Model10/13/19

longaction · Aug 13, 2013

I have been told, on numerous occasions, that .38 Special K frames were factory built to handle 357 mag by increasing the size of the frame slightly forward of the cylinder opening and around the crane and barrel opening. In contrast, a reference book by Mr. Jinks says that S&W tested different steels and heat treatments to arrive at a stronger frame and cylinder for the magnum cartridge. Thus, a direct conflict appeared.

Since I have one of each K frame revolvers, I broke out the calipers and started measuring. Other than the obvious longer cylinder opening, there was no difference in dimensions between the .38 Special and.357 Magnum frames. Although the magnum cylinder was longer, there was no difference in cylinder diameters between the two calibers.

It seems that S&W used different steels and/or heat treatment processes to create stronger magnum K frames and cylinders. Revolvers that I used were Models 10-3, 13-2 and 19.

texmex · Aug 13, 2013

I believe you are correct. Different steel and different heat treatment. The longer cylinder helps also due to the unsupported part of the barrel being shorter. Since 357 is barely longer than 38 Special, the cylinder did not have to be lengthened to accommodate the cartridge. Perhaps the cylinder is longer to add weight as it was for the 44 Magnum. It still amazes me that the 357 cartridge once required the massive cylinder of the Model 27 and Model 28 to contain the pressure. The cylinder walls of the Model 19 seemed paper thin compared to them. Now they have lightweight alloy 357 Magnum J frames. I want to be the first to shoot the Scandium Airweight 5 shot L frame 500 if they ever build one. What the heck, you only live once.

alwslate · Aug 14, 2013

texmex said:
I believe you are correct. Different steel and different heat treatment. The longer cylinder helps also due to the unsupported part of the barrel being shorter. Since 357 is barely longer than 38 Special, the cylinder did not have to be lengthened to accommodate the cartridge. Perhaps the cylinder is longer to add weight as it was for the 44 Magnum. It still amazes me that the 357 cartridge once required the massive cylinder of the Model 27 and Model 28 to contain the pressure. The cylinder walls of the Model 19 seemed paper thin compared to them. Now they have lightweight alloy 357 Magnum J frames. I want to be the first to shoot the Scandium Airweight 5 shot L frame 500 if they ever build one. What the heck, you only live once.

I don't think that the 357 required the thickness of steel
provided by the md 27 & 28 cyls to contain the pressure. The
357 mag was offered in the N frame because thats what S&W
had in production at the time. Testing has shown the N frame
357 cyls to be capable of tolerating a lot more pressure than
necessary for safe functioning with 357 ammo.

Skeetr57 · Aug 14, 2013

The M19 frames are different dimensionally from the M10 and M13 frames, but it doesn't have anything to do with strength. The shroud under the ejector requires a different profile to the front of the frame to match up correctly, but that extra metal there doesn't do anything for strength.

shouldazagged · Aug 14, 2013

texmex said:
I want to be the first to shoot the Scandium Airweight 5 shot L frame 500 if they ever build one. What the heck, you only live once.

And then we'll have to call you Lefty. Or Righty.

Better you than me, I can't even shoot .357 K-frames anymore with my buggered-up old paws.

Model10/13/19

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