686 confusion?

ms6852 · July 29, 2012, 12:27 AM

I have a 686 S&W and was trying to purchase a holster that would accomodate my colt and S&W. The vendor of the holster stated that I needed to order it as a K frame for the 686, I always thought it was an L-frame revolver.

Would appreciate anyone that could tell me the difference between the K-frame and L-frame. Thanks.

bamaranger · July 29, 2012, 12:50 AM

Your vendor is wrong. The L is a distinct frame size larger than a K. L frames will take K grips, but the overall frame is bigger and an L will NOT fit in a K holster.

Whether or not your Python and an L will interchange holsters I cannot say. But the nickname for an L frame was Smython!!!

ms6852 · July 29, 2012, 01:15 AM

Thanks for the confirmation and quick response, it is amazing what this vendors at the gunshows are willing to sell you for a quick buck. What happenend to integrity and honesty?

dahermit · July 29, 2012, 07:27 AM

On the other hand, I have frequently seen holsters that are listed for sale as fitting both the K and L frame S&W's from which I draw the inference that the size is close enough to fit both.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...er&_osacat=382

pete2 · July 29, 2012, 08:09 AM

If the holster is made to fit the K frame it won't fit the L frame. If it's for the L frame it will work with the K because the K is smaller. The K would be a loose fit unless the holster has a way to tighten it. Safariland makes a holster that can be adjusted for the K or L frame gun.

BigJimP · July 29, 2012, 01:05 PM

the 686 will not fit in a traditional K frame holster ....or at least on holsters meant to fit one size ( like Kramer leather - which I like very much )....

If you're looking to carry it - you need a specific holster....but if its just a range gun / then I'd get an N frame holster ...and use it for the 686's / and the N frames like model 27's, 28's, 29's or 629's as well...

ms6852 · July 29, 2012, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the tips guy, I'll check out safariland holsters. It won't be for carry but more for the range or when hunting as a back up gun.

Sport45 · July 30, 2012, 12:38 AM

Quote:

But the nickname for an L frame was Smython!!!

I thought that was a S&W barrel on a Colt frame or vice-versa.

ms6852 · July 30, 2012, 06:25 AM

Regardless the both shoot equally great.

jmr40 · July 30, 2012, 08:46 AM

Most of the inexpensive nylon holsters will fit K,L or N frame revolvers. Even some cheap leather holsters will work with more than 1 frame size. If you are looking for a better quaility leather holster or one of the molded plastic they you have to be specific.

July 29, 2012, 12:27 AM	#1
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	686 confusion? I have a 686 S&W and was trying to purchase a holster that would accomodate my colt and S&W. The vendor of the holster stated that I needed to order it as a K frame for the 686, I always thought it was an L-frame revolver. Would appreciate anyone that could tell me the difference between the K-frame and L-frame. Thanks. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

July 29, 2012, 12:50 AM	#2
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	wrong Your vendor is wrong. The L is a distinct frame size larger than a K. L frames will take K grips, but the overall frame is bigger and an L will NOT fit in a K holster. Whether or not your Python and an L will interchange holsters I cannot say. But the nickname for an L frame was Smython!!!

July 29, 2012, 01:15 AM	#3
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	Thanks for the confirmation and quick response, it is amazing what this vendors at the gunshows are willing to sell you for a quick buck. What happenend to integrity and honesty? __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

July 29, 2012, 09:46 PM	#7
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	Thanks for the tips guy, I'll check out safariland holsters. It won't be for carry but more for the range or when hunting as a back up gun. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

July 30, 2012, 06:25 AM	#9
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	Regardless the both shoot equally great. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

July 29, 2012, 07:27 AM	#4
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	On the other hand, I have frequently seen holsters that are listed for sale as fitting both the K and L frame S&W's from which I draw the inference that the size is close enough to fit both. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...er&_osacat=382

July 29, 2012, 08:09 AM	#5
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	If the holster is made to fit the K frame it won't fit the L frame. If it's for the L frame it will work with the K because the K is smaller. The K would be a loose fit unless the holster has a way to tighten it. Safariland makes a holster that can be adjusted for the K or L frame gun.

July 29, 2012, 01:05 PM	#6
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	the 686 will not fit in a traditional K frame holster ....or at least on holsters meant to fit one size ( like Kramer leather - which I like very much ).... If you're looking to carry it - you need a specific holster....but if its just a range gun / then I'd get an N frame holster ...and use it for the 686's / and the N frames like model 27's, 28's, 29's or 629's as well...

July 30, 2012, 08:46 AM	#10
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Most of the inexpensive nylon holsters will fit K,L or N frame revolvers. Even some cheap leather holsters will work with more than 1 frame size. If you are looking for a better quaility leather holster or one of the molded plastic they you have to be specific.