J-Frame comparison K-Frame

[Rogue187]

Does anyone here have a K-frame model 66.?

I'd like to hear from those of you that have both a J-frame and K-Frame..
I'm currently thinking about picking up another J but a I saw some nice K's.

I've got a J-frame but no K-Frame to compare to.

If you have both could you share the knowledge with those including myself who are curious about the difference in sizes.

Thanks

[maxicon]

I've got the two ends of the spectrum - a Model 65-2, steel K frame, 4" heavy barrel, square butt, and a 642-2, alloy J frame, 1 7/8" barrel, round butt.

They're as different as night and day. The 65 is a pleasure to shoot, and would make a great nightstand and range gun. It's balanced, has good recoil control, and fills the hands nicely (though not as well as a 686). It's a good bit more accurate, even with fixed sights, because the heavier weight and square butt help control it (it's got rubber grips, too).

The 642 is painful to shoot many rounds through, the round butt is harder to control, and the trigger is much heavier (DA only, of course). It's far lighter and more concealable, but the light weight makes it harder to keep on target through that long, heavy trigger pull. The sights aren't nearly as good as the 65's. It's much smaller, and if you've got biggish hands like me, it's harder to wrap your fingers around.

When I take new shooters out, especially those who are interested in a home defense guns but aren't ready to become Certified Gun Nuts, I always take the 65 along, and it's very popular.

You definitely need either a K or L frame. Whichever you get, you then need the other one.

[p7m8jg]

To me, the best definition of a "J-frame" S&W is "belly-gun." They're small and easier to conceal, like my model 649, but you sure wouldn't want to shoot them a lot.

I agree the K or L frames are better for recreational shooting, target practice, or home defense. Easier to control, aim and shoot +P loads.

IMHO

[Paradiddle]

I've only shot a couple of J frames, but for me the K frame is without a doubt the finest revolver size/shape/grip ever made. I LOVE my Model 19 - fits me like a glove, great pointer, etc.

I would carry a 2.5" M19 with some nice 38+P ammo if it where me.

[bountyhunter]

Last time I checked, the smaller J frame also used a coil mainspring which gives a crappy trigger pull. The K frames and all larger use the leaf spring design.

[bountyhunter]

I've only shot a couple of J frames, but for me the K frame is without a doubt the finest revolver size/shape/grip ever made. I LOVE my Model 19 - fits me like a glove, great pointer, etc.

I would carry a 2.5" M19 with some nice 38+P ammo if it where me.

Of all the guns I shoot (and that's a bunch) the 4" barrel K frame seems to fit the hand most perfectly and has perfect front to rear balance.

The 5" barrel 1911 is a close second.

[liketoshoot]

I have J, K, and N frame S&W's and only shoot the J frame once in a while, (it's the 340PD) and even though it is rated for .357 I use only 38+ in it.
I'm more comfortable shooting the 686 w/6" barrel. It feels better and I can get it on target faster.

[rksimple]

I've got the two ends of the spectrum - a Model 65-2, steel K frame, 4" heavy barrel, square butt, and a 642-2, alloy J frame, 1 7/8" barrel, round butt.

They're as different as night and day. The 65 is a pleasure to shoot, and would make a great nightstand and range gun. It's balanced, has good recoil control, and fills the hands nicely (though not as well as a 686). It's a good bit more accurate, even with fixed sights, because the heavier weight and square butt help control it (it's got rubber grips, too).

The 642 is painful to shoot many rounds through, the round butt is harder to control, and the trigger is much heavier (DA only, of course). It's far lighter and more concealable, but the light weight makes it harder to keep on target through that long, heavy trigger pull. The sights aren't nearly as good as the 65's. It's much smaller, and if you've got biggish hands like me, it's harder to wrap your fingers around.

When I take new shooters out, especially those who are interested in a home defense guns but aren't ready to become Certified Gun Nuts, I always take the 65 along, and it's very popular.

You definitely need either a K or L frame. Whichever you get, you then need the other one.

I'm in the same boat. I have the 65-2 and a 442. Also have a 581 L frame. The difference is quite noticeable. The 442, with light loads, isn't too bad to shoot. But in comparison, the K and L frames are a dream to shoot. The 581 is even better than the 65 as far as balance, but thats a personal thing.

The other thing is that the triggers on the k frames are much better than the j frames. It may not seem like a big deal but it sure aids in shootability.

[Rogue187]

So for those of you who have both the K and J frame..would you prefer to carry the K over the J if you had a permit.

I understand that the J is great to carry but a pain to shoot..and with what you all are saying is that the K is great to shoot and a bit much to carry.

[big jon]

I have my J frame with me all the time and it`s one of the guns I shoot the most, because I do rely on it so much. Last count I have pushed probly 4k thru it so far and still counting. I can choose just abought any other guns to use but I love it`s size and it allways gone goes boom when I need it to.
So far to date I have taken 4 or 5 Rattle snakes and a couple dogs..
I also checked the bullet speed vs my 6in and it wasn`t to far off average was abought 125fps less and thats with HD rounds and range ammo.

[maxicon]

Yeah, for carry, it's hard to beat the J frame. If you aren't worried much about weight, a steel J frame would be great, but for light-weight concealable revolver, it's really hard to beat a 642, a 340PD, or similar, with Crimson Trace grips.

Still, a snubby K frame would be pretty tempting in the right holster. My 65-2 is really too much, with the heavy 4" barrel and square butt.

[gunsnrovers]

With the right holster, I prefer the 2" K frame. A 2" SP101 fits between the two in size and I find the SP easier to shoot as well.

[movie zombie]

j-frame model 60 is stainless steel and not going to have the 'ouch' factor of the alloy frames. the snubbie is still small enough to carry but heavier than the j-frame alloys and as such is a pleasure to shoot. or at least that is my experience.

movie zombie