Greetings:

I've been contemplating getting a new revolver. Having gone through the process of looking at different models and narrowing-down my decision, I'm considering either a model 10/15 or a model 64/67. I read somewhere that all new K frames are round butt. The 15 model appear to be square. Is that because of the different grips used on the more target oriented models? Also, how's the difference in size when going from a 640 (J-frame) to a K frame. I used to have a 686 (L-frame) with the 6" barrel but sold it because it was a tad larger than I cared for. I could shoot it okay, but between the two, the J-frame felt like the better fit. Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Mort

Most of the ones you said you want are not made new. I think they still make a model 10. They were. I don't think you can get any of the other 3 you mentioned new. 15/64/67. You CAN get a 66 now.

A k frame is bigger than a J frame. The L frame (686) is a bit bigger than a K frame. I'm not sure how much difference you would notice between the 2. I don't own an L frame.

Current production is ALL round butts. But the 15 / 64 / 67 can be had with square butts and more likely. And for older 10's square butts are the more common.

But the K is quite a bit bigger than a J frame. I carry a J. My only K frame has a 6" barrel, so I don't carry that one. But some people carry K and some even carry L frames. I think a 686 would probably be too big an heavy for me. But a 2" K with a round butt might be possible. Or something like that. But still, much heavier than any J frame.

On another sight they say "get both". I really do think if a guy is a revolver guy, he should have both a J and a K. I'm hoping to get another of each some day. A shorter barreled K for carrying and a steel J for carrying. I have a 442 (airweight) that I carry every day. And the K as I said. Model 19 6"er.





Oh, and my Dad has a 66 with short barrel for his bedside gun. I think it's a 2.75" barrel. And that one has a round butt. Which the shorter barreled versions a lot of times did. Maybe not always, depending on which gun... I know I've seen square butt 2" 10's and 12's. (12 is a model 10 with an aluminum frame)



And my Mom has a bodyguard as her Bedside gun. Which is a J frame, sort of. Polymer framed.



Sorry if you knew some or all of that. I was just trying to help explain. And I'm no expert and might have some of that wrong. I think I got it correct though.

Thanks for the thoughts, ABPOS. I expect the model 10 to be considerably larger than my 640, but the 10 won't be carried unless unique conditions call for it. Mainly, I want to be sure that it isn't too large for my small/medium hands. While browsing, I held a new model 66 Combat Magnum (K-frame) and it was no problem so I guess the 10 should be similar, right? Unfortunately, they didn't have a model 10 to try.

The 64/67 are still being made, or at least can still be bought new.

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NRA Benefactor

I prefer the SB b/c when equiped w/a grip adapter the K frame fits me perfectly. My 10-7 snub is a SB and one of my favorite revolvers.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I have a 3" J; several 4" Ks including 10s, a 67, and a 6" 14-4; plus a mate to the 6" 686 you decided was too large. All are from the 70s or 80s and are square butt. The K and L frame grips are interchangeable, although there appears to be a minor difference between the grip frames. The same grip you liked on the 66 will fit on a 10/64, 15/67 or the .357 versions. The J grip is decidedly shorter and has a smaller circumference.

You didn't say why you considered the 686 as too large. If it was grip size, my 686 came with large target grips. They are useable but a bit large for my medium hands and I found that a smaller grip, a Davis grip, that met my needs. There are a number of different grips for the K/L frames that allow you to tailor the grip to fit your hand.

If you want a shorter barrel for carry, that can be had in J, K and L frames. If you are looking for a less massive frame, yes, a K is less massive than a L- and a J is much smaller. The 66 you like is the same frame size as a 10/64, but with a barrel underlug.

FWIW, the fixed sight 2" -3" round butt K frames, such as the Models 10, 13, 64 and 65 make excellent carry guns.

spad124; I think you nailed it. My 686 did have the target grips. It was also a 6" barrel model. Between the extra forward heft and the larger grips, I was always conscious of the need to physically control and compensate for the gun...kind of like riding a bike that's one size too large. The model 66 Combat Magnum I held didn't feel that way. Come to think of it, I also held a 3" barrel 686 (Talo wood grips) while at the gun shop. They both felt natural to hold. Based on this, I think that the standard model 10 or 64 will work fine for me. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't moving into another ill-fitting revolver. Thank you.