Found a Model 69 (range report & grips, update)

WardenRoss

WardenRoss

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It's Quigley's birthday so what better way to celebrate than to purchase a new truck gun.

We ran across a rode-hard-put-away-wet model 69. Why not?

I'm a classic Smith guy and normally stay away from the modern examples of their revolvers but a deal is a deal. We brought her home.

We detailed her and everything smoothed out. In fact, the double action is now fantastic. Same with the single action. A diamond in the rough.

Here are some pics. Hoping to hit the range the first of next week. I'm dang hard to please with my revolvers but this one shows promise. The fit/finish, in fact everything about this package is impressing me.

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I like mine.
Got lucky as its a very accurate shooter.
On the other hand still looking for a set of grips that I like.
Already on my 3rd set.
 
Found (dug out) some old, old Pachmayr grips and headed to the range.

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FortyFour Magnums are very manageable with this revolver. Not bad at all.

FortyFour Specials are a treat.



Here are some pics. Shooting standing, off-hand, unsupported and at 25 yards.

44 Mags, first shots...
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44 Specials, first shots...
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Adjusting sights and grip...
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I am VERY IMPRESSED with this revolver and I'm finding it to be one of my favorite shooters.

Those old Pachmayr grips are terrible. They may be 45 years old. I have new grips on the way. The Ropers look great but have a sharp edge at their top. Didn't even try them.

All in all, this is a great revolver. Glad I stumbled across her.

What's next? Maybe a fiber-optic front sight.


,
 

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Pardon my ignorance.
How do you measure the groups?
What means the ATZ:inch U and D part?

Not surprised that the specials were tighter than the magnums.
I would love to hear about the loads if you are hand loading.

Thanks for the range report and it is a delight to share in your satisfaction with this great find!

Kind Regards!
BrianD
 
Brian Parrish said:
Pardon my ignorance.
How do you measure the groups?
What means the ATZ:inch U and D part?

Not surprised that the specials were tighter than the magnums.
I would love to hear about the loads if you are hand loading.

Thanks for the range report and it is a delight to share in your satisfaction with this great find!

Kind Regards!
BrianD
Click to expand...


I should preference this with I'm an old, half-blind, shaky, arthritic hands shooter.

The software measures the groups.

The computer software is close, but not perfect, as it is designed to be used with a paper target with graduated markings.

Either way, it's close and fun to document my shooting even on steel plates.

The ATZ means Adjustment To Zero and tells you how far you are off from the Blue Dot which is your Point Of Aim.

It works really well shooting long distance for adjusting your scope or holdover.

In the example below, you see the Blue Dot and the ATZ reading tells me I need to go Up 0.91 inches and Right 0.84 inches to center my group around my Point Of Aim.


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Take my Magnum first shots (1st photo, last post) with a grain-of-salt. The grips are hard as a rock and I had to adjust my grip between each shot. I did the group just for posterity for a 1st Shots Souvenir.

The ammo was factory. Just some I grabbed-up.

Ammo Incorporated 44 Special 220gr TMC 910 fps.

Barnes VOR-TX 44 MAG 225gr XPB HP 1275 fps.


,
 

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Dr. Hogue has arrived. X Frame grips.

I'm liking the fit and feel. Trigger reach feels like it's custom made for my long skinny hands.

Only a range trip will prove this out. Looks promising.

Go big or go home. They be big'uns!

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You asked, “What's next? Maybe a fiber-optic front sight.“

Might I suggest a McGivern or Call style front sight with Gold bead?

PS: Yes, that IS a very cool looking revolver! Likewise, I thought the “new stuff” was not to my taste.
But, your new 44 might change my mind, too!
 
6string said:
You asked, “What's next? Maybe a fiber-optic front sight.“

Might I suggest a McGivern or Call style front sight with Gold bead?

PS: Yes, that IS a very cool looking revolver! Likewise, I thought the “new stuff” was not to my taste.
But, your new 44 might change my mind, too!
Click to expand...

That's a thought! I shoot a lot of fiber-optics and hadn't considered a gold bead.

Interesting that I was in the market for a new 44 Mountain (no lock) Gun.

I ran across this used 69 for less than (maybe more) half the price. I picked it up, handled it and was immediately sold on the practical size, weight and balance. I had said many moons ago, no new design Smiths for me.

Never say never. I have an assortment of classic Smiths but I do believe this example has the best action of any of them. And that is saying a lot and I don't say that lightly.

As far as I'm concerned, I've found my perfect Mountain Gun.



,
 
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Just another follow up from a range trip yesterday.

The X Frame grips worked very well. One caveat is that when squeezing the grip, it would try to spread a little at the top. Especially when withdrawing from a holster.

Easy fix. I cut a small rubber block and inserted it in the grip between the front of the frame and Hogue grip. I placed it immediately under the trigger guard about where my middle finger squeezes the grip.

It really tightened up the top of the grip.

These grips are a great investment for hard hitting rounds. Love it.

This is proving to be one of the most accurate revolvers I've ever owned.


,
 
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Bought my first 69 in 2015. Still have and use it. Most accurate 44 I own. What immediately sold me in the LGS was when I picked it up and realized I had a 44 Magnum on a L frame pkg. The 2.75" 69 is nothing to sneeze at either.
 
I have had both barrel lengths since they were introduce. My favorite big bore double action platform.

Shot this group offhand at 25 yards from my 2.75" gun equipped with S&W 500/Hogue Tamer grips. Can't do it on demand but will post it anyway.
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be8aedf5-13dc-4bf6-b4dd-d34e39052e20_zpsdr9qdgpr.jpg

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A 50 yard benched group with the same 2.75" M69 (verified on a different day
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IMG_0446_zpscikwgnml.jpg

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The gun (with modified S&W 500grips)
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M69%202.75%20%20%202%20%20%20%20cropped%20%20thumbnail_IMG_4597.jpg

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Haven't shot anything but 22s, 9mms and occasional 45 ACP recently due some age related issues.
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Paul
 
It does not measure perfectly unless you scan the target into a file.

But it's very, very close using a decent photo of the target. As long as the target has a reference for determining what one-inch is.

,
 
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