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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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  #1  
Old 07-03-2018, 02:44 PM
fortyshooter fortyshooter is offline
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Default Pulled the trigger on a new M69....

I have three .44 revolvers... the 629-2E with 3 inch barrel...a Ruger SBH with 7.5 inch barrel and my Charter Arms Bulldog with 2.5 inch barrel.
I've had this itch to have one in 4 inch and have been attracted to the M69 for a good while.
So with the S&W rebates going on I just confirmed a deal on one.

Really enjoy shooting my 4 inch Model 66 no dash and seems to be a perfect sized revolver for general use.

I also reload for .44 Mag and Special so I believe my soft Mag load of 9 gr. of Unique under a 240 bullet should do well in the new 69.

What the heck this Summer heat made me do it!! Gearing up for Fall!!!
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Old 07-03-2018, 02:48 PM
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I think that gun and your Unique load will be a perfect match!!!

Dan
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Old 07-03-2018, 02:55 PM
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The 69 is a Great Revolver. I've had mine for quite a While and I have nothing but Good things to say. I have several M629s and a couple of Redhawks in 44mag also. When I purchased the M69 I planned to use it primarily for 44 Specials, but it handles 44mags with a very manageable Recoil, and is quite Accurate too. I plan on holding onto mine for a long time.
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Old 07-03-2018, 03:15 PM
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I had an idea that I'd like the Model 69 when I first heard about it. Since I got one nothing has changed. I used it mostly as a 44 Special, but then the only thing I'm using it for is to punch a hole in a piece of paper.





I remember a lot of people complaining about the black hardware (sights, cylinder release, etc.) but I like the black/silver combo.
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Old 07-03-2018, 03:29 PM
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Glad to hear you folks expierence with it!

Hopefully by the time it gets here this heat wave will be down a couple clicks. Have only been down to my range once the last 2 weeks.

Gun show coming up this weekend and need to find the guy who sold me the great holster for my 66 and maybe he will have one for the 69.

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Old 07-03-2018, 10:15 PM
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I have the 4.25 and the 2.75. Great guns. They are very accurate with the 9 grains of Unique pushing a 240 slug.
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Old 07-04-2018, 09:24 AM
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I have pulled the trigger on my M69 so often it is long past new But even though the new has worn off I still really like it.

I shoot mostly 44 special and mid-power ammo in my but it (or more accurately I) can handle a cylinder or two of full power magnums on a given range session. While bigger 44s are stronger and the extra weight helps tame recoil they have always felt somewhat unbalanced and awkward to me. The M69 just feels a lot better to me, particularly with the 500 grips which I highly recommend.
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Old 07-04-2018, 09:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Lively View Post
I have pulled the trigger on my M69 so often it is long past new But even though the new has worn off I still really like it.

I shoot mostly 44 special and mid-power ammo in my but it (or more accurately I) can handle a cylinder or two of full power magnums on a given range session. While bigger 44s are stronger and the extra weight helps tame recoil they have always felt somewhat unbalanced and awkward to me. The M69 just feels a lot better to me, particularly with the 500 grips which I highly recommend.
I put the 500 grips on my 629-2E and yes makes a nice difference in shooting. Will look at that swap for the 69.
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Old 07-04-2018, 10:15 AM
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I blew up my 4.25, and I replaced it with a 2.75. My comfortable but still powerful load is a 200 gr RNFP and 10 gr of 231.
I'm fine with the stock grips. The limit for me isn't hand sting but muzzle flip - go much beyond what I listed above and the gun gets really jumpy.
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  #10  
Old 07-04-2018, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by shocker View Post
I blew up my 4.25
Yikes! Double charge? Any injury?

It looks like all the debris went sideways instead of towards the shooter but that still looks scary.

The 500 grips do help some with recoil but mostly they just fit my hand better. I would use them even if I only shot weak 44 specials.

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  #11  
Old 07-04-2018, 12:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shocker View Post
I blew up my 4.25, and I replaced it with a 2.75. My comfortable but still powerful load is a 200 gr RNFP and 10 gr of 231.
I'm fine with the stock grips. The limit for me isn't hand sting but muzzle flip - go much beyond what I listed above and the gun gets really jumpy.

OUCH...Looks like a Severe over Pressure Event. Glad to hear You're OK and still Shooting a 69
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Old 07-04-2018, 01:03 PM
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That'll stain your drawers I'll bet.
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Old 07-04-2018, 01:20 PM
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Wow...that was a blast!

No I won't be stuffing the strongest Mag loads into this one.

What load were you shooting?
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Old 07-04-2018, 02:38 PM
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I've had a couple since they first came out, added the 2.75" more recently. My favorite .44 platform. The 2.75" shown below has the S&W 500 X Frame grips that I modified by removing the finger groves and rounding the butt. Shown with my Kahr CW45.



Paul
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:31 PM
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The 2.75" shown below has the S&W 500 X Frame grips that I modified by removing the finger groves and rounding the butt.
Paul
I don't see the hammer spur on the 2.75". Am I just missing it or did you have it bobbed?

I am going to try rounding the butt on the 500 grips I have on my 4" 69. I tried the Packmayr Diamond Pro grips and while I liked the shorter size the 500 grips feel better to me. Rounding off the 500 grips may be the best solution.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:37 PM
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Wow...that was a blast!

No I won't be stuffing the strongest Mag loads into this one.

What load were you shooting?
You won't blow up a 69 shooting full power loads. Something bad really bad has to happen to split a cylinder. That had to be a double charge, wrong powder, some other type of reloading accident or an obstructed bore.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Lively View Post
I don't see the hammer spur on the 2.75". Am I just missing it or did you have it bobbed?

I am going to try rounding the butt on the 500 grips I have on my 4" 69. I tried the Packmayr Diamond Pro grips and while I liked the shorter size the 500 grips feel better to me. Rounding off the 500 grips may be the best solution.
Hammer spur has not been removed, just hard to see in the picture.

I too tried the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips -- they didn't work for me -- too narrow at the top and for some reason allowed the trigger guard to hammer my middle knuckle. Grips are a very personal thing.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:48 PM
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How are the factory grips when shooting mild,like 240 gr./9 gr. Unique loads?

Rounded butt on that grip looks great!
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Lively View Post
You won't blow up a 69 shooting full power loads. Something bad really bad has to happen to split a cylinder. That had to be a double charge, wrong powder, some other type of reloading accident or an obstructed bore.
What Dave said. The 2.75" pictured above has close to 1,800 rnds down the pipe. The majority of those (probably 95%) have been 240gr JSPs over 24.0gr of WW 296. The 4.25" at least that many.

Brian Pearce did an article on the M69 and put over 3,000 rnds of full on .44 Mags thru the gun with no issues. In the article he stated that the gun had been thoroughly tested by S&W with full pressure .44 Mags which is what it was designed for.

The blown M69 shown above is due to a reloading accident.

FWIW,

Paul

Last edited by Paul105; 07-04-2018 at 03:53 PM.
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Old 07-04-2018, 04:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fortyshooter View Post
How are the factory grips when shooting mild,like 240 gr./9 gr. Unique loads?

Rounded butt on that grip looks great!
Keeping in mind that grips are very personal and individual ergonomics vary significantly. For me, there is too much curve at the upper end of the factory grips which allows it to get a running start at the web of my hand.

Pretty easy to Mod the X Frame 500s -- Dremel with sanding drum or belt sander -- just go slow. There's a plastic insert covered by the rubber and it is closest to the surface at the lower finger groove. The second set I modified (in the picture) I removed excess material with a sharp knife (AGAIN, GO SLOW You can't put it back on) before using the Dremel and then belt sander (knife sharpener).

FWIW,

Paul
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Old 07-04-2018, 05:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nipperdog View Post
OUCH...Looks like a Severe over Pressure Event. Glad to hear You're OK and still Shooting a 69
172000 psi. All fragments flew perpendicular to the shooter. Since one is not anticipating the event there's no fear. Initial thought was how did I miss that big steel plate? Then, oh I just blew up a gun. There went all the money I saved by reloading.
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Old 07-04-2018, 06:18 PM
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I was interested in a 69. Mostly for a seemingly ideal platform for 44 spcl.
However, I found a very nice 696 and now have it.
After reading this thread I am wondering if any of you have owned/shot both the 696 & 69 and what observations can you provide, other than the obvious ability of the 69 to shoot 44 mag.
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Old 07-04-2018, 10:57 PM
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My first post on this board ... I too ordered a M69 a few days ago. Looking forward to its arrival. I have some 215 grain SWC over 10.5 grains of Unique to start with.
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Old 07-05-2018, 12:55 AM
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I love reading threads like these. The 4.25” M69 is my absolute favorite revolver. I’m trusting it as the bear repellent during hunting season here in MT. In fact, I just tested my 310gr flying sledge hammer load at 25yds. It’s going in the chesty puller harness when my family and I head to Glacier this weekend. I normally just use my 255gr Keith bullet over 10gr of Unique as an all purpose load. It flat out works in my revolver. Enjoy yours!
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Old 07-05-2018, 10:53 AM
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For those who are bothered by trigger guard slap on a finger, try wrapping the finger with that adhesive type tape that the medical profession uses to hold a piece of gauze in place.(like that tape they wrap around your arm when you give blood). Works for me!
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Old 07-05-2018, 11:09 AM
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Anyone have an idea of velocity with 9.0 grains Unique under a 240 SWC? I shoot that load from my Super Blackhawk Hunter and it averages 1035FPS.
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Old 07-05-2018, 02:07 PM
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I like mine a lot. Carry it with 200 gn JHP over some Longshot midway between 44 Special and 44 Mag.
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Old 07-05-2018, 02:16 PM
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Congrats!!! Wanted one badly about a year ago before deciding on something else, my gun money is all gone for now. The one thing that I could not get over was the bead blast finish. I live in the south and it is humid here. I had a knife with a stainless steel beadblast finish. It started rusting within an hour of being in my pocket. I cant bring myself to touch anything that is beadblasted anymore. (the top of the guns don't count, I guess). Anyways, congrats on your purchase! Hope it does great for you!
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Old 07-05-2018, 02:52 PM
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I love my 2.75" M69. I put a pair of Jarawan targets on it and love the way they feel. I shoot mostly 240 gr Keith over 7.5 of Unique.
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Old 07-05-2018, 03:40 PM
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I forgot to mention that I had the 3" Ruger GP-100 in 44 Special.
I couldn't get a Decent Group with the 250gn Keith type LSWC.
The S&W 69 in my opinion is much more Accurate with said bullet.
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Old 07-06-2018, 10:22 AM
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Well it should be here sometime Monday so maybe some range time on Tuesday...I hope. Got plenty of 240 gr.Xtreme bullets loaded over 9 gr. of Unique plus some .44 Special loads and some
300 gr. coated "Hammers" loaded with 14 gr. of 2400 just to see how they feel!
Mostly this will be a light load .44 Mag shooter or .44 Mag cases loaded to just under starting Mag levels.
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Old 07-06-2018, 11:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fortyshooter View Post
Mostly this will be a light load .44 Mag shooter or .44 Mag cases loaded to just under starting Mag levels.
I didn't think the 4.25 was significantly worse than a 4" 629 with "real" 44 mag. The lower bore axis sort of compensates for the lesser weight. If you can handle "real" 44 mag loads in an N frame try a few in the 69. I sold my 629 because I could shoot the 69 just as well.
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Old 07-06-2018, 11:25 AM
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I didn't think the 4.25 was significantly worse than a 4" 629 with "real" 44 mag. The lower bore axis sort of compensates for the lesser weight. If you can handle "real" 44 mag loads in an N frame try a few in the 69. I sold my 629 because I could shoot the 69 just as well.
I shoot the heavier loads in my 7.5 Ruger SBH...a nice tack driver it is!


Last edited by fortyshooter; 07-06-2018 at 11:27 AM.
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Old 07-06-2018, 06:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunBass View Post
I had an idea that I'd like the Model 69 when I first heard about it. Since I got one nothing has changed. I used it mostly as a 44 Special, but then the only thing I'm using it for is to punch a hole in a piece of paper.





I remember a lot of people complaining about the black hardware (sights, cylinder release, etc.) but I like the black/silver combo.
Do yourself a favor and shoot at stuff other than paper.
Its a 44!
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  #35  
Old 07-08-2018, 05:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdgeargrndrr View Post
Do yourself a favor and shoot at stuff other than paper.
Its a 44!
Thanks for the advice, but I don't get out to prowl around the woods much anymore. Paper is just fine with me.
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  #36  
Old 07-08-2018, 05:50 PM
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Had mine out to the range this morning. It’s a sweetie.

My target loads are what ever I ahave on hand pushed by 10gr of Unique.

Hunting loads are 240s pushed by book max 2400. My little girl hands and wrists don’t like a lot of full power loads, but it’s not bad. Very very accurate with the max loads.

Sent it in to the performance shop, wow! Worth every penny. The DA is so smooth. They put in a trigger with an overtravel screw, very nice.

I have considered the 2.75”, but that will be the 66-8 I think, maybe.
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  #37  
Old 07-08-2018, 08:05 PM
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I have had my 69 4.25 inch since 2014. It has become my favorite 44. Try 9.0 grains of Power Pistol and a 240 LSWC in a Mag case for 1K fps. Very accurate, and the PP load is a lot cleaner than the Unique load.

I'm getting 1138 out of a Pre 29 5inch with the 245 Keith and 10.0 grains of Unique, very accurate, and a standard for 44 Mags. Just enough recoil to make you pay attention.
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  #38  
Old 07-08-2018, 08:49 PM
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I have small/medium hands, never liked large grips and never found rubber to make any difference for recoil, and always disliked the look. After trying a large number of grips for my K-frame, .357 Magnums, I finally found a the right spulution with Kim Ahrends grips, particularly the finger groove combat grips.

I had a Redhawk and M-27 years ago and both just seemed overly large to me. I’ve always like the size and balance of K/L frames.

So, I finally bought a M-69 this year and put a set of those Ahrends on it. It was a great match. Of course, everyone is different, but for me, the Ahrends are the best fit and grip for the K/L frame. I really didn’t think they would be so effective with full 240 grain magnum loads, but they worked perfectly. I have about twenty S&W of various calibers, sizes and vintages, and this one is one of my very favorites. Naturally, it’s downright enjoyable to shoot .44 special loads (Hornady) with.
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  #39  
Old 07-09-2018, 09:52 AM
fortyshooter fortyshooter is offline
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Dang...I forgot my lower cost FFL transfer gun shop is CLOSED on Mondays when I just checked tracking to see an early morning delivery attempt was made!
Oh well maybe tomorrow.

Great reading about you folks who enjoy the Model 69!

I'm looking at some 240 gr. lead bullets to order and trying to decide between gas checked or just coated.

Also like the Speer Gold Dots and have some loaded in .44 Special. Only thing I can find is the 200 gr. version but not the 240.
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  #40  
Old 07-09-2018, 10:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nipperdog View Post
I forgot to mention that I had the 3" Ruger GP-100 in 44 Special.
I couldn't get a Decent Group with the 250gn Keith type LSWC.
The S&W 69 in my opinion is much more Accurate with said bullet.
Ironically, I had the opposite result. I couldn't get my 4 inch Model 69 to group decently, no matter what ammo I used, either factory or handloads (I only shot .44 Special out of it). I sold it and bought a .44 Special GP100. I'm very happy with the result.

I also have a 24-6 and a 396, so I haven't completely abandoned S&W.
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  #41  
Old 07-09-2018, 04:24 PM
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Default More 69 goodness.

I measured the cylinder gap on my 69 today. 0.0025 slides in tightly and 0.003 doesn't. All 5 cylinders the same.
Love that CNC machining.
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  #42  
Old 07-09-2018, 05:07 PM
RoyM52 RoyM52 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shocker View Post
I measured the cylinder gap on my 69 today. 0.0025 slides in tightly and 0.003 doesn't. All 5 cylinders the same.
Love that CNC machining.
Mine is around 0.003, if it starts to bind, but you can rotate the cylinder up into position with the other hand...time to clean. Not much clearance for smudge, but oh so nice for shooting.
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