I'm a fan of the 44 mag but for the shooting I enjoy I really don't need the power of full house loads. For quite a while I've loaded it down to 44 Special velocities. Now that I have a model 69 the 44 is a real bundle of shooting fun.
Now, I'm 71 years old and have seen lots of changes in the S&W revolvers and love tradition as much as the next person and have to say that what I see in the Model 69 are some good solid engineering ideas. The two piece barrel assures good alignment. The ball detent is slick and works better than the old way. The lock...****, I don't lock my truck and I'm not into locking my guns. I'm also not likely to be getting in a gun fight so 5 shots is fine by me.
Traditionalists can piss and moan about change but if you get a chance to handle and shoot a model 69 I'm bettin that you'll see things a little bit different. Good shooting folks !