Favorite Frame Size? Why?

[HarrishMasher]

Now that I own several examples of the more common S&W frame sizes...J, K/L, N...and have gotten to spend a fair amount of time with all of them, I have finally come to a conclusion of which frame size suits me the best.

I have 7 J Frames, all are either snubby Airweights and Airlites (442, 638, 317, M&P340, 432PD, 337PD, 342PD). I love my J Frames. To me they are the ideal small carry gun. Not much fun to shoot a lot, but plenty accurate once you learn how to shoot them. These J Frames are a niche gun to me...small and light carry guns. My M&P340 is my favorite J Frame, followed closely by my 432PD.

I have 2 N Frames 627PC 2.6" and a 625JM. The N Frames are some big guns! Really too large to carry comfortably. These are range/target guns. Though I do carry my 627PC 2.6" IWB from time to time. While I like my N Frames, I don't love them. They are just a little big for me. And I am 6'1" and 190. So not a small guy either. I don't see myself buying any more N Frames in the near future. My 625JM is my favorite N Frame. It is super accurate and fun to shoot.

I have 5 K/L Frames (586 L Comp 3", 686PC 2.5", 65 Lady Smith, 386 Night Guard, 386PD 2.5". My K&L Frames are the best of both worlds. They are excellent carry pieces. Just the right size, not too small, not too big. They are also super accurate and can be comfortably shot all day at the range. I carry my K/L Frames more than any other revolver, and I shoot them the most. So this is my favorite S&W frame size. My 586 L-Comp is my Favorite K/L Frame, but I carry my 686PC 2.5" the most.

Thoughts?

 

[eb07]

I am a k frame all the way guy. Balance. Feel. Weight.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My three inch K-frame Model 66...... for all day concealed carry.... a 3" 65/13 would be/is just as good.....just not as coooool

In a "Duty/open carry gun" I'll admit a slight preference for a 4" L-frame over a K-frame.....

Only have a couple of N-frames a 4" 28 and a 6 1/2 Registered Magnum... N-frame is just a might long on trigger reach for me! The L-frame has all it's strengths without the extra bulk in the cylinder and frame.

 

[Voyager28]

K frame for me as well. Model 19/66, IMHO, is the best all around hand gun ever devised by mankind.

Bob

 

[eb07]

I also forgot. 4 or 5" is my fave

 

[rz625-8]

I have 20 m64s in my collection. I test them at least twice per week.

 

[rz625-8]

Mostly what I have in my revolver collection is .38 K frames,l frames and 2 N frames. Why???? Because they are the revolvers I can handle with arthritis.

 

[bigsteve113]

K Frames for me please. Although I also like the J, L, and N too!

 

[pharmer]

I am a k frame all the way guy. Balance, Feel, Weight, and Utility.

Yeah, I'm going with that. Joe

 

[snubbyfan]

My favorite's my 442. It's been modified to work with my neuropathy. It's my carry gun and my favorite range gun too.

 

[howiema]

I have to say the K frame also, I enjoy the snubby but the 4 inch is also great. I can carry these and enjoy carrying them, they also fit my large hand. The n is just to heavy IMO.





Enjoy Pete

 

[Ashlander]

K-frames offer great shoot-ability in a not too-heavy frame. With long barrels they are excellent target (and even hunting guns), while with short barrels they are nice carry guns (even concealable). And they have elegant lines.

 

[BigBill]

First choice s&w N Frames in 357mag, 41mag, 44special 44mag & 45 LC.
Second choice s&w K38 Frames in 38special target & combat masterpiece.
Third choice S&W K22 Frame in 22 LR masterpiece target.

I prefer the N frame in 4", 5", 6", 6 1/2" to 8 3/8" barrels. . But I like the ruger redhawk too.

I just don't care for any barrels shorter than 4". My barrel sweet spot is the 6" & 6 1/2" barrels they look so Purdy.

 

[loeman]

I have various representatives of Improved I, J, K, L and N frames and I love them all. Each and every one of them has its own attributes that make them fine weapons. However, I have to vote for the L frame due to the love I have for my favorite revolver, the Model 681 with its standard 4 inch barrel and fixed sights. Accuracy, fit, finish and beauty are all there. This gun really works for me!

 

[UncleEd]

K-frame.

What others have said.

 

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

I like them all. I started with Colts and Rugers before I became hooked on S&W. My very first Smiths were N frames mostly .44 and .41 mags, didn't really care for .357 mags for about forty years. Really got hooked on J frames for concealed carry. Bought my first Mod 10, went nuts on K frames, then a friend offered me my first L frame at a price I couldn't refuse. I like them all for different reasons and carry them all and shoot them all on different occasions. My absolutely most accurate Smith at mid-range (25 yards or less) is a four inch, heavy barrel, DAO Mod 64 that was a LE trade-in. It cost less than any gun I own but is a pure pleasure to shoot.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

How to pick a favorite frame size...................?

I have 4 J-frames. I carry my 642 every day.

I have 2 N frames. They're gorgeous and wonderful shooters. But they're tanks that I only carry under limited circumstances, like long distance driving or woods walking.

I have 2 L frames. The snubby 686 is my bedside gun but kinda heavy to carry. The 586 is a 6 incher - ain't carrying that!

I have 10 K-frames. I think. My favorites are the 2" models. But the 642 is still with me every day.

So I guess the J frames win - although that's based on expedience only - I like my snubby Model 10s best, I know I do! Hmmmmm......

 

[DFrame]

Actually I'm a D frame guy (Colt) but in the S&W nothing is better than a nice 36 calibre K frame.

 

[hoek48]

K frame for me. They just seem to balance better for me. They also have the perfect ratio of weight, recoil and grip for me. Especially with arthritis starting. My favorite being a 2 inch or 4 inch model 15.

 

[Drawdown]

Definitely another vote for K frames. All I would ever want or need is a K frame 357, 38spl, or 22. Ultimate frame for either of these 3!