Different Frame Revolvers

[dreppucci007]

I was viewing jhrosier's Classified Ad, and item E4 "Pachmeyer grip for Colt D-Frame" and don't know what a D-Frame is. Could someone please tell me if my Python is a D-Frame revolver, or other? I would very much appreciate some help.

While we're on the subject of X-Frames, could somebody PLEASE explain to me the difference between the different frames (i.e. D-Frame, J-Frame, N-Frame, etc.). Again, information is MUCH appreciated.

 

[Pilgrim]

Here's 3 different sized SW frames:

They are, from bottom to top: a J-frame, a K-frame, and an N-frame

I don't have an L or X frame..yet. The L is barely larger than the k-frame, it's sometimes even hard to tell without a direct comparison.

I haven't ever seen an I frame. I don' think the D-frame is an S&W size.

 

[Rob Boudrie]

"D Frame" is the Colt designation for the frame size used on the now extinct Detective Special and various incarnations (Cobra, Aircrew, Cobra).

 

[jhrosier]

Interesting article, mostly about S&W frame sizes:
http://anarchangel.blogspot.com/2006/06/jklnx.html

more info on S&W frames from www.grips4guns.com :

Smith and Wesson Revolvers are classified by size and designated with a letter. There are three basic sizes:

J Frame: .38 Special and 9mm. This is the smallest frame. Early models may have a square butt or a round butt but all later models have round butts.

K/L Frame: .38 Special and .357 Magnum. This is the medium frame revolver which may have a square butt or a round butt, but all later models (since mid 1990's) have round butts.

N Frame: .41 and .44 Magnum. This is the large frame revolver which may have a square butt or a round butt, but all later models (since mid 1990's) have round butts.

J Frame Round Butt (.38 Special and 9mm)
Models 242, 296, 31, 34, 36, 38, 317, 331, 332, 337, 342, 40, 42, 042, 43, 49, 442, 65, 631, 632, 640, 642, 651, 940

J Frame Square Butt (.38 Special)
34 ( Kit gun .22/.32 post 1960), 35 ( post 1960), 36, 37, 38, 49, 51, 60, 640, 649, 650, 651

K & L Frame Round Butt (.38 Special and .357 Magnum)
10 (post 1994), 13, 19, 30, 500, 64, 65, 66 (post 1995), 686

K & L Frame Square Butt (.38 Special and .357 Magnum)
K-32, 10 (pre 1994), 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 17 Plus, 18, 19, 31, 32, 33, 34(pre 1960), 35 (pre 1960), 48, 66, 67, 547, 581, 586, 617 Plus, 648, 681, 686

N Frame Round Butt (.41 and .44 Magnum)
29, 610, 625, 627, 629 & Magna Classic

N Frame Square Butt (.41 and .44 Magnum)
20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 520, 610, 625, 629, 657 & .44 Classic Hunter

 

[jhrosier]

There is, BTW, a difference between "frame size" and "grip frame size".
The S&W K and L frames are definately different sizes but their grip frames are the same size (they use the same sized grips.)
I believe that the new S&W X frame has the same grip size as the N frame.

 

[Pilgrim]

A few inaccuracies:

the 332 and 337 are .32 mags

the 17, 17plus are .22 lr

the 25, 27, 625, 627 are .45acp

that's all I notice right now, but it is a good overall guide.

ETA: yup on the grip sizes..except for the X. It actually uses the K frame grip.

 

[jhrosier]

A few inaccuracies:

the 332 and 337 are .32 mags

the 17, 17plus are .22 lr

the 25, 27, 625, 627 are .45acp

that's all I notice right now, but it is a good overall guide.

ETA: yup on the grip sizes.

Pilgrim,
I don't think that hte calibers listed on the Grips4guns website was intended to be all inclusive, just a general guide to frame sizes.
Jack

 

[Pilgrim]

You're probbly right. I was just pointing out some inaccuracies in the report.

 

[jhrosier]

from TFL:

Frame sizes for Colt are:
"D"--Detective Special, Diamondback, Viper, Cobra.
"I"--Python, Trooper, Official Police, Officer's Model Match.
"J"--Trooper Mark 3, Lawman, Metro Police, King Cobra.
"New Service"--New Service, 1917, Shooting Master.
"AA"--Anaconda.

 

[jhrosier]

.....
ETA: yup on the grip sizes..except for the X. It actually uses the K frame grip.

Pilgrim,
Thanks for the correction.

BTW, I spent a half hour earlier today fitting a pair of grips to my S&W M57
before I realized that they were L frame grips, not N frame.
So I put them on an L frame.

.

 

[TY43215]

A few inaccuracies:

the 332 and 337 are .32 mags

the 17, 17plus are .22 lr

the 25, 27, 625, 627 are .45acp

that's all I notice right now, but it is a good overall guide.

ETA: yup on the grip sizes..except for the X. It actually uses the K frame grip.

S&W Model 27 is 38spl/357MAG 627 is same and also 38SUPER but never 45 anything.

S&W Frame sizes have been made in many different calibers over the years. Trying to narrow the frame to a caliber will always find exceptions. Example: 10MM/40S&W, 44/40, 45Colt, 45ACP, 22JET, and a lot more.

Regards,

 

[Pilgrim]

S&W Model 27 is 38spl/357MAG 627 is same and also 38SUPER but never 45 anything.

Regards,

You're right, I shouldn't try posting detailed stuff at midnight !