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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 11-16-2009, 05:49 PM
beng beng is offline
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I have a S&W 357 mod.66-4. I have heard others, and have seen it in books but I've paid no attention to it, until now. "How do you tell or know what is a "N" or "J" or "L" or "K" frames etc.?" Thanks for your time.
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Old 11-16-2009, 05:55 PM
ken158 ken158 is offline
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Well, J is small frame, K is larger or the old middle frame, L is larger than K and has replaced K frame to become the new middle frame size and N frame is the largest but does not include the 460 and 500 X frame which would be extra large.
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Old 11-16-2009, 06:19 PM
sbeduckman sbeduckman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken158 View Post
Well, J is small frame, K is larger or the old middle frame, L is larger than K and has replaced K frame to become the new middle frame size and N frame is the largest but does not include the 460 and 500 X frame which would be extra large.
....clear as mud, and absolutely correct.
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Old 11-16-2009, 07:14 PM
Gun 4 Fun Gun 4 Fun is offline
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After you look at a few, or own them, it'll become much easier to tell them apart.
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Old 11-16-2009, 07:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken158 View Post
Well, J is small frame, K is larger or the old middle frame, L is larger than K and has replaced K frame to become the new middle frame size and N frame is the largest but does not include the 460 and 500 X frame which would be extra large.
K frames are still made, but not in .357 Magnum caliber - the L frame was designed to replace the K for this chambering. If you go way back in S & W history, they originally were numbered from small to large (1, 1 1/2, 2 and 3). Also, don't forget the M or Ladysmith tiny .22s, and the I frame, the J frame's ancestor.
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Last edited by murphydog; 11-16-2009 at 08:27 PM.
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Old 11-16-2009, 08:37 PM
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since it hasn't been mentioned, your M66 is a K frame.
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Old 11-16-2009, 08:48 PM
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HAWKEYE10 HAWKEYE10 is offline
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Go to this link below and it will help model numbers
and frame size. Don

Smith & Wesson model changes
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Old 11-16-2009, 09:10 PM
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HAWKEYE10 HAWKEYE10 is offline
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Found a new link on frame size. All of this and more is
at the top Of this page. Just click on Sticky: FAQ'S


Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector revolver information
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Old 11-16-2009, 09:27 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
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"How do you tell or know what is a "N" or "J" or "L" or "K" frames etc.?"

I started out as a child watching Sky King and Roy Rogers on T.V. Then came shows like "Combat", "Car 54 Where Are You", "The Andy Griffith Show" and many others. When I got big enough I began handling firearms and started hunting. I must have read "First Gun" by C.B. Colby a million times.

Over a number of years, one learns models, frame sizes, options, accessories, etc. I do not believe one is ever too young or old to start learning.
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Old 11-16-2009, 09:32 PM
qballwill qballwill is offline
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The best two ways to learn are to continually read this forum, even if you dont feel the post has anything that interests you, you will always learn something new, second is to buy the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition. full of great S&W info and fun to read.
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Old 11-16-2009, 09:41 PM
Double-O-Dave Double-O-Dave is offline
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When I was a kid, it was rare to find a kid who didn't know the difference between a S&W or Colt, and could also tell you the model number as well. Of course, this was before stainless steel was used and really complicated things. I remember once when I was working in the Emergency Room at a local hospital, the police brought in a prisoner with multiple contusions, avulsions, abrasion, lacerations, oh - and a gunshot wound as well. As we were working on the patient, he said to me "I messed up". When I asked what he meant by that, he explained that as a career criminal, he had learned that most cops that carried box stock revolvers were generally either rookies, or not very gun savvy. The officer he tangled with usually carried a customized revolver which was in the shop for repairs. His "truck gun", Model 10, was in his holster when the patient first made his acquaintance, and then decided to "whup-up on the police". As I recall, it was a terminal lesson.

Best of luck,

Dave
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357 magnum, colt, ejector, hand ejector, j frame, k frame, ladysmith, m66, model 10, s&w, smith and wesson

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