S&W Model 69

Thinking of getting one.
All comments welcome, especially from those who have one.
Thanks

Go for it! (I don't have one).

Have one. Highly recommended!

Want one! Will probably be my next gun purchase.

Hope Hickok45 on Youtube puts a 69 thu the paces. I'd like to hear his take on it. He has an awesome channel on Youtube.

Yes he does. I enjoy watching his show, esp. when I can't be outside shooting.

If you get one report back. Those 69s seem really nice.

Currently, I have a 469 and a 6926. The 3rd gen has always gone bang, but shoots to the right (gotta drift the rear sight to correct that; easy fix.) I've only had the 469 for a week, and put about 60rds through it. It's an old gun with lots of wear, but it didn't fail once. However, it shoots very high and also to the right. Again, I can drift the rear sight, but shooting high isn't something so easily corrected.

Compared to my (longer) 459 and 5906, neither one groups as well. But when you consider the nature of the beast, that's kinda okay (and to be expected.) Based on my experience with the two, I'd say go with a 3rd gen like the 6906. Much better fit/finish and much nicer sights.

This thread is about the new L-Frame 44 Magnum Model 69 revolver.

If you can find one at a price you can afford BUY IT IMMEDIATELY!
Do not assume the M69 is going to be an offering the in S&W line forever...it likely will not be.
Don't listen to all the negative **** about whether it will hold up to half-a-billion rounds of full-power ammo...anyone spouting that is an i***t. The gun was built to allow you to shoot full-power .44 Magnum when needed, and you can shoot .44 special or "mid-range" magnum fodder all you want.

IF the price is reasonable, buy it and enjoy it!

I want one but want to handle it first and have not seen one yet.
Its on my "next Smith" list.

It is on my wish list. But, in reality buying another revolver any time soon is no likely. The doctor is getting all my gun money.

Kilibreaux said:

If you can find one at a price you can afford BUY IT IMMEDIATELY!
Do not assume the M69 is going to be an offering the in S&W line forever...it likely will not be.
Don't listen to all the negative **** about whether it will hold up to half-a-billion rounds of full-power ammo...anyone spouting that is an i***t. The gun was built to allow you to shoot full-power .44 Magnum when needed, and you can shoot .44 special or "mid-range" magnum fodder all you want.

IF the price is reasonable, buy it and enjoy it!

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Pretty well sums up my thoughts on the M69 and one of the reasons I have two of them.

I have a little over 1,000 rnds thru one and right at 900 thru the other without a hitch in either. I've shot everything from 240s at 750fps to 320gr WLNGCs at a chronoed 1,182 fps. Probably 20% were mid range to full house .44 Mags, the rest 240gr Laser cast at 880 fps. If you like the L-Frame Smiths and the .44 Mag (which I do), this is a great combo.

I put the Hogue 500 S&W grips on mine due to a problem with the bone at base of my thumb and can shoot full house .44 Mags without any pain. For enjoyment, I shoot 240gr with 6.5gr HP38 for an honest 880 fps -- usually finish up with several cylinders of 265gr SWCGCs over 17.0gr of 2400 for a chroned 1,140 fps. My carry load is a 260gr WFNGC over enough H110 to give me 1,220 fps.

A while back, I took the 329, 629 Mtn Gun and the M69 to the range. Ammo was Federal Factory .44 Mag 240gr JHP (No. 44A). My perception was that recoil of the 329 is definitely snappier/faster, and the Mtn Gun has a bit more muzzle rise vs. the M69. Only thing I can think of is that the barrel is skinnier and the bore to grip relationship is higher on the 629 vs. the M69 (which rides lower in the hand and has a bit more weight forward). Could also just be my imagination. As should be expected, the Mtn Gun feels a bit bulky compared to the M69 – subtle, but noticeable to me.


If it helps, I chronographed the following in one of my guns:

Load Data for REFERENCE ONLY -- NOT A RECOMMENDATION.

Federal Factory 240gr JHP (No. 44A) Vel: 1,217 fps
(We chroned this load at 1,375 fps from a 7 1/2" Bisley Hunter

240gr Horn JHP XTP at 1,323 fps (Hodgdon says 1,522 fps from 8.275” Bbl)

260gr LBT WFNGC at 1,224 fps

240gr lasercast CSWCs at 880 fps.

265gr SWCGC at 1,142 fps

270gr Speer JSP at 1,153 fps (My 6” 629 gives 1,207 fps -- Hodgdon says 1,421 fps from 8.275” Bbl)

300gr WFNPB 1.651" OAL - LBT type - source unknown.
20.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com).
1,102 fps avg, 37 fps ES

310gr RNFPGC DC 1.605" OAL (top crimp grove) - LEE mold.
20.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com).
1,141 fps avg, 23 fps ES

325gr WLNGC 1.711" OAL - Beartooth Bullets.
22.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com).
1,182 fps avg, 13 fps ES (3 shots only)

Load Data for REFERENCE ONLY -- NOT A RECOMMENDATION.

I really like the M69.

FWIW,

Paul

df06 said:

I want one but want to handle it first and have not seen one yet.
Its on my "next Smith" list.

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Ditto to that!

attn Paul105

Paul, thanks so much for this post. This is what I've been looking for since the debate on the 69 started: true velocities and indications of regular use comprising 100s of rounds, not simply 5 chrono'd rounds of each load. Also, many of the loads are true magnum types, not only sub-loads or .44 Spl. 'friendlies.' Appreciate.

And yet, others above believe the 69 will not last. Would like to hear their views why. I do not disagree.

It may not sell well I have heard the ball detent is Turning some people away because it doesn't look perfect but hey I got one on layaway so I can't complain it doesn't bother me at all

I've had my M69 for about 2 months now, and it's one of my favorite revolvers. I also own a 629 Classic, and a 329PD. Since I reload, I pretty much load what I'm comfortable with. My range loads are typically 220gn. Hard Cast SCW's. about 1000 fps, and my hunting loads are 305gn. JHP's powered up to about 1350fps. I did put the 500 X-Frame grips on my 69 to lessen the back-strap recoil impact. I also installed a Leupold DeltaPoint to speed target acquisition. Love it...

Has the delta point held up ok I like the idea I am just curious if it will hold up

I am really happy that I bought mine. Great woods boppin gun. Accuracy, either the gun's or mine is getting better each each time out. Don't wait

skypilot1941 said:

Yes he does. I enjoy watching his show, esp. when I can't be outside shooting.

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I love Hickok45's set-up (range) & man, can he shoot.