A Simple S&W Question

[RASteele]

I understand that S&W revolvers have different frame styles: P, K, J, N, etc. What do each of these mean? How can I tell what frame a revolver is?

[popplecop]

Basically since the mid 50s they run J frame, K frame< L frame, N Frame and now X frame. J is the smallest in 38 sp. they were a 5 shot, 22 rfs were 6 shot, K frame was mostly the various 38s and 357s in Md. 19, 13 & 66s. 22 rfs were 17s & 14s?. L frames are 357s, Nframes were 38 spl, 357, 41, 44, 45 Colt and acp. Some Ks were made in 9mm, 32 S& W. Some J frames were made in 32 S&W and now they make it in .357 mag. also. J was the smallest up to X being humungeous. I missed a number of calibers in the various frame sizes, but you could write a pretty good sized book on the variations. Best I could do of the top of my head.

[RASteele]

So,... the letter denotes the caliber size?

[TreeDoc]

No, the letter denotes the frame size. For example, I have a 625
Mountain Gun (45 Colt) and a 629 Mountain Gun (44 Rem Mag) and a regular model 625 chambered in 45 ACP. They are all built on the "N" frame.

[RASteele]

Ah,... got it. Thanks!