I have looked at alot of videos and read many posts and need advice/opinions on which bbl. length is best to shoot.CCW is almost identical and both read to shoot good with 44 Spl. The magnum loads are the problem.Is there a difference in recoil between the two? The weight is almost the same and MV is only 75-100 fps different with the same factory loads. They both feel good in my hand and the sight picture is too close to call. Those who own/shoot one,please give me your opinion. Thank you.

I have the 2.75" version and like it. A LOT! The heaviest load I shoot in it is Skeeter Skelton's classic .44 Special load: Keith SWC 240 gr. over 7.5 gr. of Unique. With the stock rubber grips, this load is a thumper, but very controllable. I have no interest in shooting full house .44 Mag loads in it. That's not why I bought it. Comparative to Skeeter's load, the Speer Gold Dot 200 gr. load is quite pleasant.
I just replaced the stock rubber grips with a pair of Jarawan targets, and I find them more comfortable to shoot than the ugly black rubber.
All that said, I haven't shot a 4" model, so I can't compare. Sorry, I know I'm not much help.

I have both. I absolutely love the 2.75" and shoot it a lot, mostly (90%) with full magnum pressure loads. I modified a set of Hogue S&W 500 X frame grips (removed finger groves and rounded butt) which increases the comfort level for me. For some reason, I find the short barreled version to shoot extremely well for me.

With that said, If I could only have one, it would be the 4 1/4" version. It's not that much harder to conceal (if that's intended use), the longer barrel gives better ballistics and the increased sight radius makes for easier hits. If desired, you can easily mount a scope and it makes for a very portable accurate package.

I've found that the Hogue 500 X Frame grips make a big difference in either gun's recoil management/comfort.

I'd hate to have to give up either one of mine.

The 4 1/4" with Hogue X Frame 500s and a Leupold 4x.

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2.75" w/modified Houge X Frame 500s
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Least anyone think the 2.75" isn't accurate, here's a 50 yard target shot over my range bag (verified on a different day).
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I'd still recommend the 4 1/4" barreled gun for the above stated reasons.

Paul

I have the snubby & am really impressed with how well it shoots and handles recoil.

It's under rated as far as I'm concerned.

The rear sight (& it's notch) is actually very short but it still works well with the front sight.

The Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips worked great for range duty. Plenty of cushion in them.

I finally had to put it aside & force myself to "play with something else" at the range.

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M69 snubby with Badger grips


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I have the 4.25" model With Diamond Pro grip. Like it a lot. Went to buy the short barrel version but ended up with a 3" 686+ instead.

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Foster Positivity.

I ordered both barrel lengths. The longer barrel is a more practical 44 mag for my uses, but I really wanted the gun for carry and home defense as a 44 special gun, so I'm planning on taking the 4.25" barrel to the next gunshow and possible sell it. But who knows, I may change my mind and keep them both.

My M69 is a Dedicated 44 Special Gun. I Love it and it shoots great. Something like a 357 K frame that you know will shoot magnums but 38 specials are fine for punching paper. It has one of the best out of the Box triggers that S&W gave me in a long while.

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I always regret that course of action, usually sooner than later.

I was able to snag the 4" M69 after a two year wait for one to show up. I might go for the snubby some day, but no way I'll sell the one I have.

I use mostly 240gr LSWC bullets over a medium dose of Herco. Probably a +P .44 Special level load. It is actually easier on my hands than my 5.5" Ruger SBH, and just as accurate. The M69 will certainly handle the meaner Magnum stuff, but for me, there's no fun in that.

To carry around all day, I doubt there'd be much real difference, as shooting both, there's also very little difference at personal defense distances.

I keep lobbying Talo to do a run of M69's with a 6" tube. Maybe someday.

I really like my 4.25" M69. I don't think recoil in full house 44 mag would be a lot different in either one. It's more than I want in 1 cylinder full. 90% 44spl+P, 10% full magnum for hunting. I have the small bantam Hogue grips because I want compact grips on a compact gun. If I want larger grips I might as well carry the 629. Also added the Bowen rear sight, no need, I just liked it. Here it is ready for action back in January. Unfortunately deer did not cooperate, lol.

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PTLAPTA!

Watch the hickok45 review of the short barrel 69. Pretty good visual on how that gun recoils with true magnum loads. Myself? I load 200 gr bullets to 1000-1100 fps and that is plenty in terms of recoil, muzzle flip, and blast.

I have watched both of Hickok45 videos on both barrels and recoil is stout with mag.ammo.He shoots alot more than me and the recoil is easier for him.I will probably buy the 2 3/4 in. bbl.,as I will primary use 44 Spl. and CCW instead of my 9m/m for awhile.I am considering a 3" 629 as well.I can only afford one and want to make the right choice.Thanks for the replies from everyone.I really appreciate your insight.

I've found recoil is a very subjective thing. Either 44 mag will agree with you or it won't, regardless of barrel length or weight...to a certain point at least. I think it mostly comes down to its intended use. If you plan to conceal it ever, get the snub. While a 4"+ barrel revolver can be concealed, I carried a 4" 686 IWB for years, it's just not as convenient or comfortable as the snub. Not having the longer barrel jab me in the thigh whenever I sit down is a big plus...

I own both the 3" 629 Talo, and the 4.2" M69. To me the recoil is almost equal with any given magnum round

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Beg, borrow or rent a steel N frame model and shoot it. If you can handle that then you might consider a lightweight.

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

I have shot a S&W 29/629 in 3,4,6 1/2 and 8 3/8. All with factory and handloads,in both Spl. and Magnum.I have no problem,except in the heavy MV shooting with the factory.Some are just too hard to shoot.Again,my desire is 44 Spl. for defense and the Magnum for the hiking trails in the middle of nowhere.Thank everyone for their advice and insight.

I have the 4.25”, i mostly run in the area between 44spl and low magnums for target. But the gun handles full loads really well. I also run the X frame grip.

I hated the finger grooves, but didn’t do as good of a job as Paul. I may order another and start cutting.

Light(er) for sure, but not the lightest.

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M396NG = 24oz...

M69 = 34oz...

M329NG = 27.5oz
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