Smith & Wesson frames

[hog slayer]

Sense of the Smith & Wesson frame sizes? I realize that they were Factory designators, and never intended to be used as common lingo. I'm just trying to sort it out and see if there's an easy way to remember this. You don't find frame sizes in the Smith & Wesson catalog, however if you want to buy a holster you'd better know the frame size. I just went and compared a 686 4 inch revolver and a 617 to see if holsters would be common comma and the guy behind the counter says that they're different frame sizes and they won't fit. But that doesn't appear to be correct as I put them side-by-side. I was told that the 617 is AK frame, and the 686 is an L frame.

 

[Hopper]

This should help:

If you want to get particular about which model # is which frame size, the Smith & Wesson Revolver home page allows you to sort accordingly.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/revolvers

 

[hog slayer]

I like pictures! Thank you. I still don't guess I understand what the difference between the K and the L frame is.

 

[indiucky]

I like pictures! Thank you. I still don't guess I understand what the difference between the K and the L frame is.

L is beefier...Came about in the 1980's due to frame cutting on the K frames after too many hot .357 magnums went through them...Ruger was not having that problem with their revolvers and Smith felt like it was something they needed to rectify...The same grips work for either as only the frame was beefed up...

Then the wonder nines came out and the question became moot...

 

[hog slayer]

so it's a top strap thing?

 

[indiucky]

so it's a top strap thing?

Kind of...More a frame length thing with a wee bit more beef...Here is a good photo..

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Can we discuss M and I frames too?

 

[indiucky]

Can we discuss M and I frames too?

You're too young to know about such things....

 

[Kirk Freeman]

You're too young to know about such things....

Um, yeah, let's go with that.

 

[snorko]

Mmmmm, naked frame porn...

 

[indiucky]

Um, yeah, let's go with that.

They are dang cute...

I have never had an M....Are you saying you do? And of so which Ladysmith is it???? Inquiring minds need to know....

 

[Kirk Freeman]

They are dang cute...

I have never had an M....Are you saying you do? And of so which Ladysmith is it???? Inquiring minds need to know....

Yes, I have an M . . . or two . . . or several.

 

[indiucky]

Yes, I have an M . . . or two . . . or several.

 

[kscessnadriver]

Anyone who is confused on the older semi-auto side can use this as a decent place to try to figure out what the different model numbers are. http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-smith-wesson-semi-automatic-models/