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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 08-12-2017, 05:10 PM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Default 4.25" Model 69 on the way

I have my first new revolver in a few years inbound - a Model 69. I plan on shooting mostly .44 Specials through it, but having the ability to use magnums is a plus. I haven't had a .44 since I sold my Super Blackhawk in the early 80s. Usage will be a general shooter and a woods gun for when I'm up north, I currently carry a Ruger 5152 (.45 ACP 3.75" single action) when I'm out in the sticks.

I suspect I'll make a few minor changes to it - grips (thinking Badgers) and a stainless thumbpiece and sideplate screws since I don't care for the "Panda" look. I'm toying with the idea of swapping out the sights for a Cylinder & Slide extreme duty rear and a gold bead front; I've never been a huge fan of S&W's adjustables.

Has anyone here tried the C&S Extreme Duty sights on their 69?

Last edited by HeavyDuty Ken; 08-13-2017 at 08:06 AM. Reason: Typo
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Old 08-12-2017, 05:56 PM
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I really like mine. About ideal balance of size, power, and materials. Look forward to a range report! I later put the Hogue bantam grips on mine to minimize size. Ok with occassional magnums, but great with 44spl+ loads (900-1000fps) Full house mag loads are a bit of a handful, lol. I like the factory sights, but put on scope just to test accuracy, then put iron sights back.
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Old 08-12-2017, 06:47 PM
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Congrats. Big M69 fan. Might want to reconsider C&S fixed sights. You will probably spend a lot of time finding a load that shoots to the sights and it may not be one you want. Bowen makes a very nice, rugged adjustable rear S&W Rough Country Rear Sights : + Bowen Classic Arms +, Parts Store

Here's a little experiment I did with my 4 1/4" gun bought early in 2014. These early guns had rear sights that were too high (front too low) to adjust standard magnum ammo to point of aim. THAT HAS BEEN FIXED ON CURRENT PRODUCTION GUNS.

Anyway shot only 2 of each load to minimize target clutter and reduce recoil induced fatigue. Shot from a rest at 25 yds, center diamond aim point with all loads and rear sight bottomed out. This shows point of impact differences with different loads. For some reason all of my 69s shoot jacketed bullets several inches left of cast bullets.



Hope you enjoy your M69.

Paul

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Old 08-12-2017, 07:41 PM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Paul, thanks for the lead on the Bowen sights, I wasn't aware of them - I like the look of his target rear even better than the C&S. I wasn't too worried about regulating the C&S sights since I was planning to regulate them for the Skeeter load and let magnums fall where they may. But, rugged adjustables are a better bet!

I have a set of Ahrends round butt finger groove stocks in moradillo on the way, too.

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Old 08-13-2017, 12:45 AM
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Quote:
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For some reason all of my 69s shoot jacketed bullets several inches left of cast bullets.
I'll be darned. I see the same thing with mine. Very curious.
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Old 08-13-2017, 08:27 PM
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Congrats!!
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Old 08-13-2017, 09:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavyDuty Ken View Post
I have my first new revolver in a few years inbound - a Model 69. I plan on shooting mostly .44 Specials through it, but having the ability to use magnums is a plus. I haven't had a .44 since I sold my Super Blackhawk in the early 80s. Usage will be a general shooter and a woods gun for when I'm up north, I currently carry a Ruger 5152 (.45 ACP 3.75" single action) when I'm out in the sticks.

I suspect I'll make a few minor changes to it - grips (thinking Badgers) and a stainless thumbpiece and sideplate screws since I don't care for the "Panda" look. I'm toying with the idea of swapping out the sights for a Cylinder & Slide extreme duty rear and a gold bead front; I've never been a huge fan of S&W's adjustables.

Has anyone here tried the C&S Extreme Duty sights on their 69?
Nice buy, sounds like it's going to be a beauty when you are done.
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:01 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Stainless beadblast finish yoke and sideplate screws, thumbpiece and thumbpiece nut are on the way now, too. Hopefully the gun arrives tomorrow - Bud's took 9 days to ship this time. I'm probably ordering a Lobo enhanced pancake in the next few days after I'm sure the gun is a keeper.
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:05 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Has anyone seen good threads about loading for the 69? I'd like to work up a Skeeter-power .44 Special level load in .44 Magnum cases. I've searched a bit but am hoping someone remembers a good thread.
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:21 AM
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I have been shooting the poly coated bullets from Acme through my 69 with excellent results. A 240 grain SWC and the old stand by load of 10.0 grains of Unique is very accurate out of my revolver. Kind of a +P .44 special load.
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:27 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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I'll check that out - thanks!
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Old 08-15-2017, 01:13 PM
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haven't spent a lot of time working up .44 special level loads but here are a few.

All use .44 Magnum Cases. All use Laser Cast 240gr CSWC. All bullets are deep seated and lightly crimped above front drive band (basically .44 spec OAL for that bullet).

240gr SWC Lasercast (.431)seated to 1.500" OAL and crimped lightly over the front drive band. Multi-x Starline cases and Winchester WLP primers.

5.6gr of HP 38 (Vel: 739 fps)
10.6gr of HS6 (Vel: 1,035 fps)
9.4 gr of Longshot (Vel: 1,078 fps)



Same as above except 6.5gr of HP38 for 880 fps (lower right diamond on target)



240gr Zero JFP over 9.0gr of H Universal (crimped in crimp grove). Should be no problem to substitute CSWC. Don't know velocity.



The 9.0gr H Univ w/240-265gr CSWCs shows promise but have more work to do.

FWIW,

Paul

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Old 08-19-2017, 03:50 PM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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My new 69 had her maiden voyage today - a very short one since I was pressed for time, only about 50 rounds. I was shooting factory loads since I'm not set up to do .44 yet, but .44 Specials were very comfortable and accurate - like shooting a big .38 Special. The .44 Magnums were just as accurate, but it felt good when I quit shooting them. Lol
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Old 08-20-2017, 06:51 AM
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Does the 4 inch barrel have the same locking system in the yoke as the short barrel,or is it the notch in the shroud?
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Old 08-20-2017, 10:27 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Notch in the shroud.
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Old 08-25-2017, 09:54 PM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Well, the Ahrends grips may be going back to Brownells - the fit isn't great and the shape is not working for my hand. I'll throw a set of rubber Hogues on there for now while I decide what to do - the idea of a set of fancy wood grips is appealing. Maybe wood Hogues are the answer, i think they're the same contour as the rubber ones.

I also ordered a Bowen plain black target blade Rough Country rear and installed the stainless finish sideplate and crane screws and thumbpiece. I'm probably going to order a lock plug, too. A Lobo Enhanced Pancake is on the way, too.

Things are starting to come together!
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Old 08-25-2017, 10:29 PM
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Here's another 44 special load for your consideration.

S&W 500 X Frame Hogues. .44 Special level load (deep seated in .44 mag brass) hits same POI at 25 yds as 260gr WFNGC w/23.0gr H110.



Paul
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:15 PM
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Thanks, Paul!
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:16 PM
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Question about lock hole plugs - which one? I sent an email to one manufacturer three weeks ago with no reply, another won't take PayPal, and a third doesn't offer a bead blast finish model.
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Old 08-30-2017, 10:31 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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I found the one that I didn't think took PayPal actually does, so he got my order. Sitill no reply from the first one after two emails, so my business won't be going to him.

I wasn't crazy with the fit of the full sized Hogue 19000s so I popped on a set of their rubber Bantams I had that were destined for my 64. I think these are the ones.
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Old 08-30-2017, 10:41 AM
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Quote:
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I wasn't crazy with the fit of the full sized Hogue 19000s so I popped on a set of their rubber Bantams I had that were destined for my 64. I think these are the ones.
Except for a range trip where you're shooting lots of full house 44mag, to me, the large grips defeat the purpose of a compact revolver. That's why I have the bantams as well. Great with 44spl+P to 44maglight loads. If the need for full 44mag arises, they work fine for 5 shots. Starts to hurt after that,lol.
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Old 08-30-2017, 10:36 PM
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Quote:
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Except for a range trip where you're shooting lots of full house 44mag, to me, the large grips defeat the purpose of a compact revolver. That's why I have the bantams as well. Great with 44spl+P to 44maglight loads. If the need for full 44mag arises, they work fine for 5 shots. Starts to hurt after that,lol.
Yeah, with the original grips it felt good to quit shooting the full house Magnums at about 15 rounds. I can't imagine the Bantams will be much worse.
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Old 09-02-2017, 07:59 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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The Bowen Rough Country rear showed up yesterday and dropped right on. I'm still deciding what front blade I want, I'm thinking either a SDM gold bead or an XS standard dot. The lock plug should be here soon, too. Things are starting to come together.
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Old 09-18-2017, 09:09 AM
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I finally had a chance to shoot the 69 with the Bowen rear sight and the Hogue rubber Bantams.

I was holding off ordering a new front sight blade until I shot again, and I'm glad I did - with the .400 rear bottomed out I was shooting a little high at 50 feet with the original .278 front. I'll order a .300 front.

The Bantams worked great - with .44 Specials recoil was mild, and with Magnums it was no worse that with the stock grips with the advantage of fitting my hand better.

Also, my lock plug arrived and dropped right in.
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Old 09-18-2017, 11:19 AM
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I haven't tried the Bowen sights, but I really like the looks of them, kinda Bomar-ish. You have it about as perfect as can be in my book. I thought I had mine that way, until I see the Bowen, lol.
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Old 09-18-2017, 06:45 PM
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My favorite load for my 69 in the Skeeter Range is: 245 LSWC, 8.5 grains of Power Pistol over a standard primer in a Magnum case for 1,000 fps. Low pressure and very accurate.
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Old 09-18-2017, 11:06 PM
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I just picked up my S&W 69.44 Mag.4.25" four days ago. Going to the range this Friday.
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Old 09-20-2017, 08:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavyDuty Ken View Post
Well, the Ahrends grips may be going back to Brownells - the fit isn't great and the shape is not working for my hand. I'll throw a set of rubber Hogues on there for now while I decide what to do - the idea of a set of fancy wood grips is appealing. Maybe wood Hogues are the answer, i think they're the same contour as the rubber ones.

I also ordered a Bowen plain black target blade Rough Country rear and installed the stainless finish sideplate and crane screws and thumbpiece. I'm probably going to order a lock plug, too. A Lobo Enhanced Pancake is on the way, too.

Things are starting to come together!
Sorry to hear about your experience with the Ahrends. I have found them to fit my hand like no other grip in any caliber/cartridge and improves recoil for me. However, all hands are different, and I am not recoil sensitive (I have small/medium hands). Sounds like those Hogues did it for you; I do like them particularly for autos. I think we have a little Model 69 club growing here, just got mine last week like you and Mcorps. I have no dies or even brass yet for reloading; haven't had a .44 since '87! All I can easily find in a box around here is Hornady's 225 grain in special and 240 in magnum and should be getting them to the range soon. We'll see how my Ahrends do then.
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Old 09-21-2017, 02:39 AM
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For me the non finger groove Hogues are the answer. I didn't care for the factory grips at all, but these fit my hand perfectly.

I also bought a 2.75" model 69 and am trying to find the right grips for it.
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Old 09-22-2017, 07:17 PM
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Put a .300 SDM on the front end of mine. Worked well until the Venom came along. Also had the factory do their Master Revolver Package on it. Great woods carry gun.
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Old 10-20-2017, 11:37 PM
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Soooo, I got my 69 to the range Friday a week ago. I did not try shooting with Goodyear’s, I went ahead and left my Ahrends on. I fired a mixed 100 rounds of Hornadays .44 spl 225 gr FTX 44 mag 225 leverevolution FTX, .44 mag 240 gr XTP, Remington 240 gr SJSP, 180 gr SJSP. I mostly was shooting to get accustomed to the recoil. I am not recoil sensitive in that I don’t mind it, however, I got tired faster than usual. I did not find the recoil that bad, actually kind of like it and I swear by those Ahrends. My neighbors on either side of me had really big eyes after I was done and both asked me what I was shooting, seems most shoot non mag autos at that range these days. I will say that 69 is not an indoor gun. I will also say I enjoyed shooting it; much more than I had anticipated. I had a redhawk in the 80s I never could get used to and sold it after one range session to a buddy. But I will never sell this 69, I am extremely happy with it. I seemed to shoot the 180 grain the best, but think that’s more than likely due to getting used to the recoil. I would routinely shoot fairly tight groups at 10 meters, but would have a flyer or two in each string. But it was me, and I think it will shoot well after I start doing my part. I am really pleased with mine, hope Mcorps had a similar experience.
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:53 PM
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My 69 4.25" originally wore bantams but I wound up switching them out for the factory 500 X-frame grips. It makes the heavier loads more manageable.

My go to load is 12 gr Unique under a 210gr Gold Dot. This comes out of the barrel right at 1200fps and has very good accuracy. The recoil is much more mild than a full house load.
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Old 10-23-2017, 03:30 PM
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Groo here
My 2 3/4 M-69 wears Pachmyer grips. [the thin ones NOT the "compacts"]
I am also looking at the C&S fixed sight.
For a nice lighter load, take a cast 240 gr bullet [or so] a hot or magnum primer, and a heavy crimp.
Fill the case to the bullet base with Trail Boss,
You will likkkeee ..
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Old 10-24-2017, 10:04 AM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
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I use 7.0 grs of IMR 700-X with a 245 swc loaded in a magnum case . Makes a dandy target , practice load . It is reported a little over 900 fps from a 4" , 44 . Would make a real nice everyday carry load, out walking etc .
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Old 10-24-2017, 11:47 AM
RoyM52 RoyM52 is offline
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I've been liking 9.5 grains of Unique with a 210 gold dot. Fun for target and plinking and general use from my 2 3/4 inch model 69 {Chronographed at 930 fps 10 feet from the muzzle of my 3 inch}....or in my 3 inch 629-6. To actually hunt seriously....I use 23.8 grains H110 and a 240 XTP {hunting, I use my 6 inch, non fluted 629-3} I love the 44's
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Old 10-24-2017, 12:26 PM
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I feed mine 44 Special.
Favorite load:
LSWC 240 Power Pistol gr:7.5, lo:899, hi:921, avg:908, es:22, SD:6.60
Very accurate and just right for bowling pins.

Offhand at 20 yards.
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Old 10-24-2017, 12:27 PM
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I reload only 44 magnum cases for use in my 44 magnum revolvers.

In a 4" 629-4 Mountain Gun my range load is
Hornady 44 Magnum Case
240gr Hard Cast Bullet(Summers Enterprises)
8.5gr Unique
S&B LPP
1.600 OAL

In 3" 629-4 Backpacker range load:
Starline 44 Magnum Case
240gr Hard Cast Bullet(Summers Enterprises)
5.0gr Bullseye
S&B LPP
1.600 OAL

In a 3" 696-0 range load:
Starline 44spl case
240gr Hard Cast Bullet(Summers Enterprises)
4.4gr Trailboss
Federal LPMP
1.480 OAL

You can shoot a few hundred of these loads in one range session and still enjoy the day.
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Old 10-24-2017, 12:33 PM
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Looks like the 69 is finally getting some recognition! Love mine, bought in 2014. Was totally non impressed when announced but the first one I picked up I fell in love with and bought it.

The size, balance, accuracy and power makes it all happen for me. I tried Vz grips and on Special loads they were great. Magnums not so much, I went to Hogue original K frame round butt grips and I love them.
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Old 10-24-2017, 12:43 PM
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Just screwed up, that image of a 44 Smith in my post of a few minutes ago is of a old Mountain Gun that I have in the back of the safe. Need to go through my photos and find the 69. The weapon in the holster is the 69 as I had Barranti build the Hank Sloan for it.
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Old 10-24-2017, 03:57 PM
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That's a Really neat holster! May have to get one, I know Mike does great work.
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Old 10-24-2017, 05:30 PM
Paul105 Paul105 is online now
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Love that holster posted by bronco45-- doesn't get any better than Barranti or the Hank Sloan.

Simply Rugged Holsters has a clearance sale goin on -- I picked up this sourdough pancake with Rick Geitlein (sp?) carving for a great price. It fits my 4 1/4" M69 perfectly.

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Old 10-25-2017, 05:03 PM
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I've had mine for quite a while and love this gun . Put the older Coke Goncalo Alves grips on it . It's like a Model 19 in .44 Mag. Can't beat that!
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Old 10-26-2017, 11:59 AM
santacruzdave santacruzdave is offline
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Great little revolver. I put the S&W 500 Magnum grips on mine. Very accurate with a classic Skeeter load, 7.5 gr Unique under a Acme coated 240 gr SWC in a magnum case, easy shooting with light recoil. Fun gun!
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Old 11-02-2017, 10:18 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Ok, I think I’m done. The lock plug and a new Protocall Design Patridge front sight with gold bead are installed:
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Old 11-02-2017, 11:41 AM
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Old 11-02-2017, 03:40 PM
Mike_Fontenot Mike_Fontenot is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
I feed mine 44 Special.
Favorite load:
LSWC 240 Power Pistol gr:7.5, lo:899, hi:921, avg:908, es:22, SD:6.60
Very accurate and just right for bowling pins.

Offhand at 20 yards.
WOW! That's really good shooting.
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Old 11-02-2017, 09:48 PM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
Lol. I just noticed spellcheck doesn’t like “Patridge.”
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Old 07-28-2018, 10:27 AM
HeavyDuty Ken HeavyDuty Ken is offline
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After almost a year I’m still liking my 69 enough that I want to get a newer .357 to do the same treatment - I’m thinking I want to find a 4.25” 620. I’m really enjoying actively shooting revolvers again! I still need to start loading for the 69, though.
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Old 07-28-2018, 11:12 AM
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I'm having fun with my 69 too




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Old 07-29-2018, 09:41 AM
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Here’s mine.

25 yards, 240 gr lswchp over 20 gr of 2400. This is my hunting load.

The fifth shot just clipped the edge of the plate. I can’t make more than four good shots in a row because I suck.

Last year it went to the performance center for the action package. Worth every penny, she is so smooth.

Most of my shooting is with 10 grains of Unique pushing what ever is on hand.
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