Hi all! I picked up a model 69 last week after thinking it over for a long time. I wanted a .44 in the smaller frame, but don't care for the black parts. I can deal with the black hammer, trigger and ejector, but I'm having trouble getting past the black side plate screws and thumb latch. So, I would like to replace these with bead blasted (or even satin) stainless. Is there another more common model with compatible parts that I could find on one of the gun parts sites? Will any L frame parts fit the 69? Is the yoke screw different? I can find parts that look like they might fit, but I'm not sure. One more thing - if I remove the black finish from these parts would they rust? Are they an alloy like stainless or are they carbon steel? Any help is appreciated.

How does it shoot? Shot any 25 yard groups from bench? I want one as well . It may not matter to you but cosmetic alterations usually lower resale later on.

I have not handled a 69, but I would doubt that Smith would change the screws for one model. They have been using the same screws on K, L, and N frames forever.
Find some stainless sideplate screws from a gun with the new, larger front sideplate screw and I think you will be in business.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Have you tried soaking the screws in white vinegar? Might turn out stainless screws with a black coating. Dunno, worth a try I'd say.

If you look at MidwayUSA, you can find the parts you need.

This yoke retention screw right here should work on your new 69 I believe. Link to yoke screw

These sideplate screws should also fit your gun. Link to sideplate screws

I looked at both Brownell's and GPC, but didn't see them in stock there.

Another place you can look would be eBay.

I can't speak for OP, but my M69 shoots fantastic. Milk jugs at 100 yards are not a problem for this pistol.

Agree, ditch the black bits:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Thanks for the links Muddocktor! I went ahead and ordered the screws plus a thumb latch and nut from Midway. I already have some Altamont Altai grips that I ordered when ordering the gun...showed up at the same time. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet. I'll post some pics when the hardware arrives.

Nice looking shooter Taroman. The stainless thumb latch definitely improves the look to me.

Thanks for all the responses!

I just saw this, but that’s what I did to my 69 - I can dig out the part numbers if needed. I bought the latch here but the screws from Midway (I think.) Since this pic I plugged the lock, too.

I'm probably going to do the same with my 69. When I was considering buying it, I remember thinking that chaniging screws and thumb latch would be an immediate mod. It seems that nobody really likes the blackened parts; wonder what prompted S&W to do that? Anyone know?

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

I have the 4 1/4"barrel 69. I think that the black parts look fine , i rather like them. they dont bother me in the least. I'd rather not have the lock but that doesnt really bother me either. I have 8 S&W revolvers without the lock and 5 with.

The black "accoutrements" are sort of growing on me admittedly. I'm with you on the IL, I'd prefer not to have, but long ago decided not to let it affect what revolvers I wanted. I have 9 without, 4 with IL. I like them all equally. One of my very favorites is a 22-4 (with lock) and of course, my new 69.

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

BLACK SCREWS MATTER
BSM
JOIN NOW!!!
LOL I like the two tone look, mine is the 2 3/4"
SEMPER PARATUS

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NRA Life Member
CPO

I actually don’t mind the lock, but I figured if a gun was going to have problems with one it was the 69 due to the light weight and heavy recoil with full power loads.

Well the stainless parts showed up this evening and are now installed. For me this makes a big improvement to the look of this gun, giving it more of a classic Smith & Wesson look. Definitely worth it! I'm digging the grips too...enough meat to hold on to when touching off magnums with this little beast. Should finally have enough time this weekend to give it a workout at the range!

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I finally made it to the range this past weekend to try out the 69. Shot plenty of Georgia Arms FMJ target mags and American Eagle hollow points, both 240 grain. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. I would equate this gun with shooting an N frame .44 mag with a 3" barrel in terms of accuracy, recoil and overall feel while shooting it. Grips do make a difference and these Altamonts are super comfy. I think Smith and Wesson has done a great job with this model and I am very happy with it. It is definitely a shooter!

Ha, some of us like the two-tone look. I took my new 627 UDR and black nitrided the cylinder, ejector rod and Ed Brown thumb latch; I didn't do the screws, however. It matches the front sight and Dave Lauck rear sight.

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