Smith and Wesson Revolver Frame Size Comparison (J vs K vs L vs N)

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

Love my new S&W 610 6.5 N Frame!!!! Have the cylinder out being reamed and beveled to accept the 10mm Magnum round. Love the idea of being able to shoot .40,10mm, and 10mm Mag.

[@opwave79]

Great info and comparison. Thanks. It helped that you showed 4” barrels for most of them so that we could get an idea of their relative size. I was curious about the K vs L frames and now I think I might go with a K frame.

[@sharonwilliams5560]

One of the most helpful videos I've watched in trying to learn more about choosing my first gun. Thanks a bunch

[@d.lawrence5670]

Thank you. This "frame size" stuff was the last bit of my firearm research I needed to do. Now it's on to the purchase phase, cuz, you know, crazy ex and all.

[@d.lawrence5670]

OK. I was lying. No crazy ex. I'm just scared AF living in the United States.

[@Liljoeyboi]

Was considering a 66 or 686. This video helped a lot

[@3313-c2j]

So which one did you pick, but you got to remember you can't shoot a lot of heavy 357 loads do the K frame

[@willo7734]

Great comparison. Ever since i inherited my dad’s model 19-3 a few years ago nothing can beat the K frame for me, especially with a long barrel (my dad’s has a 6 inch barrel). it just feels like the perfect size.

[@normanmallory2055]

Great presentation , well done.. I myself am a revolver person and have been all my shooting life.. I own K,L and N frame guns right now... As i compared the K to the L frame as i just picked up a K frame again, this is what i measured... K frame height opening 1.455 with the L frame 1.573 opening .. quite a difference... Cylinder diameter on the K frame 1.430 and diameter on the L frame cylinder is , 1.560 again note the difference.. I did not measure the cylinder wall thickness as one can see it like you pointed out...

[@SonnetGomes]

Thank you. I found this extremely helpful. I had no idea there were so many variants of frame sizes, but now I know.

[@TrisjensChronicles1203]

Dude, you are a life saver. You explained it very very well and even went in depth to which models are chambered in J,K, etc. Keep doing videos, the culture needs this.

[@tracyhardin4542]

I like how you use the crane to close the cylinder, not too many know that is the proper way

[@real9269]

Thank you so much for breaking it down for a beginner like me.

[@RickyJr46]

Nicely done here, Austin! Thank you.

[@jeffreymorgan4381]

I have 4 N frames 629, 625jm, 57-1 and 929pc..My L frame is a 586.. I will probably be getting the K frame 617 and 22LR seems like a nice little plinking gun.

[@Tex032466]

Great overview; informative and accurate. Much appreciated.

[@GunCollector007]

Love the wheel guns. Good review.

[@williamryan7403]

Smith and Wesson never made a warning to not shoot magnum load in any of it's K frames.Call customer service if you have doubts about their products. If it says 357 magnum on it,it will take 357 all day, everyday.

[@shikat2371]

But I wouldn't fire .357 rounds out of a J-frame .357 magnum revolver everyday. It's made to fire .357 rounds only occasionally when going hiking or hunting. I may damage the forcing cone if I fire a steady diet of .357 rounds out of a j-frame revolver.

[@stolnpckup]

My first revolver is a smith. 66-8. I did not know that there was a difference in the K and L frame. So, my next revolver will be another 357 in the Lframe. Some tell me it is a 686 that holds 7 rounds not 6.

[@martinberger629]

Thank you. That was very helpful. Excellent video and commentary.

[@jimgolden9666]

I really like the L-Frame. I have L-Frames, N-Frames, and X-Frames. Love the N. But the L is a bit easier to hang onto...and in a full size .357 you can run full house loads 100% of the time and not worry about it. The N is your standard .44 and .45. The X-frame is a beast...I have a .500. Big Mojo :)

[@cameronking2358]

Smith also had an I frame ,c frame and I think a m frame that they no longer make and are pretty rare now.

[@sman222222]

Nice video! Just put that 686 ssr and the 629 on my list. I have the 686 deluxe 3 in. on the way . Love smith revolvers!

[@AB-fk4yg]

+sman222222 Thanks for watching and I have a 3" 686 on my wishlist :-)

[@marcallen7233]

👍 Nice presentation and collection of S&W revolvers. Do you really think you need a 460 or 500 S&W? I have a 629 classic 5” 44 magnum and I can’t imagine needing something more powerful!

[@whoc4r3s117]

It is less of a reason do you need as much as why not. Hey if someone wants to spend that much on ammo more power to them.

[@1313CHORIZOMAN]

great video. I can't wait I pick up my 4 inch 686 plus on Friday. love the grips on your 686.

[@austinb8578]

1313CHORIZOMAN thank you, congrats on your new 686!

[@jeromrodner743]

1313CHORIZOMAN of course u have a 4 incher

[@1313CHORIZOMAN]

Ranji Goopda lol yeah . 4 inches folded 😂

[@douglasspende6685]

I have a 44 magnum 6 inch Smith and Wesson 629 K frame stainless steel wheel gun! Use it for hunting and home defence. I have a 357 magnum Colt Python ribbed 67 4 inch. And a 667 Taurus 357 magnum 6 inch ribbed.

[@user-mt4vo4ey5n]

It made my mind up. I want the N frame.

[@lancethrustworthy]

Thanks for the good presentation. I sit enlightened.

[@roosterboy7357]

I inherited a 586 8 inch barrel from my grandpa and I was pretty sure it was an N frame. I think this video confirmed that it is it N frame

[@1brotherlove829]

I bought a Smith and Wesson N frame 10mm and I love it. It can handle the heavy loads my Glock 40 10mm can't handle !

[@bradleys2320]

a 3" barrel seems to be the biggest demand for a k frame. 3" barrel k-frames are suprisingly more expensive than same gun in 4" barrel

[@jpresas3082]

Thanks very helpful, good video and information.

[@beakfish7319]

Great info! Thanks for the video!

[@beck1958]

Nice video. I don't have an L frame yet. I do have the other frames. The X frame is very nice; I have a Performance Center 500. All of them are very well made, and great to shoot. Get yourself ann X frame.

[@rhsking05]

I know this video is older but does anyone know if the 686’s cylinder is stronger than the 686 PLUS’s cylinder? I assume they are exactly the same size but one having an extra (7th) round I am curious if that makes the cylinder “weaker”, more akin to the L frame cylinder strength/specs compared to every other six shot K frame cylinders. Great video!

[@The_Great_White]

I’m interested in the 69 model, I noticed the cylinder locks in a little differently, it’s on a L frame, are they all like that?

[@ramprakash9342]

love d "N" frame

[@dbriggs1689]

Nice collection. Do you have a ruger gp100 to compare?

[@ikazukison2]

I'd love to get a Prelock 627 with eight shots, I don't even know if that kind of gun exists

[@pharrshot6668]

You also forgot to mention the old-school "I-Frames" my dude!!!!!!! I can't remember the model number (well actually the name since this was waaayy before model numbers) of it but it was an "I-Frame" w/ a 4" barrel, 6 shot in .32Long, (I forgot what type of finish it had, plus whether it was blued or stainless-steel but I wanna' say it was a parkerized-blued finish) which means you can also shoot .32ACP through it which is a FREAKIN' BLAST!!!!!!! Them "I-Frames" ain't expensive either so I'd get one (or a few) while ya' can. I'd love to get an "I-Frame" in both .22LR & in .32Long (which I can shoot .32ACP through it too), both having a 4" barrel & also get another one of each w/ either a 3" or a 2.5" barrel, I think there was also a run back in the day of some 5" models too so I would love to have 'em both w/ the 5" barrel over the 4" barrel which then it'll make A LOT MORE sense then also getting the 3" barreled models of both "I-Frame" S&W's!!!!!!!

[@imanoldsouloldsoul9316]

Great video. Insightful!

[@austinb8578]

+Phillip Smith Glad you liked it!

[@RJP001]

Great explanation of the J, K, L, and N revolvers! Thank you for sharing as I never did know the difference between the different sizes. I recently purchased a Korth Skyhawk and while the Hogue rubber grip accommodates my fingers comfortably on the grip, it's only a 2" barrel. Would that be considered a K frame? Just curious as I'd like to find a holster for it.

[@andrewsunk9880]

Yo real question for gun buffs cause im not one what smith and Wesson looks like a cowboy gun?

[@leerx7015]

i want the 3" 586 L-comp 7 shot bad...

[@tonyclemente6514]

Are grips for K & L frames interchangeable? Thanks

[@The-BCC]

Which one kicks more, the 340pd with 357+P or the N frame 44 mag?

[@razrramonel4077]

there are only 2 calibers for the "X" Frame of Smith & Wesson Revolvers the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, & the .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum XVR.

[@GJM866]

Great information Thanks!

[@charlesrose7212]

Great review. Thanks!

[@thejaguar144]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@jimhovater8755]

You forgot the S&W 'I'-frame.

[@gnlcyber]

Very nice weapons! i'm also in the S&W club. The weapons just feel so nice in the hand I have a n-frame 357 model 2 3.5" but i cant find a decent place to buy a holster. Any advice?

[@fouziakada218]

Synaps3 ki llnhgjiiiiu

[@wizardofahhhs759]

So the J, K, L, and N just designates frame size? I thought it was because they would have the letter in the serial number the way some old Ford Mustangs do. Just goes to show how much I know about S&W revolvers.

[@stephanieroberts1394]

Excellent video thank you.

[@56BIGM]

really helpful--thanks a lot

[@austinb8578]

john t glad it helped!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Good info. Very helpful.

[@rosemoonraven7193]

I got a k38 combat masterpiece best gun ever hands down

[@broifyouaskme1448]

The smallest holds only 5 rounds. And the other sizes can hold 6 or 7, depending on the model. Right?

[@user-zk1tb1yx2e]

Typically, yes.

[@selaxlife7621]

i bought a 686 + 2.5 barrel and im in love.....i feel like i am cheating on my glock 23 but I can't help to look at the gun with awe. ...beautifully crafted pistol....the 1911 is next! lol

[@austinb8578]

I know what you mean, good luck on the search for a 1911!

[@austinb8578]

@@rainsong7327 I like the Model 69. They have been out for quite a few years now and I have heard very few issues with them so I think they are more than up for the challenge of hot .44s

[@dickeymo100]

Great info.THANKS

[@Drew4078]

Great video my friend.

[@buildingblocks51]

thank you! great video!

[@austinb8578]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@eugeniomedrano6741]

Are all 686s l frame?

[@Thebobfactor]

Great information!

[@austinb8578]

+Robert Hosea Thank you for watching!

[@poit444]

Appreciate the vid and info man. I have a 686 4" but I am considering adding a 629 with a 3" barrel for some serious compact power. Thoughts?

[@austinb8578]

+poit444 Thanks for watching. A 629 with a 3" barrel would be a great addition to any collection! The 3" are pretty hard to find compared to the more common 4" and 6" versions so I'd say if you found a deal on one pick it up. The recoil will be a little more stout as you shave a little weight but it still won't be too bad. Really can't go wrong with a 629 :-)

[@TrajanowskiRifleworx357]

Is there a J frame in .357 or it would be too light to handle that caliber?

[@LA_Commander]

Yes, there are a couple of J frames which can fire 357. However, I would not recommend it. The J frame is just too small and light to effectively shoot a 357. Stick to 38 special or 38 +P.

[@blizzak454]

super informative!

[@poppabear9279]

Waiting for smith and Wesson to release the Z frame, chambered in 1” ultra magnum lol

[@jquill6]

Not a gun person at all just curiosity draws me to these, I’m a complete ignoramus so excuse that . One question, that semi circular piece of metal immediately behind the cylinder on the frame , why does that look uneven or out of shape ?

[@johntheo4729]

Nice vid

[@danielreyes7297]

Thanks for the info

[@joeyc1866]

Hi What model 4 inch smith and Wesson j frame have

[@moreme40]

I wondered that myself

[@jason200912]

The l frame can take a 7 round cylinder

[@nathancooper9932]

Good video, thanks

[@jamescloyd462]

So you’re not supposed to shoot .357 through a k frame chambered in .357?

[@BallisticianX]

Its not that you cant, or shouldn't necessarily. It just not stout enough to survive a steady diet of full power .357 loads. To better understand this realize that the K frame is a smaller frame originally designed around the .38 special. It was years latter it was adapted to accept .357 (model 19). Because of the K frames slender forward area the threaded portion of the barrel is relatively thin walled as it enters the frame. Especially at the throat area. This was never a concern with low pressure .38 specials. But with the much higher pressures achieved with a .357 this area becomes vulnerable to cracking with extended firing of full power magnum loads. 125 grain magnums especially beats on K frames vs 158 grain magnums. Even before cracking will occur constant magnum use in K frames will loosen other components such as yoke misalignment and endshake. With all that you'll probably question why Smith put the magnum in a K frame? The answer is that it was by request. First realize the larger (and much tougher) N frame was introduced in 1935 designed around the .357. So stuffing the mag in a K frame wasn't a case of a quick fix to find a home for a new "ultimate manstopper" round, they already had a good platform. It was by request of famous Border Patrol Agent Bill Jordan. He felt the K frame was a more nimble size to be carried all day by police and was more maneuverable and quicker to draw and transition in a gunfight but in .38 it lacked sufficient power. So S&W went to work improving metallurgy to make the K frame utilize the .357 the best it could. With a new shrouded underlug and new tougher steels woolah the S&W "Combat Magnum" was born in 1955 and latter re-named as the model 19 in 1957. It was a marketed project to all law enforcement and became a hit..lighter to carry and more powerful than anything in its size....still a familiar hook today isnt it. I cant prove this with documentation but the shortfalls of constant magnum use was not unnoticed during the development. It was that reason it became an accepted practice to practice and qualify with .38's and just carry the magnums on duty. Though some depts did make you fire at least one cylinders worth of magnums on the range for "familiarization" purposes. Hope this makes you better understand the reasoning's and circumstances!

[@dmcepeda]

Been lookong around for a revolver. Then I saw a new beautiful blue k frame model 19. Would you recommend this gun?

[@jasonkent3658]

dmcepeda yes I would I love my model 66 I have a 2 3/4 inch stainless k frame

[@firekilller13]

are all 686 L frames?

[@thijs25111996]

Is that a tritium front sight on the j-frame?

[@austinb8578]

It is a fiber optic sight.

[@thijs25111996]

thank you for answering!

[@austinb8578]

You are very welcome!

[@larryschmitz4281]

Very informative

[@jjjoooojjj]

Cheers for that!!

[@mikearonson8201]

Thank you.

[@James-gz6iq]

I'm worried that the people who can't spell in comments also own a gun

[@illustrate100]

James Lee...I can't read, so could you please mail me an audio CD with your comment on it?

[@ButchRichardson-d8s]

Model 60 is a j frame .357

[@sergiochairez7153]

Dont use magnum loads cause it will brake WTF why even bother buying one

[@jasonkent3658]

Sergio Chairez that issue was fixed I shoot hot 357 rounds from the new k. Frame model 66 they don't have that flat spot on the forcing cone anymore they are stronger than the old ones

[@williamryan7403]

@@jasonkent3658 I have an old one. No problems.

[@bigolbear2510]

I have a 1960's era police trade in Model 13. Has "Smyrna GA Police Department" stamped on it. That's a blue K frame 4" .357 - 6 rounds with gutter rear sight. The first time I picked it up, I thought this seems too light for a .357. And shooting full .357 it kicks like a mule. Kind of hard to control w/full .357 rounds. Super light trigger, though. I've settled on 38+P as regular ammo. I always assumed that S&W made it so light so it could be carried all day as a duty pistol...but too light in my opinion for full .357 loads. I was not aware that S&W recommended lighter loads, makes sense. I wanna 686 now...

[@TheTruePhoenixxx]

Thanks!