is larger up front.
"Large" is "N".
That's right but a little incomplete.
There WAS an I frame that is smaller than today's J frame. Used for .32's.
In production frames, you missed the newest. The big new cannon is the X frame. We are supposed to see some new calibers in that frame this year which should make it even more fun!
Gregg
There WAS an I frame that is smaller than today's J frame. Used for .32's.
In production frames, you missed the newest. The big new cannon is the X frame. We are supposed to see some new calibers in that frame this year which should make it even more fun!
Gregg
As mentioned, it's a K frame. Interestingly enough though, the K framed 617's weight VERY close to their L frame 686 (.357) counterparts due to the larger bore /chambers of the latter. I can also tell you ( from owning both) that the ballance difference is significant in the 6" vs 4". While I like the longer sighting radious of the 6" for target work, the 4" just "feels and points" better for general shooting. BTW, If you want a lighter K-22, look for the older/ discontinued blued mod 17's. Still plenty around and they are considerably lighter in the non-underlugged flavor. (In the 17, I preffer the 6" version for everything.) In any case, get ready to become addictied. They are all very sweet revolvers. 
hth
p.s. To be even more complete with frame descriptions, todays J frames are "J magnum " and larger than the earlier I and J frames mentioned. This was done a few years back in order to be able to stuff a .357 round into the J frame. The X frame is the new frame for the 500 S&W. Notice they left room for a Y and Z frame? What are they up too!
hth
p.s. To be even more complete with frame descriptions, todays J frames are "J magnum " and larger than the earlier I and J frames mentioned. This was done a few years back in order to be able to stuff a .357 round into the J frame. The X frame is the new frame for the 500 S&W. Notice they left room for a Y and Z frame? What are they up too!
Samuel2001
New member
itsa K frame!
Chuck Jennings
New member
It's a K frame.