K frame .38 vs .357 different?

[-BTM-]

I spent some time measuring a K38 and a model 19 and can’t see much difference. I have read that the yoke area was reinforced at the introduction of the 19, but it appears to be the same. If anything, the top strap on the K38 was slightly thicker.

The only significant difference I can measure is the barrel protrusion and the cylinder length, which offset each other.

What am I missing, other than a potential but unlikely difference in the steel?

Edit: measurements are from parts kits, frame cut vertically right behind the barrel.

 

[sodacan]

Did you measure the lengths of the cylinders?

 

[-BTM-]

Did you measure the lengths of the cylinders?

Yes. They are different by about 1/8”, same as the barrel protrusion. The K38 yoke sets the cylinder back by the same amount.

 

[Engine49guy]

If you are comparing a non recessed 19-5 cylinder it is the same length at the rear,
If you are comparing a 19-4 or older recessed cylinder its longer at the rear because the cartridge is in the exact same place.
The Magnum cylinder is longer at the front to compensate for the longer catridge.
The 19 frame is longer in the yoke so that the ejector rod shroud will mate to the frame cosmetically, btw the frame is longer there on all K frames intended to use a barrel with an ejector rod shroud including non magnum Models like the 14, 16, 17 etc.
Top straps should be identicle.

 

[-BTM-]

If you are comparing a non recessed 19-5 cylinder it is the same length at the rear,
If you are comparing a 19-4 or older recessed cylinder its longer at the rear because the cartridge is in the exact same place.
The Magnum cylinder is longer at the front to compensate for the longer catridge.
The 19 frame is longer in the yoke so that the ejector rod shroud will mate to the frame cosmetically, btw the frame is longer there on all K frames intended to use a barrel with an ejector rod shroud including non magnum Models like the 14, 16, 17 etc.
Top straps should be identicle.

Ok that makes sense - I shouldn’t have said K38, it was actually from a 14 with the full shroud.