S&W Cylinder diameter

[Ganderite]

Just looked at a 686. I was surprized at how "hefty" it is. When I put it side by side with my M66, I see the cylinder is a full tenth of an inch thicker. It looks quite bit bigger than the M66.

Is the 686 not K frame?

 

[tjhaile]

The 686 is an L Frame, which is in between the K and N Frames. It was specifically developed to accommodate the .357 Magnum due to concerns with high round count durability of the K frame .357s.

 

[Ganderite]

Thanks. Is the L frame unique? Do K frame grips fit?

 

[Wendell]

Yes. K and L frames share the same stock design.

 

[dan belisle]

But not much else. S&W came up with the L frame when they discovered that the K frame magnums couldn't survive under a steady (read police practice) diet of full powered magnum rounds. They looked around at the 357's that were their main competition (ie: Colt) and decided that a stretched K frame that would fit a larger cylinder was just the ticket. And, as one of the common beefs at the time was the lack of an full length underlug under the barrel (think Python). They decided to add that too. Worked out well. - dan

 

[Ganderite]

I have owned a 357 (Several M19 & M66) for years. Tonight I loaded full power 357 loads for the first time. I am about to find out how they bark.

The K feels just right in my hand. 99% of my ammo has been 148 and 158 grain lead bulllets at medium to mild-medium power. Whatever was most accurate.

I will use the 686 for the heavy load shooting. Won't be much of that, i expect. It is a 3" with ports. I bet it barks real loud.....