Quote:
Originally Posted by Retired LTC, USAR
So how do you tell an I frame from a J frame?
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Colonel:
As you can see from Jim's post above, there are many subtle variations to be accounted for, but the main difference between the I and J frames is that in 1950, when S&W wanted to chamber the 38 special in a small frame snub nose, the I frame was just a little too short. So they had to lengthen the frame just a small amount in order for it to hold a slightly longer cylinder. This became the J frame. If you look at his photo above, you will see an example of a J frame on the lower right, and several examples of I frames. Notice the longer cylinder. Of course, this is just a quick comparison. There were many more evolutionary changes in both I and J frames.
Best Regards, Les