Frame Designation

[Ed Russell]

I have a model 14-3 that was bought new in the early 70' s Is this an N frame revolver?

 

[Doc44]

It is a K-frame revolver.

Bill

 

[Ed Russell]

I thought K was prior to 1963

 

[Doc44]

K-frame (and later the L-frame) is the mid-size frame used by S&W (examples are the Model 14, 15, 17, 19, etc.). The Model 27, 28, 29, and 57 are examples of N-frame (large frame) revolvers.

Bill

 

[Ed Russell]

Was asking because my K-22 is a lot smaller frame than this 5" 14-3 with vent rib.

 

[410bore]

Was asking because my K-22 is a lot smaller frame than this 5" 14-3 with vent rib.

a K22 and a Model 14 have the same frame, the K frame....your 14 sounds modified if it has a "vent rib"

 

[Ed Russell]

It was my dads that he used to shoot combat competition with in the 70's on the Columbus ohio Police dept. I remember hearing him say many times it was one of a kind and custom built to his design with machined barrel posts for vent rib and ramp sight. I also remember him telling me there wasn't a 14-3 made with a 5 " barrell or ramp sight so you are probably right. That's why it looks bigger than the k-22. Thanks. Ed

 

[C Islander]

Sounds like it was built for PPC. There were some really cool custom guns built in the day.

 

[H Richard]

The designation is the size of the gun. The frame sizes are: M = Ladysmith, a tiny little .22 long revolver discontinued a long time ago.
I = small compact revolvers, it eventually became the J frame when they enlarged the grip frame and the trigger guard.
J = the compact size for carry gun's. chambered in .22, .32, .38,.357.
K = The medium size frame, the workhorse combat masterpieces, M&P's, Mod #10,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19.
L = The beefed up medium size. Made especially for the .357 Magnum,
N = The large frame. .357, .44 mag, .44 Special, .45 colt, .45 ACP, and others.
X = the extra large frame, for the .460 and .500 Magnums.

 

[donadler]

Smith & Wesson model changes


Has some good info here