Hi there! I'm brand new to this forum and Smith and Wesson handguns and was hoping someone could answer some questions I have.

I'm looking to trade in my Springfield 9mm 1911 (my EDC for the last 3 years) for a good DA/SA. I've always loved the look and feel of the old S&W 'wonder nines', and I've found a used Model 469 in good condition at a local shop. Not only is it a solid, reliable DA/SA by reputation, but it is also shorter and lighter than my CCO 1911. My only concern is whether it will be too thick to comfortably carry inside the waistband. I stand 6'2" tall and weigh 265 lbs., so there isn't a whole lot in this size that I can't conceal. I would be carrying this gun in an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 holster, which is my favorite IWB holster out of the several I've tried. The gun felt great in my hands, and I didn't think it was chunky or particularly thick, but then again I have big hands. Is the 469 a good option for IWB carry, or no?
Thanks in advance!

Also, I would like to replace the standard hammer with a spurred hammer (which can be found on Numrich's website), since I don't care too much for spurless hammers. I've been told this is something that I could easily do by a couple of gunsmiths in my area, but I would like to hear from the community on it. If it can't be done, I can live with it, but I would like to replace the hammer if I can.

I see no problem for you carrying the 469.

Search: YouTube Blubelly2; then, look for his videos "GUNSMITHING THE S&W 3RD GENERATION PISTOL VIDEO 1 OF 4". You should be able to judge your own confidence level after watching IIRC video 3. Enjoy!

Thanks a lot! I'm checking out those videos now.

I carry a 6904 which is similar to the 469, IWB from time to time without a problem.


It has had the spurless hammer replaced with a spurred version.

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Eccentric old coot

Welcome! You didn't mention if you carry your 1911 IWB, and a 469 would not be much thicker across the side but it is in the grip frame. You may need to wear one waist size larger pants if the extra width is a problem.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I do carry my 1911 IWB, and started wearing one size larger pants shortly after I started, so no problems there.

I have a 469 and it is a fine pistol. I chose this particular one for the incredibly low price. If all else were equal (typically it isn't!) I would absolutely choose a 6904 or 6906 over the 469. Very similar but better in so many ways.

Yes, I would say you'll have no problem carrying the 469 IWB, and yes, the hammer will be an easy swap.

I have had a 669 since they first came out. There's nothing wrong with them. But I'd keep the Springfield. It's a better gun in many ways IMHO. OK, back on topic. I don't carry the 669 much these days as there is easier stuff to carry but I've put in a bazillion hours carrying the 669 AIWB over the years. It carries just fine. I always carry mine on half cock, an option which the 6906 and 6904 don't have. For that reason alone I prefer the 669 or 469 over the 6904 or 6906. Carried on half cock the trigger pull is shorter and smoother and the hammer can easily be thumbed. You don't need a spurred hammer which will only make AIWB carry less comfortable.

I'm 5'7" #135, I occasionally carry a 6906 IWB, you shouldn't have any problem.

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SWCA #2817

My gunsmith did this to mine. Took him 5 minutes. GARY

I carry my 6946 in a DeSantis Sof-tuck.

Before I switched to 45ACP I pocket carried a 469 & had no problems doing that so IWB carry will not be a problem with the right holster

The width of the 469 grip might be thinner than your springer by a 1/10 if your still running stock grips or 1/10 thicker if your using thin grips it but it should not matter . I carry a 669 occasionally too and I'm 5-9 222lbs and carry at 3:00 set high in a comp-tac neutral hybrid but a MTAC will work just as well . My EDC is a p320c but I also carry a colt lw commander occasionally and all three conceal well under a loose not sloppy shirt , t shirt included so maybe you need a better IWB rig to improve our confidence The short grip of a CCO is a breeze to conceal . Heck my little 5-3 wife edc is a Kimber ultra with essentially the same frame as your cco .

TT Gunleather makes a fantastic IWB holster for the 6906 / 3913 type guns. Look at the TT Gunleather KX Lightweight. I use it to carry several guns in that series.

While not my first choice, I do comfortably carry, ISB, (and out,) a 669, (which was sent back to S&W, returning with a 6906 lower.) I went completely through it, replacing with + & - springs, cleaned up and polished everything. I also chose to “ruin” it by putting a spurred hammer on it too, but can be reversed.

I have carried the PC 9, (Shorty 9,) but I hate to mess it up, even though that was the original plan/upgrade. The plus 2 adaptors are really nice, 15 rnd mags are plentiful and it makes these smaller pistols a great option.

Jim

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I had a 669. The sights and trigger bow are better, I think, on the later 6906/6904 series.

I carried a 469 IWB for many years in CA., but unfortunately had to switch to a Kimber Ultra and a M&P Shield, due to the CA illegal hi-cap mag of the 469. I'm 6 ft 180 lbs. Used a homemade IWB holster. No problems. Really liked the 469 and will go back to it if I move out of CA. Ed.

Tim Thurner of TT Gunleather makes my absolutely favorite IWB holsters.

I’ve been carrying a 4014 daily for 6 years in one of mine and it’s fantastic.

Getting ready to have him make a few more for a 3913 LS; Browning Pro-40, and a Hi-Power.

I'm 5'10" 150 lbs. I carry my 669 in the same Tuck 3.0 & I don't have any problems as long as your clothes do their job Regards Mike

I'm 5'7" and 135 pounds- OK maybe 136 pounds and I have more on my hips than chest. I regularly carry a 469 IWB although my usual weapon is a 908. I wear my blouse untucked and a blazer (we gals can get away with that fashion faux pas.) My usual holster is a deSantis 111. I find that color selection helps. I wear black or navy pants and a similar blazer. For color I depend on a flower or geometric print blouse. The patterns are an effective means of camouflage, minimizing printing of the gun.

5'9" 165 and have been carrying a 6906/PC-Shorty 9 IWB in a Milt Sparks Executive Companion holster since about 1990.

My general EDC is a 3913NL as I don't feel the need for 12+1 everyday in my "Burb of the Burgh"...... but when I travel I tend to take a 6906 plus a 15rd
(with a +2) back up mag for 12+1+15 (like 4T5guy above)


I often carry one of my PC Shorty-9s as I have since the mid-90s.

Couldn't switch to 10 round mags? I keep finding them on my search for the 12 round ones.

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Mostly Gen 3s