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The revolver is an old classic weapon, a revolver, is usually a bolt-action pistol that uses a multi-chambered cylinder that rotates behind a single barrel.
These gun barrels are handy and most suitable for self-defense and protection. There are various models of revolvers that have been manufactured since its inception.
On each model, development has been made on the ergonomics, size, and weight that will affect the shooting range.
This is why there are always new models coming with enhanced features. There are various models available in the market.
However, in this article, we shall be focusing squarely on the I-frame and K-frame revolvers.
You will learn all you need to know about these revolvers and their comparisons, and then you can determine what option is best for you.
I-frame revolver series VS K-frame revolver series (the comparison)
The I-frame series is a small-sized ejector, it is one of the oldest of the frame revolver series, and an old model produced since the early 1900s.
The K-frame series is a medium-sized hand ejector, which was first manufactured as a military and police model in 1899. The K frame is as old as the I frame series.
Action
Action is the bolt or trigger assembly that includes the components needed to ignite the cartridge. Thus, the hammer, the trigger, and the safety all work as a unit.
The mechanical components are designed and used following the action of the weapon. The trigger function defines the type of action of a revolver, whether it be single or double actions.
The I-frame series is a single-action revolver which means you can pull the trigger at the first instance.
The K-series on the other hand features a double-action mechanism with a recoiling side, meaning you will have to cock the gun before firing.
You may easily conclude that the I-frame revolver is better than the K-Frame revolver in this aspect because it has a smooth trigger pull.
However, it takes more time to unload single-action revolvers than double-action revolvers, and a double-action revolver is better in terms of safety and you will have better control of the gun.
Design
The I-frame series is a small round butt revolver that has a hand ejector designed with a 5-shot cylinder capacity.
Different models have been released from this particular series including the regulation police models.
Other models of the series being produced include the Six-shot model 30 (.32), 5-shot model 32 (.22), and the LR model 34. These models are common and compatible with the police force.
However, there are also individual handgun designs, suitable for self-defense. These revolvers are produced in different frames and sizes, with the frames designed with a black rubber finish.
The I-frame revolver in general is easy to carry because of its portable design, and it offers convenience in terms of control, thanks to its round-butt grip design makes it so much easy to hold and it remains firm on the hand of the shooter while shooting.
Like I-frame, K-frame is a six-shot model design (.38 caliber cylinder) and the new cartridge design makes it a lot more potent than the I-frame.
It also comes with a round butt and square butt design with a steel frame, K-frame since the 1890s has well been evolved and designed to model 10 which makes it a special revolver.
Size/Weight
The I-frame is short in size and smaller when compared to the K-frame. It weighs 14 and a half ounces, the gun is lightweight but once it is fully loaded, it can weigh a pound.
Thus, it’s going to look heavy if your ankle carries the gun. The heavy size of this gun is what makes it difficult in terms of shooting.
The K frame is a perfect balance with a perfect size and weight. The K frame has a larger capacity than the I-frame.
Although it is a medium-sized hand ejector, its large cylinder capacity (36.8) gives it an edge to accommodate 6 cartridges instead of the 5 cartridges cylinder capacity built with the I-frame series.
The cone length of the frame is boosted by 14% (15.6) and 17.5% in diameter. This makes the frame strong enough to handle 357 Magnum loads.
Shooting
The I-frame and K-frame revolvers as well as other revolvers are classified by cartridge size and capacity.
In general, the shooting prowess of the I-frame overall is moderate.
The .32 model was designed with a chamber for the .32 S&W Long, a projectile that gave the 32 S&W a bit more shooting power. Then over time, it was upgraded to .38 Special to increase its firepower.
It is still anemic by modern standards and weighs 98g. The Bullets is around 718 fps for about 112 ft.-lbs energy.
In comparison, the .32 ACP grade will yield approximately 158 ft.-lbs. The Energy and .380 ACP will run about 200 ft.-lbs.
The I-frame pistol is popular, and its popularity is due to its small size and extra work. However, it may be difficult to pull the trigger, especially as a first starter, but good training will be helpful.
The K-frame new cartridge design was designed especially for better shooting and quick handling.
Unlike I-frame, It offers a fixed and adjustable sight. It is under the 6-shot revolver category which runs a 6-inch barrel.
K-Frames offers fixed or adjustable sights, round or square grip, and carbon steel or stainless steel muzzles, then there has been an introduction of 0.22 LR and .32 S&W long-range models.
Modern offerings include 6-round .22 Magnum, 8-round .22 WMR, and 6-round and 10-round .22LR designs.
S&W pushed the K-Frame to its limits when they started stocking it for the .357 Magnum in the late 1950s.
The K-Frame proved to be strong enough to handle 0.22 LR and .32 S lengths, service or target barrel lengths.
For individual handgun designs, it comes with different revolvers inhabited by the S&W Model 14, this K-frame category revolver is a six-shot .38 Special that runs a 6-inch barrel in most formats and carries adjustable sights.
On average, the .38 special bullet round of the K-frame series after shooting travels at a speed of 880 feet per second, and if we consider this from a real-life perspective, a commercial airplane travels at the max speed of 880 feet per second or 600mph.
This means that .38 special frame bullets travel 1 time faster than a commercial airplane at max speed. This rate is ridiculous!
Price
Productions are no longer made for the I-Frame series. However, this old revolver can still be purchased at reputable stores. The price ranges from $500 – $700.
The K-Frame revolver is far more expensive than the I-Frame revolver, thus the price ranges from $900 – $1350. A 1ot of modern development and designs have been made on it,
Wrapping Up
Despite the difference in comparison, both revolvers are still excellent choices to have.
One could easily love the I-frame series because of their portable sizes but the target masterpiece of the K-Frame is eye-catching.
Regardless of this, both guns are great and will play a key role in self-defense and protection.
