K-frame v N-frame

[Flashman]

I only have experience with a K-frame S&W but I was thinking about a .44 Mag Mountain Gun woods carry and was wondering if the N frame (with the same type of grips) is much different in size--long reach, wider grip, etc.

Thanks.

[Doug]

As no one else has posted I’ll try and brush off a decades worth of cobwebs and remember the difference between my old K frame Mod 66 .357 4’’ & N frame Mod 629 .44 4’’. I used them both in practical & police pistols comps, my hand size is a medium/large 8.5 and both guns wore Hogue rubber grips. Both guns were excellent but I found the smaller K frame was much surer and more comfortable in single handed use than the N; there is a noticeable increase in size & weight so you really need to try the MG yourself. If handling and ease of accurate use under any circumstance were a priority the K wins for me, if you need .44 medicine then the mountain gun or one of these new scandium-titanium hot rods might be the way to go?

Please note I know nothing about carrying side arms outside of a range so take my advice with a pinch of salt. There have been a number of threads on woods carry guns recently from guys that do walk the walk; which are both interesting and informative.

Doug

[Flashman]

Doug,

thanks for the post. I have meduim to large size hands and concerned about the ability to shoot double action accurately, etc. I have some difficulty with DA/SA double stack semi-auto's with fit --I find many a bit too large and consequently do not get consistent and quick accuracy. I am very comfortable with my K-frame and rubber Hogues with an exposed backstrap and a GP-100 with either grip size. The MG weights about the same or 1 or 2 ozs less than the GP-100 so weight at 39 to 40 ozs is OK. I plan to shoot this thing a lot particularly with .44 Specials. Doug, was your comment about the K-frame comfort, etc., above solely related to the weight versus the N-frame?

Thanks.

[bigbore442001]

If I am not mistaken, the K frame is a good 100 years old in size. The gun was originally designed around the .38 Special class of cartridges. The N frame is the second to the largest frame made by SW( it was the biggest until they came out with the X frame for the 500 SW) .

The N frame was designed to used for the .357 Magnum, 41 and 44 magnums. Having handled and shot both frames, the N frame is larger but not uncomfortably larger.

I think that the size and weight of the Mountain gun would not be too uncomfortable for you to use. But keep in mind that , say you buy a .44 mag mountain gun, you need to be aware of the increased recoil and difficulty in shooting the gun.

You need to work up to that level so to speak.

[Doug]

Flashman, the size and weight were both fine, most of the time, the only time I really felt the .44 was a bit large (trigger to back strap) and a bit heavy, was single handed DA, which was not something I did a lot of anyway; so perhaps more practice on my part could have sorted that out? I would absolutely take the .44 for a test run, especially as the weight is not an issue for you. The S&W 629 .44 is still my all time favourite pistol/revolver (probably for the wrong reasons) but with that said if I had to ‘bet the farm’ on which I could shoot better all round I would pick the 357.

Bigbore I think you’re spot on, also I remember the L frame coming in to bridge the gap between the K & N frame in the 80’s?? as a platform to reliably shoot heavy 357 loads; I was loading my own pretty tame ammo so I had no worries buying the “weaker” but IMO prettier K.

My practical knowledge of new side-arms effectively stopped in the mid 90’s when they were banned here, I was one of the lucky few who managed to export before confiscation and still get one or two days a year down the range with them. I guess a lot has changed since then with new materials and technology so I can’t comment on what the boy’s at S&W have come up with in the last 10 years or so! Good luck and have fun.

Doug

[Sundles]

Believe it or not, the L frame has a shorter reach from the back strap to trigger than the smaller K frame. Being that the L frame was a recent design, the S&W engineers really thought the L frame out. For small to medium hands the L frame often fits better than the smaller K frame.

[snakey2]

I have both a 66 and a 629 and don't find either to be too bad to shoot accurately. The 66 is easier to shoot one handed if need be and double action is easier cause of the slightly smaller size and less recoil. The .44 is slower to shoot accurately double action cause of the recoil and the weight of the gun in general and I never fire it one handed (haven't even tried but maybe I should). I usually fire it single action for accuracy in hunting mode but do some double work just to know I can do it if needed. If you need the .44 I think the Mountain gun would do you well.

[Sundles]

The neat thing about the 44 mag. is that you dont have to shoot heavy ammo in it if you dont want to, but if you need the real heavy stuff, you have a gun that will shoot it.

[Leahy]

The 629Mountain Gun is the most versitle gun made.
Maybe the M-66 is a tad easier to hide, but the range of loads available to the .44 are simply astounding.
.44 spl. round nosed factory, 200 and 250 grain handloads with a little Unique for mid range loads and I know of a gent in Salmon, Idaho that builds loads that make the .44 stand up and shout.
Everything can be done with the MG that nneds to be done.
Just my opinion, but I have a bit of experiance with different guns.
Rob Leahy

[Sundles]

Leahy,

Fortunately I'm not limited to one handgun, but if I were, I would most likely choose a 44 mag. MT. Gun.

I'm leaving on a Selway ramble in a day or two (with mules) and I'll be packing the usual 500 Linebaugh in a shoulder holster. My rifle will be a 338/06 in a CRF carbine. A little Ruger 22LR and about 500 rounds of ammo will come along too.

[Patrick]

I'm accompanying Tim on this ramble, and will tote the newest second generation Rambling Rifle in .300 WSM, my prototype Hand Rifle in .41 Magnum, and a Ramline semi auto .22. We are evidently going to be well armed, eh Tim? Titanium Turtle is coming too, but I've no clue what sort of shootin' irons he may be bringing, if any. I will have my wee Daiwa fishing set-up, in hopes of trout dinners. Also, a prototype sleeping bag (and a high-low thermometer to guage it's effectiveness). Add a one pound prototype Tarp II, which is still being evaluated.... Hey the work must go on! This is NOT the "vacation" y'all are thinking here, guys!

In any event Tim and I will be out of contact next week. You readers and correspondents have a grand ol' time. Have pity on us slaving away "out there", for science you know.

[Kevin]

Patrick, I appreciate your slaving in the "test lab" for the rest of us.

[Sundles]

I dont know what all guns TT is bringing, except that he did purchase a S&W modle 329 and some "Lower Recoil" BBA 44 mag.ammo a few weeeks ago, so Im pretty sure the 329 is comming. The horses/mules will be earning thier keep just packing all the ammo and Patricks beer.

[one-eyed Bob]

Sundles, could you be more specific, in a PM if you prefer, about how to obtain the .44 special loads you prefer for the Smith Mountain Lite? Thanks, Bob

[Sundles]

One-eyed,

Call us at 208-756-8085. Give us your name, shipping address and CC no.. We ship out daily via UPS ground service. We are kinda sorta closed for vacation the next ten days, if you call, you might get the secretary, but she will be here taking the phones all by her lonesome, so you may get a machine if she is on one of the lines.

[one-eyed Bob]

Thanks, I will call soon. Are you going down the Middle fork to Shoup and across the pack bridge? Regards, Bob

[Sawtooth]

Have fun, Patrick. I'll be thinking about you, as I will also be out and about all next week. I have been experimenting with lower cost, lightweight meals here at home out on the deck for several evenings, and I think I have some money-saving entree's. Now to do it in the field...