K and L frames and grips question.

MrJT · #1 07-18-2009, 04:40 PM

Well I'm sure this has been answered a few times... but

What is the difference between K and L frames? I thought the L frame is slightly larger.

My main question is about the grips. I had an old wooden pair on my 686. I removed them and see a K on the back of one. Do K and L's share the same grip size?

Gun 4 Fun · #2 07-18-2009, 05:01 PM

K and L frames have the same grip frame, but the L is definately bigger and stronger. The L has a larger cylinder, frame and more metal around the barrel shank where it protrudes through the frame into the cylinder window. They share the same grip frame, because that size is so accommodating to so many different sized hands. Even the giant X frame has the K frame, grip frame

MrJT · #3 07-19-2009, 02:40 AM

Thank you very much.

TRD · #4 07-29-2009, 09:55 PM

Would it be correct to say Model 686 square butt target grips will fit a Model 617?

Thanks

Sportsterguy · #5 07-29-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun 4 Fun

K and L frames have the same grip frame, but the L is definately bigger and stronger. The L has a larger cylinder, frame and more metal around the barrel shank where it protrudes through the frame into the cylinder window. They share the same grip frame, because that size is so accommodating to so many different sized hands. Even the giant X frame has the K frame, grip frame

Gun 4 Fun has his info down pat!

valkyriekl · #6 07-29-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD

Would it be correct to say Model 686 square butt target grips will fit a Model 617?

Thanks

If the 617's frame is a square-butt (-0 and -1), it will fit. If the 617's frame is a round-butt, they'll still fit, but there will be a gap where the grips were cut for a square butt frame.

TRD · #7 07-30-2009, 05:53 PM

The grips on 5 shot pre-lock 617 I want to put square grips on has the wooden combat grips on it right now.

Gunhacker · #8 07-30-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun 4 Fun

Even the giant X frame has the K frame, grip frame

That came as a complete surprise to me as around the middle of last year, I bought a set of the "Model 500 Impact Absorbing Hogue Square Butt Conversion Grips" to replace the wood finger grove Ahrend combat grips that were on my N-Frame 626 Classic when I bought it. I thought that the N and X grip frames were the same diamensions and still larger than the K/L frames.

I went back to the S&W website to check what I ordered and sure enough, it lists everything from a Model 10 to the 500 fitting those grips... wow.

So I'm wondering if the "one size fits all" for the K/L/N/X frames only pertaints to the round butt grip frames (which is what my 629 is, and my one and only round butt S&W), and the difference in square butt frame guns still holds true for the K/L frame grips bring smaller than an N Frame?

Gun 4 Fun · #9 07-30-2009, 11:53 PM

As far as I know, only the Hogue "X" recoil absorbing grips are interchangeable between all the frame sizes.

I do know for sure that the N fame square butt grips are larger than the K/L frame grips. I own both, and they are not interchangeable.

I read a post here a while back from a member that said his N RB grips will fit on a K/L RB frame, and visa versa. I had never heard that before, but it could be true. I only own two RB guns, and both have conversion stocks on them. I really hate the way RB guns look, and worse feel. I know it's a matter of personal tase and preference, but them's mine.