2Likes
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
From an earlier response by dfariswheel:
"Prior to WWII Colt named it's frames, usually after the first model to use it.
As example, the small frame for the .38 Special was called the Police Positive Special frame even if the actual gun was a Detective Special.
This was used for the Police Positive Special, the Police Positive Special Target, the Detective Special, etc.
The small frame made for short cartridges like the .38 S&W was the Police Positive frame. This was used for the Police Positive, the Banker's Special, the Police Positive Target, etc.
The medium frame as used on the Official Police and Officer's Models was known inside the Colt factory as the "41" frame since the original frame size was chambered in the old .41 Long Colt. Most people called the medium frame the Official Police frame.
This was used for the Army Special/Official Police and the Officer's Model Target.
The large frame was the New Service, used for the New Service, the Model 1909, the Model 1917, and the Shooting Master.
After the war Colt assigned letter codes to frames
While it's not technically correct to call pre-war Colt's by their post-war letter codes, the frames are actually the same so it saves making errors since everyone will understand what you mean if you use the letter code.
The "D" frame was Colt's small frame used on the Detective Special, Diamondback, Cobra, Agent, etc.
The "E" frame was Colt's medium frame as used on the Official Police, Officer's Model Match, and early Trooper .38 and .22 models. These had a firing pin mounted on the hammer.
The "I" frame was the "E" frame only with the firing pin mounted in the frame instead of on the "E" frames hammer. Since these are the same action except for the location of the firing pin, these are usually called the Colt "E&I" frame. This frame was used for the 357, later Trooper models, and the Python.
The "J" frame was the new transfer bar safety-ignition system medium frame introduced with the Mark III series of 1969. This was used on the Trooper Mark III, Lawman, Metropolitan Police, Official Police Mark III, and the very rare Officer's Model Match Mark III.
The "V" frame was a slightly modified Mark III action. This was used for the Trooper Mark V, Lawman Mark V, and the Peacekeeper.
The AA" frame was the "V" frame with a new profile barrel and made originally in stainless steel. This was made as the King Cobra.
The "MM" frame was Colt's first large frame since the New Service was discontinued in 1942. This was used for the Anaconda.
The "SF-VI" (Small Frame-Six Shot) frame was Colt's new small frame made of stainless steel with a transfer bar action. This was used for the SF-VI, DS-II, and Magnum Carry".
