Update M69 canted barrel range day.

[American1776]

My NIB M69 has a canted barrel sleeve, leaning right. Before sending in, I shot it with .44 magnum 210 gr. Winchester Silvertips (1290 ft/s).

I dialed it in by moving the rear sight. Managed these type of groups at 8 and 10 yards, double action, with full power magnums.
Note the barrel and rear sight position.
I think I will keep it, and be happy I have it hitting where I want at defensive distances.

After 20 rounds my hand had enough.

[dr. mordo]

I'm glad it works for you, but personally I'd at least try to get Smith to make it right, if only because it will affect resale value if you ever decide to sell it.

[BigBill]

I’d try it at 25 yds, 50yds, 100yds. Next then decide wether to send it back or not. Let’s not forget Elmer Keith made a 265yd shot with a 29/4” barrel.

[American1776]

Originally Posted by dr. mordo

I'm glad it works for you, but personally I'd at least try to get Smith to make it right, if only because it will affect resale value if you ever decide to sell it.

I might down the road. I have seen folks send the gun in, only to have it marred or scratched at the factory.

Also: the reason I bought this model is because the trigger on this one is smoother than any Smith I’ve ever felt, save for my cousins 27-2. I’d hate for the factory to do something that would alter the action of this of this one.

[kraynky]

That cant would drive me nuts! It's a good looking gun however, and the one IL model I've been considering. But I keep reminding myself, I can't shoot a 44 mag worth a hoot. It hurts my old hand, and I know that thought is making me flinch. I do pretty good with my 696, so I guess I'll just stick with it. But that M69 is a fine looking gun! (from the side)

I'd have to send it back to get it fixed.

[shocker]

2 of my 3 Smiths have the rear sight displaced a bit to the right. I attribute that to the gun torquing due to spinning the bullet and being right handed, recoil will deflect gun to the left.
Like you, I would leave well enough alone and there's always the lifetime service policy if you change your mind. Front sight though looks vertical tho in picture 2.

[BigBill]

Second thought I’d load up some semi wad cutter target loads and see how she does at 25 yds.

My older brother never sighted in his guns, he would fire one shot and see where it hit then use Kentucky windage to put it on the x ring.

I agree on sending it back and they scratch the finish.

[Paul105]

Photos can be deceiving, so I don't know the degree of "cant". I will say that the position of the rear sight blade in it's housing/assembly will be load dependant.

Here is a target that was shot with my 4 1/4" M69, rested at 25 yds with the same point of aim (large center diamond) for each load. Only shot two rounds with each load to minimize recoil induced fatigue and reduce target clutter. As you can see, different loads have different horizontal POIs.



FWIW,

Paul

[kaaskop49]

By all means, try different loads, and from a rest position. Eliminate as many variables as possible. Seems your snub would be ideal for the .44M medium loads (240gr SWC @900-950fps) introduced in the 1980s, sadly discontinued. I believe commercial loaders produce this load. Some good .44Spl loads out there, too.

I know I'm limiting myself, but I can't get away from the paper plate/half-sheet typing paper style of targets for defensive work. Not a bad exercise for a .44 snub. Good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[waffles]

Your gun your choice but that cant would drive me absolutely up the wall.

[Sgt911]

I would never be comfortable with that, regardless of how it shot, it would be back on its way to Smith.

[American1776]

Originally Posted by kaaskop49

By all means, try different loads, and from a rest position. Eliminate as many variables as possible. Seems your snub would be ideal for the .44M medium loads (240gr SWC @900-950fps) introduced in the 1980s, sadly discontinued. I believe commercial loaders produce this load. Some good .44Spl loads out there, too.

I know I'm limiting myself, but I can't get away from the paper plate/half-sheet typing paper style of targets for defensive work. Not a bad exercise for a .44 snub. Good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

thanks. I have some 255 gr. Keith style wadcutters loaded to the 1,000 ft/s range. Those are great thumpers without the magnum bark.

I *really* like the Winchester 44 magnum Silvertip 210 gr. @ 1250ish. Doesn't hurt as much as the 240 grain full bore stuff, but still a full magnum load that I can control for 5 round strings.

[Bobbysixkiller]

I thought the two piece barrel was to eliminate any chance of canted barrels

[American1776]

Originally Posted by Bobbysixkiller

I thought the two piece barrel was to eliminate any chance of canted barrels

The two piece barrel, as far as I can tell, didn't eliminate canted barrels. It is simply a cheaper method of making a revolver.

[Bobbysixkiller]

I agree cheaper probably. But the barrel shroud is pinned in place so not to be put on wrong. Only curious.