Any revolvers in size between M36 and L/K frames?
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jonesy814
Member
S&W frame sizes in current production are the J-frame, like the model 36, then the K, L, N and X-frame
Cal44
Member
Colt Detective Special is a 6 shot revolver a little bigger than a M36
Doug M.
Member
As I recall, there was an experimental frame size (the "C" frame?) that went nowhere. I do not think any of those test platforms survived, but it's not my knowledge set and I had never heard of them until someone who actually knew what he was saying discussed them here. My understanding is that it was between the J and K.
With that exception, which I mention only to be clear, the frame sizes in recent/current production are the J like your 36; the K (original hand ejector/M&P revolvers and their derivatives like the Combat Masterpiece, the Targets guns, and Combat Magnums); the L (just a bit bigger than the K: 586/686 etc); the N (357 Magnum/M27, .41 and 44 magnums, and the 45ACP and Colt revolvers), and the X (460 and 500). I did them in order of size, from smallest to largest. The "I" frames preceded the "J", and are just a bit smaller. At least some of the models originally made on the I are now on the J. This is NOT a complete listing, but just examples of the models in the various frame sizes.
With that exception, which I mention only to be clear, the frame sizes in recent/current production are the J like your 36; the K (original hand ejector/M&P revolvers and their derivatives like the Combat Masterpiece, the Targets guns, and Combat Magnums); the L (just a bit bigger than the K: 586/686 etc); the N (357 Magnum/M27, .41 and 44 magnums, and the 45ACP and Colt revolvers), and the X (460 and 500). I did them in order of size, from smallest to largest. The "I" frames preceded the "J", and are just a bit smaller. At least some of the models originally made on the I are now on the J. This is NOT a complete listing, but just examples of the models in the various frame sizes.
OFT II
US Veteran
Doug's right. There was a model 73 made on the C frame. They're about as scarce as an honest politician.
Colt's D-frames will get you the extra, 6th, shot...and you can use your K-frame loaders with them. Nice bonus.
The Colt Detective Special, Agent, and Courier, and maybe Diamondback. I carry an Agent with a hammer shroud which makes it function sort of like a Bodyguard. The difference in size and weight compared to a J frame is nil. But that round number six is sure nice to have. The Agent is an alloy frame version. The DS is steel. Not sure about the Courier.
Frames are the same size but there are slightly larger guns than your " model 36 pocket gun." w/ ,I'm assuming, a 2" barrel.
There is a J-Frame with a 5" barrel ( not many thought) and a number of 3" 36/60s w/ fixed and adjustable sights ......
In fact my favorite J frame is a 3" Model 60-10 w/ a heavy under lugged barrel in .357 magnum....... think micro 686
There is a J-Frame with a 5" barrel ( not many thought) and a number of 3" 36/60s w/ fixed and adjustable sights ......
In fact my favorite J frame is a 3" Model 60-10 w/ a heavy under lugged barrel in .357 magnum....... think micro 686
The 3" J-frames with full-lugged barrels, target sights, and hand filling grips seem MUCH larger than the snubbie J-frames with boot grips. They seem (for me anyway) to shoot much more like K-frames than J-frames and have become my favorite field guns.
riverrat38
US Veteran
Currently, Ruger makes a SP101 revolver that is a few ounces heavier than the same barrel length J frames. Still 5 shot in .357. I think they do a 6 shot 327 Federal MAG.
Best,
Rick
Best,
Rick
Engine49guy
Member
If you want a S&W slightly bigger than a RB 36/37 snub but smaller than a Model 10/12
check out the 3" SB version of the 36/37 or a 36-1 HB or the new Magnum J frames .
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