BigDave Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 Revolver newbie has a question. What are the differences between the S&W frame models? Are there certain advantages to one over another? I know that the 610 is an N frame and I've heard that the 646 is an N frame. What about the 625, or 25-2? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intel6 Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 The only differences are size. K & L are basically the same size (grip) while the N frame is bigger all around. Any of the big (fat) cartridge revolvers are N frames. The 25's and 625 are both N frames. As far as advantages, some don't like the bigger grip that the N frame has and are better suited with the K/L frame. The other items are weight and caliber shoice. The N frame is bigger and heavier and while you can get an N frame in .357 you can't get the K/L in 10mm/44 MAG/.45 ACP/45 colt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spook Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 Intel is right. Only size, and you have the square butts and the round butts. My smith prefers K and L frames, because (he says) they're smaller, so all moving parts and forces can be smaller/lighter, resulting in a nicer trigger. I believed him, until I saw that Jerry Miculek set all of his records with N frames . I doesn't matter that much. Maybe on a "feel" level, but I think you can become world champion with any frame if you're good enough. The guy who came in second at the World Shoot (behind Jerry) shot minor with a K or L frame. He had 84% of jerry Miculek. That is awesome. It doesn't matter that much. (Edited by spook at 2:12 pm on Jan. 10, 2003) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Moore Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 k frame is strickley small bore stuff like 38 special. l frame is for the 38/357, shoot either one. you can't shoot 357 in a k frame. n frame is for the 40/10mm and 45, 44. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spook Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 Limited40, there are .357 magnum K-frames. Like the 66. They're less durable though when using lots of "hot loads". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twix Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 Big 'N heavy. You'll like the N just fine. Heck, as big as you are you might be wishing there was a "P" frame.Try this link http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/ for more info and pics than anyone truly needs. (Edited by twix at 7:58 am on Jan. 10, 2003) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George D Posted January 10, 2003 Share Posted January 10, 2003 The first Smith 357 was an N-frame (M27). The market then wanted a smaller lighter gun so the M19 and M66 were introduced in the K-frame. It was then dicovered that the smaller frame didn't handle the 357 over long periods. The L-frame was introduced with the K-frame grip but beefed up where it counts. The M686 is a fine revolver with a full underlug and an accurate barrel. However, I'd still opt for an N-frame over all other due to their weight and balance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eak Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 The first Smith 357 was an N-frame (M27). The market then wanted a smaller lighter gun so the M19 and M66 were introduced in the K-frame. It was then dicovered that the smaller frame didn't handle the 357 over long periods. The L-frame was introduced with the K-frame grip but beefed up where it counts. The M686 is a fine revolver with a full underlug and an accurate barrel. However, I'd still opt for an N-frame over all other due to their weight and balance. This post is the whole story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bosshoss Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 8 year old thread back from the dead. Still a good read and needs updated with the X frame The first Smith 357 was an N-frame (M27). The market then wanted a smaller lighter gun so the M19 and M66 were introduced in the K-frame. It was then dicovered that the smaller frame didn't handle the 357 over long periods. The L-frame was introduced with the K-frame grip but beefed up where it counts. The M686 is a fine revolver with a full underlug and an accurate barrel. However, I'd still opt for an N-frame over all other due to their weight and balance. This post is the whole story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerflyer48 Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I have a K frame 19 that was a PPC revolver,.. until I used alot of .357s in it ( 4 1/2 Lbs. shot really soft ) found out why the L fame is taller..6 o'clock support to the forcing cone area..which took care of splitting other than that I believe the K and N are the same.. split forcing cone 20 years ago,.. it is on the list to get fixed, someday , new barrel and probably a new rib ( long story ) John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmetto Sharpshooter Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 The 646 is a L-frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Lambert Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 The grips are interchangeable I prefer the K/L with N grips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) you can't shoot 357 in a k frame. Sure you can. The models 19, 65, 66, etc., were all K-frames and all .357. Yes, you actually can shoot .357 out of them, and there are plenty of used ones around. And, unlike the L-frame 686, I'm not aware of any K-frame competitors having their cylinder come off during a reload. N-frames are fine guns, but a bit too big for folks with smaller hands. Edited November 8, 2011 by M1911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ichetucknee Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 (edited) I think a four inch k- frame revolver like a model 19 or 66 are one of the best balanced revolvers a person can have. That said, a lot of guys go with L- framed guns like the 686. Edited November 10, 2011 by ichetucknee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I think a four inch k- frame revolver like a model 19 or 66 are one of the best balanced revolvers a person can have. Exactly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Texas Granny Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I think a four inch k- frame revolver like a model 19 or 66 are one of the best balanced revolvers a person can have. Exactly! I concur but I do love my 25-2, 25-5 and model 58. Now don't get me wrong I would never turn down a 586 or a 31-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've never shot a 25. So many guns, so little money... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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