357: K vs N Frame

[DEVGRU (ret.)]

IMO N frames are great guns, K frames are great guns, and the L frame is probably the best compromise possible between the two. They will handle heavy use at the range like a N and carry closer to a K, get the one that feels best in your hand and don't look back, I promise you will end up getting more. Welcome to the addiction

 

[jggaffney]

Well, this sure has generated a lot of interest. I set it up so that I got a digest in my mail box, and the messages just kept flooding in! Thanks for all the input, you guys.

Yes, it's true that the best solution would be to buy one each of the different 357 frames: K, L and N. However, money is not water and I have to limit my choice to one. I already have a K-frame, so I think I'll settle on the N-frame. Either a Mod 27 or 28. I have largish hands so the larger grips will work for me.

This is just a target gun. I don't carry and I don't hunt. But, I certainly appreciate a well-made wheel gun!

 

[garandman]

I have both. My K frame is an old pinned & recessed model 19 blue 4". My N frame is an old pinned & recessed model 27-2 blue with the 8 & 3/8 inch barrel. It is the most accurate revolver I have ever fired. It makes my old long barreled Colt Python look bad. In my humble opinion the Smith & Wesson model 27 is the finest .357 mag. revolver ever made ! I am talking about the 27-2 models and older.

 

[fyimo]

Since you decided on a N frame 357 and money is not water I would opt for an Model 28-2 with pinned barrel and recessed cylinders and the reason is they are about $200 to $250 cheaper in the same condition and barrel length. The 27-2 is drop dead beautiful so only you can decide but the 28-2 is a real work horse. Be advised the 6 inch 28-2 is slighter cheaper then the 4 inch 28-2 but in the model 27 -2 the 3.5 inch and 4 inch are both very costly revolvers and the 4 inch is rarer then the 3.5 inch.

27-2 6 inch

28-2 6 inch

 

[Ken NC]

Do you plan to shoot single action or double action? Might consider that the trigger in the 28-2 is typically a narrow grooved trigger, the trigger in the 27 is often the wider grooved target trigger (I don't care for that myself), and the trigger in at least my 686-3 is the smooth narrow trigger (I like that one the best). I am sure there are exceptions and variations and if this is important to you, others can advise better.

 

[Sebago Son]

KT-357 vs NT-357

One thing to consider that hasn't been brought up... The 19/66 has a longer cylinder than the 27/28. This fact will allow you a certain amount of additional flexibility when loading heavier, longer bullets such as the Keith / Lyman 358429.

I wouldn't worry about longevity. The KT-357 will likely out last you.

This PD trade in 66 has a documented round count of over 10,000 rnds of Federal 125 Grn. JHP's.

I knew the Officer that carried it, and that it was above average in accuracy so I held it back for myself when it came in for trade against SiG226s.

I replaced the hand and cylinder stop when I round butted it, and have shot another 1,000 or so rounds through it since...

Drew

 

[glenncal1]

Since you have decided on N Frame, your choice is looks vs. $$ on the 27 or 28. If you are really set on the 5" barrel you have only the 27 (or a cut 28) you will also pay a premium for the 5". Check some of the completed auctions for "going" prices. You will love the trigger of an older N frame. 27's are works of art IMHO.

 

[MP1983]

Yes, it's true that the best solution would be to buy one each of the different 357 frames: K, L and N. However, money is not water and I have to limit my choice to one. I already have a K-frame, so I think I'll settle on the N-frame. Either a Mod 27 or 28. I have largish hands so the larger grips will work for me.

This is just a target gun. I don't carry and I don't hunt. But, I certainly appreciate a well-made wheel gun!

sounds like a 6 inch Model 28 would fit the bill very well...

 

[jggaffney]

That settles it. I'm on the hunt for a Model 28. I'll research the 4" vs. 6" question.

Oh, did I mention that I live in the great state of California? The State maintains a list of "approved" handguns that have been submitted by (only) the mfr for certain tests. Only the newer handguns end up on this list. That's why new S&W revolvers have the locking key. If a handgun is not on the approved list, a FFL cannot sell it to a California resident unless he (the resident) is an LEO.

What this means is that I have to search for a PPT in my driving radius. The seller and I have to agree on a FFL to handle the tansfer. Usually, the seller wants to use a dealer close to him, so I end up driving. I drove 60 miles each way (twice) to pick up my Model 36. My usual search radius is 100 miles.

With the recent election of Jerry Brown as Governor and Kamala Harris, the ex-DA for San Francisco, as Atty General, firearms laws in California will only get worse. Every year in the Legislature, some member will come up with a new, hair-brained idea to limit gun ownership. I'm afraid that, if I don't find the pistol this year, I might not be able to buy one next year.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now and go back to trolling GunBroker, AuctionArms and CalGuns.net

 

[Pilgrim]

examples of J,K,N frames:

a J is to a K, as the K is to the N size wise.... is that clear as mud?

From a J to a k is a big jump.

 

[stantheman86]

N-Frames are perfect for open holster carry, or as range guns. LEO's seemed to love their 6" 28's. They are more durable and nearly indestructible in their .357 chamberings. It takes quite a bit to shoot a 27 or 28 loose.

K-frames are the perfect all-around utility guns, IMO they are not suited to constant use with .357 for those versions, but with .38's are the best all purpose size and last a long, long time if used reasonably. I conceal carry a 4" M10 HB with no problem, I like having that 6th shot and longer barrel for added velocity, over my Model 60 1 7/8".

 

[Broker50]

My opinion only, FWIW, N frame caliber should begin with a "4". L frame is perfect for 357 Magnum, K frame is for 38 Spl, +P 38 Spl, & occasional use of 357 Mag.

 

[CajunBass]

That settles it. I'm on the hunt for a Model 28. I'll research the 4" vs. 6" question.

A couple of months ago, I purchased a 28-2 with a 4" barrel and target stocks. I probably paid a premium for it, but it's in near perfect condition, with the box and papers. Not unfired, but very good.

Last week I found another one, this one with a couple of scratches, six inch barrel, and Magna stocks. Sorry, no pictures at this time, it's still on layaway. It's a nice looking gun, and mechanically tight as a tick. No box or papers. It had a considerable lower price, but I'm sure the prices I pay here in Virginia will be of no help in California.

If I was going to pick one barrel length, I'd take the four inch. They just look "right" to me. The longer barrel gun always look muzzle heavy. They're not really, they just look it.

I don't shoot many magnum rounds. Actually none. Arthritus in my hands and wrists, so I limit my ammo choices pretty much to wadcutters and 158 gr LRN ammo these days. With any of the N frame guns, recoil doesn't seem to much more than with a 22.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Joed49]

I've owned K, L and N frame .357's. I sold a model 28 to buy a model 19, twenty five years later I bought another model 28.

Had one L frame, the 686+ with 2" barrel if I recall.

Hands down, my favorite is the K frame. No other revolver fits my hand as well as the K frame or points so naturally to the target.

I've owned 3 model 28's, 1 model 27, 3 model 19's and 1 model 66. The 66 is staying, I won't part with it, I like it as much as I ever liked the 19.

The model 19 is a light weight gun designed to be carried all day long where the 28 gets heavy for me after awhile.

The L frame? Well, I'm not a fan after owning the K frame. It just seems bulkier than I want to carry.

 

[stmry]

..............

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

N frames are the best fit for my hand

 

[1 Sergeant]

I have 2 model 19's a 2 1/2 inch and a 6 inch love them both, just aquired a model 28 with a 6 inch aswell that I had to have. I consider my 19's my Sunday guns and the 28 my working 6 day a week gun if that makes sence the little Model 19 loves the Sundays.

 

[Tunachaser]

My favorite is the K frame, but I am a novice here.