Frames? Can someone please explain? - Page 2

**4V50 Gary** · April 4, 2018, 09:18 PM

Thanks Mike. I learned from you today.

LilPewPew · April 5, 2018, 12:24 PM

So based on this info I think my .357 mag Ruger is an L frame. It is like a special security model if that has anything to do with it. But is this a correct assumption.

HighValleyRanch · April 5, 2018, 02:06 PM

The Ruger's don't use the J, K, L, or N designation.
But maybe you are comparing the Ruger's size to the Smith versions?
The Ruger Security six is very slightly larger than the K, but not as big as the L version.

aarondhgraham · April 5, 2018, 02:45 PM

All four of the common S&W frame sizes:

Top to bottom:

629 N-frame in .44 Magnum
686 L-frame in .357 Magnum
67 K-frame in .38 Special
63 J-frame in .22 LR

Aarond

.

**Mike Irwin** · April 6, 2018, 06:56 AM

"I THINK it's an "I" frame, but I'm not sure at this point if it's an "I" an "Improved I" or what, but it gives you an idea of the size."

The red box means that it could be either an I frame or an Improved I frame.

Easy way to tell which, though...

If it has a strain screw on the bottom front grip strap, it's an I frame.

If there's no strain screw, its an Improved I frame.

I can tell you that it is a later production gun because it appears to have the modern single piece ejector rod, as opposed to the early mushroom head or the later fat sleeve.

10-96 · April 7, 2018, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Does the type of from offer a mechanical or ergonomic advantage over one design over the other?

I don't know your stature or how you're screwed together, but to answer your question... from another perspective. I'm not a big feller at 5'10' / 215, but I once took the notion to see if it might be possible to get even somewhat accustomed to CCing an N Frame 4" M28 in .357 Magnum. I believe that decision might rank pretty far up on the list of my all time bad ideas. That was a lot of weight tugging on my breeches, totally threw off my alignment, had a tendency to walk around in right hand circles unless I tied a counterweight brick to my left side. It took 2 weeks for me to decide: This ain't fun. Nobody's paying me for this type of suffering. And, I've got much lighter pea shooters to walk around with.

Don't get me wrong- N-Frames are heaven on earth to shoot, but unless you can hire a Sherpa kid to carry it for you, smaller lighter revolvers sure gain some appeal.

April 4, 2018, 09:18 PM	#26
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	Thanks Mike. I learned from you today. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 5, 2018, 02:06 PM	#28
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,066	The Ruger's don't use the J, K, L, or N designation. But maybe you are comparing the Ruger's size to the Smith versions? The Ruger Security six is very slightly larger than the K, but not as big as the L version. __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

April 5, 2018, 02:45 PM	#29
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Here is a good comaprison picture,,, All four of the common S&W frame sizes: Top to bottom: 629 N-frame in .44 Magnum 686 L-frame in .357 Magnum 67 K-frame in .38 Special 63 J-frame in .22 LR Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

April 6, 2018, 06:56 AM	#30
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	"I THINK it's an "I" frame, but I'm not sure at this point if it's an "I" an "Improved I" or what, but it gives you an idea of the size." The red box means that it could be either an I frame or an Improved I frame. Easy way to tell which, though... If it has a strain screw on the bottom front grip strap, it's an I frame. If there's no strain screw, its an Improved I frame. I can tell you that it is a later production gun because it appears to have the modern single piece ejector rod, as opposed to the early mushroom head or the later fat sleeve. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 5, 2018, 12:24 PM	#27
LilPewPew Member Join Date: April 1, 2018 Posts: 42	So based on this info I think my .357 mag Ruger is an L frame. It is like a special security model if that has anything to do with it. But is this a correct assumption.