K frame vs L frame?

[corgiS&W]

I very much like my two K-frames: M66 and M67. Why should I consider (or not consider) an L-frame revolver as a companion? I have a J-frame 642 that I normally carry. What are the major differences between K and L, other than size and weight?

 

[Gregwilson357]

the L frame is a lil stronger...it will hold up to magnum rounds better

 

[mtime7]

the L frame is a lil stronger...it will hold up to magnum rounds better

+1, and I have a L frame but I prefer the K frames, not sure why, just do

 

[Charles]

If you like to shoot a lot of .357's the L will be more comfortable and hold up better. Personally, I don't like the weight, and feel like 158-173 grains of cast lead at around 950-1050 fps will do anything I want a .38/.357 to do, so longevity and shooting comfort aren't really an issue for me, as that power level is well within a K-frame's capabilities. If I want more power I'll use one of my .45 Colt revolvers.

If you're looking to step up your power without re-tooling for a new cartridge, though, the L frame is great.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

What is there not to like about the "K" frame, the 617 and my 32 long are my sweet hearts for Bullseye shooting. But for a work horse I use the "L" frame, hard to beat, they are just like a Timex watch. Some love the "N" frame the most, they are a great gun but I only have 4 or 5 (? think, think) and over a safe full of the others. Enjoy your "K", just don't abuse it with hot ammo.

 

[fyimo]

I like the K frame for 38 special or lower powered cartridges but I'm really not a fan of the 357 versions shoooting full house magnum loads. When shooting full house 357 loads I like my 686 or my 28-2 as for me I can handle the recoil better and L or N frame can stand the abuse of the cartridge better.

Everyone is different and has different tastes and likes so this is just mine.

 

[stantheman86]

The main advantage of the L-frame is the stronger forcing cone, which is round all the way through it's circumferance, not flat on the bottom like the K-frame. K-Magnum forcing cones were prone to crack on the bottom, where it was weakest, when used with a lot of light bullet .357's. The larger frame also doesn't stretch as much from lots of magnums.

The L frame uses the same yoke and yoke tube as the K frame, I have seen a few 586's and 686's that had lots of endshake from lots of .357's.

I'm not a huge fan of adjustable sight revolvers, so my options are fewer with L-frames. I do have two 581's though, and would buy a 619.

Even as a S&W fan, I have to say if you want an "L" sized revolver that can take as much .357 as you can give it, you need to get a Ruger GP100.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I like the K frame for 38 special or lower powered cartridges but I'm really not a fan of the 357 versions shoooting full house magnum loads. When shooting full house 357 loads I like my 686 or my 28-2 as for me I can handle the recoil better and L or N frame can stand the abuse of the cartridge better.

Everyone is different and has different tastes and likes so this is just mine.

The above about sums it up for me, only substitute my pre-Model 27 for the 28-2 mentioned by fyimo.
A model 28 is on my "short list", so someday perhaps........

I would have had one by now, a model 28 that is, but went on a 686 kick, which I think I got out of my system.
For now.......