question about frames.

[ny hunter]

Hey guys I need help.MrVJP if your out there?I have a Smith&Wesson 686 and a586.I went to get a new holster and the gentleman confused me to no end.I thought these are K frame revolvers,but he said no they are L frame.He did not look it up but I am almost sure they are K frame.I have the boxes in storage so I did'nt look.Any thoughts.

[Mr VJP]

The "L"-frame family of revolvers is  one of the youngest and smallest of all S&W families. It was  announced in 1980 with four models, all chambered in .357 magnum - 581,  681, 586 and 686. All those revolvers were similar in design, and  differed only in materials and sight types: models 581 and 586 were  carbon steel, 681 and 686 - stainless steel; models 581 and 681 had  fixed rear sights, models 586 and 686 had adjustable sights.

The idea  behind the whole "L"-frame family was to create revolvers, strong  enough to withstand a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum ammunition  while being comfortable to carry for long periods. Basically, these  guns were intended as "ideal" service revolvers in 357 magnum. Previous  S&W revolvers in .357 Magnum had some drawbacks from that point of  view: K-frame revolvers like Model 19 or Model 66 were light but not  strong enough for constant usage of powerful ammunition; N-framed  guns, like Model 28 or Model 627 were exceptionally strong, but also  too big and heavy. So "L"-framed guns were born as compromise between K  and N frames - grip part of the "L" frame is similar to "K" frame, and  cylinder part is much stronger, like that of "N" frame.

"L"-framed revolvers quickly became a  real success, and were adopted and still are used by many police  departments across USA. They also became popular across civilian  shooters who needed powerful and strong, but moderately sized revolver.  Later, S&W developed a set of revolvers in .44 Spl, based on the  same frame - models 696 (stainless steel), 296 AirLite Ti (with  Bodyguard-like shrouded hammer) and 396 AirLite Sc (Aluminum-Scandium  frame, Titanium cylinder).

All these guns have 5-shot cylinders and  intended for those who wanted to launch bigger slugs from a relatively  compact gun. Latest addition to the "L"-frame family is a model 386 in  Mountain Lite and PD modifications. Model 386 has frame and cylinder  dimensions of any other "L"-framed guns, but frame is made from newest  lightweight and strong Al-Sc alloy, and cylinder is made from Titanium.  Gun is extremely light for such powerful ammo, and has 2 1/2 inch (PD)  or 3 inch lightweight (Mountain Lite) barrels. Another recent addition  is a Model 686 Plus, which has seven shot cylinder.

Technically, all "L"-framed revolvers  are similar to any other modern S&W revolvers. They have  double-action trigger, firing pin is mounted on the hammer. Lock work  featured safety bar, which does not allow to hammer to hit the primer  unless the trigger is pressed. Cylinder is locked to the frame by two  locks - one at the rear of the cylinder (operated manually by the latch  on the left side of the frame), and another on the under barrel lug  (spring-loaded plunger). For loading and ejection cylinder is swung out  to the left. Most guns have heavy barrels with solid upper ribs and  heavy, full length under barrel lugs.

Mountain Lite guns have lightweight  barrels without upper rib and with short under barrel lug. On most  models sights are ramped post front and adjustable rear. Fixed sights  models are no longer in production, but S&W Custom shop does small  runs of the factory customized M681 revolvers. Cylinder capacity is 6  rounds on most models in .357 Magnum, 7 rounds of .357 in model 686  Plus and 5 rounds if chambered for .44 Special. Some models also may  feature factory ported barrels to reduce muzzle jump and felt recoil.

In general, "L"-frame revolvers are  excellent combat, self-defense, hunting and sport guns, still very  popular, and not only in USA.

[ny hunter]

I knew you were the go to man.Thanks so much,I guess he knew what he was talking about.He just seemed unsure.If you ever get down my way I  have a cigar with your name on it. Again thankyou so much.

[Mr VJP]

You're Welcome.  My pleasure. 

Where is  "down my way"  anyway?

[ny hunter]

Westcheter County......

[Mr VJP]

Ah, way down south.  I'm in Delaware Cty.  Bring two up my way and I'll provide the brandy and the view!

;D

[ny hunter]

Someday would love to make that happen.Right now I am on snow detail again!!!!!!!!!1