Smith & Wesson Frame ID

[MacanTaillear]

Smith & Wesson revolvers come in a number of frame sizes: J, N, etc.
Is there an easy way to identify what frame a particular revolver is built upon? Can you simply pick up an S&W revolver, look at something on the gun, and immediately identify the frame?
Or do you just have to memorize all the model numbers for what frame they are?

[Mr.Hipp]

J=small
K/L=medium
N=Large
X=Extra large

[ch47gunner]

Mr. Hipp is spot on -

I don't have an X or L frame but, here are the three major food groups.

Top: N frame - Model 624
Middle: K frame - Model 19-6
Bottom: J frame - Model 60

[MacanTaillear]

Thank you for the information, gentlemen.
From the sounds of it, if I have a S&W revolver in my hand, I can tell what frame it is *if* I can determine if it is a small, medium, large, or x-large frame.
My hope that it would be something easy like a prefix on the serial number is dashed.

[keith1911]

Thank you for the information, gentlemen.
From the sounds of it, if I have a S&W revolver in my hand, I can tell what frame it is *if* I can determine if it is a small, medium, large, or x-large frame.
My hope that it would be something easy like a prefix on the serial number is dashed.

The serial number doesn't tell you what frame it is on. However the model number will, if you know the model numbers. 36 = J Frame, 19 = K Frame, 586 = L Frame, 29 = N Frame, 500 = X Frame.