weight of modern N frame revolvers

farandfine · Jun 17, 2018

Hello Everybody, Can anyone tell me how modern N frames have lost almost half a pound in weight. I note that the model 21-4 of several years ago (an example of which I'm thinking about buying) weighs 37.5 oz while a model 27 weighs 44 oz (both with 4 Inch barrels). And my beloved K frame 19s with 4" barrels weigh 35oz (unloaded). Have there been manufacturing processes that allow a 6.5 oz diminution of weight in the 21-4 compared to an older model 27. Perhaps I'm somehow mixing apples and oranges?

Any explanations would be appreciated.

Cheers,
John

BLUEDOT37 · Jun 17, 2018

farandfine said:
...weight in the 21-4 compared to an older model 27. Perhaps I'm somehow mixing apples and oranges?

You're mixing .357 caliber and .45 calibers. Disregarding barrel styles, the .45 caliber holes in the cylinder & barrel results in a weight difference (more metal removed) that many people overlook.

.

muggers29536 · Jun 17, 2018

farandfine said:
Hello Everybody, Can anyone tell me how modern N frames have lost almost half a pound in weight. I note that the model 21-4 of several years ago (an example of which I'm thinking about buying) weighs 37.5 oz while a model 27 weighs 44 oz (both with 4 Inch barrels). And my beloved K frame 19s with 4" barrels weigh 35oz (unloaded). Have there been manufacturing processes that allow a 6.5 oz diminution of weight in the 21-4 compared to an older model 27. Perhaps I'm somehow mixing apples and oranges?

Any explanations would be appreciated.

Cheers,

John

John, the modern N frame revolvers that S&W currently makes with the massive cylinder like, The Governor, and the N framed model 327 (TRR8) are manufactured with a Scandian alloy that weighs about 30% lighter than a typical stainless frame without the loss of durability. Just my unprofessional opinion. I have both, as well as the L framed stainless 686+ (2 1/2” barrel) - and even with the 5” barrel of the N framed TRR8 the 686+ is quite a bit heavier than the Scandian framed N frames.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Texas Star · Jun 17, 2018

I thought M-21-4 is .44 caliber? Not .45?

And Scandium is spelled this way.

farandfine · Jun 17, 2018

Thank you all

Thank you all for your helpful words. I think Bluedot was correct in suggesting that 44 and 45 cylinders have enough more metal bored out of them as to make them lighter than one would expect when comparing to an N framed 357. I did what I should have done in the first place and dug out my Smith & Wesson Complete Catalog (or whatever it's really called) and discovered that the N frame 44s and 45s with gutter sights and tapered barrels seem to run between 36 and 39.5 oz. So the new 21-4 seems to fit right in. My only excuse for not delving into the Catalog to begin with is that the print is small enough that I have to use a magnifying glass if I'm going to be using it for more than a couple of minutes.
Old eyes strike again!

Thanks again and Cheers,
John

zogger · Jun 17, 2018

farandfine said:
My only excuse for not delving into the Catalog to begin with is that the print is small enough that I have to use a magnifying glass if I'm going to be using it for more than a couple of minutes.
Old eyes strike again!

Amen brother! It sucks getting old!

muddocktor · Jun 17, 2018

zogger52 said:
Amen brother! It sucks getting old!

Yeah it does, but it does beat the alternative!!!!!

weight of modern N frame revolvers

farandfine

Active member

BLUEDOT37

Well-known member

muggers29536

Active member

Texas Star

US Veteran, Absent Comrade

farandfine

Active member

zogger

Well-known member

muddocktor

Well-known member

Similar threads

Latest posts