Thinking about getting a new S&W in 44 mag. I want a 4 inch barrel and the 69 got my interest.

How are they holding up?

Decent accuracy (will be a hunting sidearm possibly)?

How do they compare to the 629?

Thanks in advance

Bought my first one over a year ago. What impresses me is the L Frame size, it just makes for a great carrying 44 with real 44 punch.

Accuracy is on par with a pre 29 that I have access to. I shoot 240-250 commercial cast Keiths and enough Power Pistol to send it down the line at 1,000fps. At 20 yards, measured it will shoot into under 2inches all day with the listed load and that is shooting no support and using a Weaver stance. It will do the same with the Keith bullet and 18.5 grains of 2400 for 1100+ fps. Just tried my first jacketed bullet in the 69 and it was a Sierra 210JHC and a load of Longshot powder a bit tighter group at 20yards under an inch an a half.

No signs of weakness in the design and it is smaller and easier to pack. I'm having some Barranti leather made for it, wait time on the leather from Doc is loooong!

I've owned two 69s, I was confident enough in the first 69 that I sold it to a lifelong friend whose daughter(an experienced handgunner) was moving to Alaska, the gift was for his daughter. I special ordered another and I'm keeping this one. Both were excellent in accuracy, fit and finish!



That flyer is my boo boo, not the gun!

Reference the action, it had a bit of grit when I bought it and it was a modern day Smith and Wesson, heavy on the spring rate. Switched out the trigger rebound spring to 14# and cleaned up the inside, grit is gone and the single action is first rate and DA is very smooth and shootable.

Held one in hand and really liked the way it felt and put together. If I already didn't have a mountain gun and a SRH, I'd a bought it on the spot

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Forum consigliere

Do a search here in this sub forum for Model 69 and look for posts in multiple threads by Paul105. I think he's another member that owns two.

I can only compare to a 6.5" 29-10. IMO, the kick is roughly the same. It should come from S&W with the 500 grips. I added those grips, and it both fits in my hand better, and recoil is much more bearable.

Love mine. Carry it I the woods and rivers. I sent it back to mother for the Master evolver Action Package, installed a red light pipe front sight and a set of S&W 500 grips. The grips help tame the recoil considerably.
It's a bit lighter than a 629, but smaller and easier to carry.

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Foster Positivity.

I'm a big fan. Have three -- one close to 5,000 rnds, the other a bit over 2,000. Recently added third (just in case S&W discontinues), so I'm set for the rest of my time on this planet.

Here's a sight in target with my 3rd gun.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...psrs7r32te.jpg

Top two circled then adj lower and shot final two -- 25 yds rested


The third gun's rear sight blade is shorter than two originals which solves POI adjustment problem (originals shot high with .44 mag ammo and rear sight bottomed out).

Probably my favorite double action platform regardless of caliber.

Lots of info here on S&W.Com. Also, lots of input on another website S&W Model 69 (L Frame .44 Magnum), 4 ¼

I love the Model 69. I bought it on a whim after reading a review by John Taffin. I couldn't be happier. I've tried a variety of ammo, Speer 200 grain 44 special, 240 grain 44 magnum rounds by Fiocchi, Magtech, Remington, Federal, etc. They all shoot well. I hate to admit it, but my 44 magnum groups are consistently smaller than what I do shooting my 686 SSR with 38 specials!!! Because of my more consistent range results, I actually prefer shooting the 69 over the 686 SSR.

I had a like new 629-1 with a 6 inch barrel that was traded away. Although I shot the 629 reasonably well, I could never make consistently small groups as I can easily do with the Model 69. This is one great revolver.