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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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Old 10-24-2012, 07:41 AM
Triggernosis Triggernosis is online now
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J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame?  
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Default J-frame vs. J-magnum frame?

Does anyone have a picture of the old J-frame beside the J-magnum frame? Please post if you do.
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Old 10-24-2012, 08:28 AM
riverrat38 riverrat38 is offline
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J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Triggernosis View Post
Does anyone have a picture of the old J-frame beside the J-magnum frame? Please post if you do.
Actually, S&W still makes them. The Classic M36, for instance.
See:
Product: Model 36

Rick
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Old 10-24-2012, 09:01 AM
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I believe the 36 Classic is actually built on the J Mag frame. According to the SCSW, the easy way to tell is the style of cylinder stop lug. Conventional J frames have the cylindrical shaped inserted lug and the J Mag has the integral bar shaped lug.

The stop lug is the projection at the bottom back corner of the frame window in these photos. It limits rearward travel of the cylinder, keeping it from falling off they yoke barrel.

J frame (this one's a Centennial):


J Mag frame:
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Old 10-24-2012, 09:12 AM
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Not in the same pic, side by side, but here's one of each that I have...

Older Model 49:



Newer 638:

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Old 10-24-2012, 10:14 AM
snubbiefan snubbiefan is offline
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J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame? J-frame vs. J-magnum frame?  
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If the light-weight J-Mag frame wears-out at the integral cylinder-stop.....throw the frame away. If the older non J-Mag frame wears-out at the cylinder-stop....replace the lug. I suppose if you have a lifetime guarantee....don't matter unless it happens to be one of your cherished frames you'd like to keep, or don't mind the hassle of wondering what you'll get back from Smith in return. I have picked-up a J-Mag frame off the table...opened it up and had the cylinder fall off in my hand. Then...I put it back on the table and walk on.

Not pro or con one way or the other....just sayin'.

Last edited by snubbiefan; 10-24-2012 at 10:18 AM.
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Old 10-24-2012, 11:00 AM
Imaposer Imaposer is offline
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Well, not really a defense of the newer integral lug, but I can't imagine how you could possibly "wear one out" with normal use and proper handling. The only purpose it really serves is to prevent the cylinder from sliding off the yoke while fully open. About the only wear I see them getting is from many, many forceful ejections of spent cases. I suppose it could happen, but I can't say that I've ever heard of it being an issue.

But, like you, I do prefer replaceable, serviceable parts.
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Old 10-24-2012, 11:17 AM
GerSan69 GerSan69 is offline
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Is that yoke pivot area different on the J-mag also? Looks in the photos as though there's a ridge to catch the cylinder at the front as well.
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Old 10-24-2012, 12:29 PM
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I'm not sure if these will help, but I'll throw 'em out there, just in case.



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Old 10-24-2012, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riverrat38 View Post
Actually, S&W still makes them. The Classic M36, for instance. See
Product: Model 36
No offense to them that has 'em & likes 'em, but IMHO that "Classic model 36" is a joke. It is NOT a classic model 36, it has the internal lock. And even if you don't mind the lock, the revolver frame was re-shaped to accomodate it which ruined the looks of the gun. Check the curvature of the frame in the area of the hammer. The Bodyguard & Centennial style frame shapes aren't affected by the lock, but the exposed-hammer guns sure are.
It's highly unlikely, but if they came out with a no-lock Classic 36 with the older-style frame shape it'd sure be an improvement.
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