Wasn't really so much a frame change as a barrel change - although the frame probably had to change to accommodate the new type barrel arrangement. They are now using a two-piece barrel. That is a barrel tube and a shroud. The barrel wall is thinner thus obviating the need for a flat to be machined for crane clearance. While some eschew the two piece barrels, this was the trick to the Dan Wesson's reputation for accuracy - hold the barrel in tension. While DW used a separate barrel nut, S&W just uses a flanged barrel that bears against the shroud. We may see other K-frames returning using this technology - nothing S&W does surprises me.
Adios,
Pizza Bob