III. Firearm Information by Type

B. Revolvers

2. Models and Manufacturers

e. Smith & Wesson

4. K-Frame
By Chris Luchini (luchini@scrye.com)

The K-frame is the second smallest frame size that Smith & Wesson manufacturers. The first K-Frames were produced in the Hand Ejector Model of 1899, chambered in 32/20 and 38 Special, which is still in production as the Model 10, or Military & Police model. Though there have been many changes to the 38 Hand Ejector to evolve it into todays Model 10, the basic K-frame is still the same.

As a bit of trivia, the first 357 Magnum handguns were built on the N-Frame in 1935, while the K-frame version had to wait until 1954.

Currently the K-frame revolvers are offered in the following chamberings:

 
Model 10 (blue) Model 64 (Stainless)                   38 Spl  
Model 13 (blue) Model 65 and 65LS  (Stainless)         38 Spl/357 Mag
Model 14 (blue)                                        38 Spl
Model 15 (blue) Model 67 (Stainless)                   38 Spl
Model 19 (blue) Model 66 (Stainless)                   38 Spl/357 Mag
Model 617 (Stainless)                                  22 LR