The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - How does a S&W K Frame revolver stand up to 357 magnum?

18DAI · August 14, 2008, 02:48 PM

The 620 is actually an L-frame. I don't own one, so I won't opine further on that model.

I do own 23 K-frame revolvers. They stand up very well to 158 grain 357's. The lighter, faster, hotter 110 and 125 grain 357's are tough on the K-frame magnums. They peen the forcing cone and stretch the topstrap, when fired in abundance. how many 110, and 125 grain 357's to damage a K-frame? Your guess is as good as anyones.

My high round count K-frames are a 19-4 with just over 12,000 rounds through it, 2300 or so being 158 grain 357's, and a 66-2 with untold rounds through it. Many were hot 357 loads, based on the forcing cone erosion, and flame cutting on the topstrap. The 66-2 is just starting to develope some endshake. It still shoots like a laser, and regularly prints a 1" cloverleaf at 15 yards, using WWB 38's.

If you don't want the 357 power, a pre lock model 10 is a very fine revolver that will last you a lifetime. They are extremely accurate, and can easily handle 38+P. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI.

August 14, 2008, 02:48 PM	#2
18DAI Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2005 Location: NC Posts: 2,156	The 620 is actually an L-frame. I don't own one, so I won't opine further on that model. I do own 23 K-frame revolvers. They stand up very well to 158 grain 357's. The lighter, faster, hotter 110 and 125 grain 357's are tough on the K-frame magnums. They peen the forcing cone and stretch the topstrap, when fired in abundance. how many 110, and 125 grain 357's to damage a K-frame? Your guess is as good as anyones. My high round count K-frames are a 19-4 with just over 12,000 rounds through it, 2300 or so being 158 grain 357's, and a 66-2 with untold rounds through it. Many were hot 357 loads, based on the forcing cone erosion, and flame cutting on the topstrap. The 66-2 is just starting to develope some endshake. It still shoots like a laser, and regularly prints a 1" cloverleaf at 15 yards, using WWB 38's. If you don't want the 357 power, a pre lock model 10 is a very fine revolver that will last you a lifetime. They are extremely accurate, and can easily handle 38+P. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI. __________________ S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum. Everything you need in a revolver, and nothing you don't.