Magnum "J" Frame

[tguil]

When did S&W change to the magnum frame for its "J" frames? Was the original Model 36 ever built on this frame?

 

[diamonback68]

It was changed to the magnum frame with the 60-9 stainless in 1996 to handle the .357 Mag. The 36 blue was changed to the magnum frame with the 36-9, but was 38 +P rated.

 

[hdguy]

What were the main changes. Was it a stretch in the frame to accomodate a longer cylinder?

 

[colt_saa]

What were the main changes. Was it a stretch in the frame to accomodate a longer cylinder?

The frame was totally redesigned to make it stronger. There are many little subtle visual differences.

For example, the cylinder stop is no longer a pin that is hammered/presssed into the frame after the frame has been machined, now it is integrally milled by the CNC Mill. In fact it is CNC Mills that make the J-magnum possible.

Naturally one of the changes was also a longer frame window.