Model 10, 13, 15 and 19 bare frames: Are they hard to come by?

I have access to some parts, though I haven't really inventoried what a seller has to offer. Actually I would like to locate worthy frames before I start hoarding parts that I may never need.


Any advice?


I know ANY gun I put together won't have much collectors value, but I'm really looking to build a couple of decent shooters.

There have been some M10 frames without barrels brought back into the US by some importer. My memory is poor, but there have been a string or two about those. I'd bet that they are a decent platform for certain types of projects. If I could justify the cash (I can't) to make a project K frame, I would think a 3" RB heavy barrel with better fixed sights (think XS big dot with a really opened up rear sight trough or the C&S fixed sight, still opened up) would be interesting. I admit, I would prefer it to be in .357 for flexibility, even though I rarely shoot anything but .38 SWC in my mid-bores.

Doug M. said:

There have been some M10 frames without barrels brought back into the US by some importer. My memory is poor, but there have been a string or two about those. I'd bet that they are a decent platform for certain types of projects. If I could justify the cash (I can't) to make a project K frame, I would think a 3" RB heavy barrel with better fixed sights (think XS big dot with a really opened up rear sight trough or the C&S fixed sight, still opened up) would be interesting. I admit, I would prefer it to be in .357 for flexibility, even though I rarely shoot anything but .38 SWC in my mid-bores.

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The seller has barrels, triggers (semi-target & target), hammers (semi-target & target), sideplates, springs, cylinders, etc... just no frames. All of the parts are nearly flawless. My hope is to build a snubnose, as he has multiple barrels in different lengths. I bought one of the sideplates for my 19 no dash... pretty reasonable price.

I believe J&G sales still has model 10 frames with out barrels for sale.

dwh said:

I believe J&G sales still has model 10 frames with out barrels for sale.

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I looked and they do. I guess you take your chances on the series model 10 you might get (7 thru 9). Because they are all threaded barrels I need to check which types of barrels the guy with all the parts has on hand. I know I saw a 3.5 inch (approx) but I'm not sure he has any 2 inch threaded. If so I will order one from J&G and hope I get something decent.

All K frame barrels are threaded the same .540x36 (except the very early 1896 models). A barrel for a pinned frame will work perfectly in an un pinned frame as the pin actually does nothing on a correctly fitted barrel. In fact an un pinned barrel only takes a couple file swipes to have a slot for the pin. But, the catch is the profile of the top of the frame where it meets the barrel and the barrels top profile. Model 19,14 and 14 barrels with sight ribs will not match at the rib on fix sight frames, unless you mill in and add a sight on frame. Heavy fix sight barrels will have a tiny protruding corner on each side when stuck on a regular frame etc.

I have bought 7 of the J&G 10-7 frames and made them into 9mms, 357s, 327s, and 38s. They all came out well with some work. I had a lot of fun. Oh, also the J&G guns are re imports and as such have some stamping under they yoke pivot. This can be removed (legally, I contacted BATF). I first tapped the stampings lightly with a 40z hammer then sanded smooth. I will reblue the whole lot at some point.

A completely reworked model 10-7 frame into an adjustable sight 327.


a 10-7 frame fit with a Colt Python barrel and recessed 357 cylinder
Look closely and you can see where import stamps were removed under yoke


this one has a nickel model 19 recessed 357 cylinder and a nickle model 13 barrel


Finding just cheap frames is difficult. I have a 6" Nickel Python Barrel looking for a home. I bought a nickel model 15 with a messed up front sight to put it on, but it was to easy to fix the sight and hard to molest a nice gun once repaired.

steelslaver said:

All K frame barrels are threaded the same .540x36 (except the very early 1896 models). A barrel for a pinned frame will work perfectly in an un pinned frame as the pin actually does nothing on a correctly fitted barrel. In fact an un pinned barrel only takes a couple file swipes to have a slot for the pin. But, the catch is the profile of the top of the frame where it meets the barrel and the barrels top profile. Model 19,14 and 14 barrels with sight ribs will not match at the rib on fix sight frames, unless you mill in and add a sight on frame. Heavy fix sight barrels will have a tiny protruding corner on each side when stuck on a regular frame etc.

I have bought 7 of the J&G 10-7 frames and made them into 9mms, 357s, 327s, and 38s. They all came out well with some work. I had a lot of fun. Oh, also the J&G guns are re imports and as such have some stamping under they yoke pivot. This can be removed (legally, I contacted BATF). I first tapped the stampings lightly with a 40z hammer then sanded smooth. I will reblue the whole lot at some point.

A completely reworked model 10-7 frame into an adjustable sight 327.

a 10-7 frame fit with a Colt Python barrel and recessed 357 cylinder
Look closely and you can see where import stamps were removed under yoke

this one has a nickel model 19 recessed 357 cylinder and a nickle model 13 barrel

Finding just cheap frames is difficult. I have a 6" Nickel Python Barrel looking for a home. I bought a nickel model 15 with a messed up front sight to put it on, but it was to easy to fix the sight and hard to molest a nice gun once repaired.

Click to expand...

This is all great info...Thanks!



I do know that this hoarders stash includes some model 15 and model 19 stuff, as well as model 10. I would love to build a snubnose .357. I have to talk to my gunshop about shipping, but i'm going to give this a try.

Here is another heads up. If you mill one of the fix sight frames for adjustable sights and use a narrow rib barrel the top will match. Not so with the wider ribbed heavy barrels. You need to either use a rear sight with a long tang or silver solder in a piece. The guns above used the long tang sight. This 1917 frame with a 1950 barrel had to long of frame so I silver soldered a short piece of tang in a shallow slot.

ChargerBill...would this person have a Model 13 3" barrel by chance? I am looking for one if he does and would appreciate any info you may have. Thanks

Gene