Just curious as to the differences. Is the E / 41 frame bigger or smaller than a K frame? The D frame falls in between a J and K so I'm wondering if that is the same thing with this frame. Does it fall between a K and N? Like an L?

It's very close to an L frame if not the same size

The Smith and Wesson L-frame is a copy of the Colt Python's E-frame

Both revolvers can use the same speed loaders and holsters

Dittoing the above comments, when I made holsters for L frame Smiths (I don’t own one) I used my Python as a pattern model and they fit perfect, except safety strap length. But....I also own a 1903 Colt DA .41 with fixed sights. Though the same basic shape as the Python, they have thinner top straps and might wobble a little in a Python, or L frame holster.

Good to know. Thank you.

Safariland speedloaders for Colt E/I frame revolvers work on L frames, but not vice versa.

Never tried it, but I would assume that HKS speedloaders interchange both ways.

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Formerly Model520Fan

Colt E and I frames are slightly larger than S&W K-frames and smaller than S&W N frames. The Colt E frame was designed for the .41 Long Colt so its frame and cylinder had to be a little larger than for the .38.

Colt E frame (Official Police) and S&W K frame (Model 10) side by side. The I frame is a little larger. Hard to tell but the most notable is the crane area. You can feel the difference in recoil when shooting as the Colt is heavier. Both fit the same holster.

Attached Images

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The OP uses the E-frame. The Colt I-frame has the firing pin in the frame, the E-frame does not. Otherwise they are the same.

Those are both beautiful!!!!!

Thanks for clarification. The 1956 OP is the only Colt revolver I own. It is a great piece and I was fortunate to come across it at an estate auction and got it at a very reasonable price. Apparently it had been put away for a long time and a little flitz brought that beautiful colt bluing out. It was a little dull when I got it.

That's great. Only Colts from that era in my neighborhood are very rough.

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Psalm 27:2

The E-frame goes clear back to the 1908 Colt Army Special, and there have been numerous E- and I-frame Colt revolvers ever since, including the Colt Python.

My Colt Officers Target model I frame 22 revolver is a nice 22lr revolver. They say it’s built on the colt 41 frame.

There are several different models of the Colt Officers Model target revolvers, depending on the time period it was made. All are built on the E-frame.