Deutsche Version
Smith & Wesson Revolver Frames
In the long-lasting history of Smith & Wesson, the company has developped different kinds of frames. You will find the most important distinctive features for the common frame types in the following survey.
Smith & Wesson J frame round butt
New type
For different reasons Smith & Wesson has integrated the bolt into the frame on the revolvers. Therefore, a slight alteration in contour results on the J frames in the back area of the grip frame. The clearest features for distinction of the frames can be seen on the marked spots. Due to the differences in measurement, we offer two different grip types with open back, in order to avoid that either the frame or the wooden grip sticks out.
Smith & Wesson J frame round butt
New type with internal hammer
This frame type without hammer on the outside has been developped for concealed carrying (so that the revolver cannot stick to the clothes).
Smith & Wesson J frame round butt
Old type
For many decades, Smith & Wesson has fabricated revolvers with J frame - the old version is slightly narrower in the back area of the fork junction between thumb and index finger. Our grips with open back have been adapted to this frame contour. Please see the difference in the area of the marked spots.
Smith & Wesson J frame square butt
This frame type is not very popular and has no longer been produced by Smith & Wesson since 1995. There is just a small difference between round butt and square butt frames - as you can see from the direct comparison of the two photos.
Smith & Wesson L frame round butt
For many years, Smith & Wesson has only produced short-barreled revolvers with round butt frames. Since 1995, all S&W revolvers are supplied with round butt frames. The most important distinctive features to determine the frame size (L) are the drum diameter (approx. 39,5 mm) and the measurement (4,5 - 5,0 mm) on the spot marked with two arrows. Due to its slim shape, the round butt frame offers a great variety of possibilities for the grip design. With regard to the grip fastening, the measurements are identical for K frames (drum diameter 36,5 mm) and L frames.
Smith & Wesson L frame square butt
This frame was mostly produced on revolvers with a barrel length of at least 4" until 1995. The essential characteristics for the determination of the frame size (L) are the drum diameter (approx. 39,5 mm) and the measurement (4,5 - 5,0 mm) on the spot marked with two arrows. In comparison with the round butt frame, the contour of the square butt frame widens downwards bell-shaped. This reduces the possibilities of grip design for this frame type. With regard to the grip fastening, the measurements are identical for K frames (drum diameter 36,5 mm) and L frames.
Smith & Wesson N frame square butt
Until 2003, the N frame was the largest frame type on Smith & Wesson revolvers. The N frame square butt with its downwards widened bell-shaped contour was only produced until 1995 for the models 27/28/29/629 as well as for various special models. The most important distinctive features to determine the frame size (N) are the drum diameter (approx. 43,2 mm) and the measurement (6,5 - 7,0 mm) on the spot marked with two arrows. The possibilities of grip design are also slightly reduced for this frame type with the downwards sliding contour. Nevertheless, we can offer a variety of ergonomically well shaped grips fitting the N frame square butt revolvers.
Smith & Wesson N frame round butt
In 1995, the design of N frame revolvers changed from the well-known angular square butt type to the round butt type. The most important distinctive features to determine the frame size (N) are the drum diameter (approx. 43,2 mm) and the measurement (6,5 - 7,0 mm) on the spot marked with two arrows. This frame type is mostly found on revolvers with caliber .44 magnum. Moreover, the N frame type is also used for model 627 with caliber .357 magnum as well as for model 610 with caliber 10 mm auto. When comparing the two photos of the different N frame types, the clearly angular or rounded shape of the frame is remarkable.
