K frame vs L frame

Dueeast

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Is there much size difference if any? I have smaller hands and my 686 is just about at the limit for me. Would a 66 or 19 be better suited? Thanks.
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Is there much size difference if any? I have smaller hands and my 686 is just about at the limit for me. Would a 66 or 19 be better suited? Thanks.
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The grips on the K frames and L frames are virtually the same size. The size difference is in the part of the frame that surrounds the cylinder which was beefed-up to allow use of light weight .357 bullets which had been causing problems with the K frames.
 
The frame size in the grip area are the same for K & L frame guns.

Their stocks/grips are inter-changeable, so a switch to a K frame gun will not help you.

Try a different set of stocks on your L frame. There are lots of different sizes available from different makers. Have you tried the smaller S&W Magna stocks with a T-Grip --- that may be a good place to start.

Don
 
I agree with the other posters -- there's no discernable difference between a K and an L. Grips make a big difference. Some grips are thinner than others or swell less at the palm than others and that makes a real difference. Also, some shooters are comfortable with finger grooves and others not.
 
The physical size of the grip is the same but the K's will be lighter out front and thus easier to hold on to. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
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Originally posted by Dueeast:
Is there much size difference if any? I have smaller hands and my 686 is just about at the limit for me. Would a 66 or 19 be better suited? Thanks.
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YES. I find the K frame with 4" barrel to be the perfect fit for size and balance, the L frame guns ride a little high and feel topheavy. Try a 66 and see what I mean.
 
Originally posted by Photoman44:
The physical size of the grip is the same but the K's will be lighter out front and thus easier to hold on to. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
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The lower bore axis on the K also makes the recoil feel less snappy. Lower bore axis gives the recoil less leverage to twist your wrist joint. That's why "gripping high" gives better control.
 
Actually, an N frame if used with Magna, not target grips, is just about the same size as the K/L guns. Try one before you make up your mind, just for fun.

I throw that suggestion around because depending on your use, you may decide that you like it. The entire trend in handguns has been to bigger and more powerful calibers, and generally to giants with huge hands. I just assume that there really are guys out there that want/need those enormous handles. That pretty much ruins the market for normal folks.

But the rule of which to buy remains the same. If you're going to carry it much, the M66 (or 19) is significantly better. If you're not going to carry it, but only shoot it at a range, buy the 686 (or 586 to save money because you really won't be needing the stainless if that's going to be its service.)
 
dueeast -
Keep your eye on the classifieds for a set of Herrett grips, they are a little slimmer (to my hand) and feel great to me. A friend and I just had this discussion about the targets feeling "fat". I got a K and an L out of the safe that both wore Herretts and they felt noticably better.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
 
Why not modify a pair to fit just you? I couldn't find a pair of N Frame RB that I liked for a 24-3, so I bought a pair of Kelly's Finger groove, round to square, grips and ground the finger groves nearly all off and shortened at the base by 3/8". They fit my hand just right, (on the thinner side), and work well in my Simply Rugged holster. These N Frame's are nearly smaller than stock K's.
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What grips are on your 686 now? If the backstrap is not exposed you can use grips that do expose the backstrap and have a smaller overall grip circumference.
 
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