So I’m thinking about adding a 44 magnum to the herd and the 69 came up. I’m not crazy about the black trigger and hammer but how do you like it? I read an article that the writer wasn’t crazy about the EDM cut rifling as far as accuracy. He tried several different hand loads for it and it was just “ok”. Not a tack driver. Tell me your expirience with this model and also I’d like a 3 inch.. hard to find? Thank you

I have a 2.75" 69.
The black doesn't bother me as it's a tool not a wall hanger. The black could look "tacky" otherwise.
Accuracy is what you'd expect for 2.75" barrel, but still good. My 4" 629 is comparable. Trigger is fine.
Although it's a .44 magnum, I see it as a ".44 spl, with magnum capability" as it's a handful as a magnum. But it does a good job with either.
I like the 69, it's a well made, reliable revolver. Great for carrying out in the boonies.

I like the 44 special for carry and be able to do magnums if needed.

I'm 70 with some arthritis in my hands so take this for what it's worth. The 69's are light for caliber guns, so lighter loads are desirable. IMO, the perfect load for the 69 4 inch is 240 grains @ 1000 fps. Less than that for the 2.75 inch. If you don't reload, there are several factory loads available. My favorite is the 406Ammunition 44 mag target load. They advertise 1200 fps from am 8 inch barrel. Just recently shot some of that in my 2.75 inch and loved every minute of it.

I love both my 69's, but prefer the 2.75 inch as it balances better in my hand. I highly recommend either or both. As far as accuracy, you'll have to ask someone who is a better shot than me. Not hard to find, but I wouldn't pay more than $790.

I have a 4."69 and love it with 44 spl loads .don't think i have found a better from the factory trigger action than on this firearm

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I too have a 4" model 69. It isn't a bullseye gun but then it wasn't meant to be. I also run 44 specials through mine for range time along with a cylinder or two of Magnums just to remind me to purchase more 44 specials. Trigger is pretty darn good out of the box and gets better with use. Although I don't carry it, I do take it into the woods as it's weight makes that a bit easier for me.

Attached photo is a 3 shot group shot at 25 yards from the bench with wrists rested. Load was 215 Bayou powder coated SWC over 10.5 grains of Unique. I know it is only three shots but they were three pretty good ones.

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Les, that is FINE shootin'. Can you advise on the ports? They look a lot larger than typical MagnaPorting. Thanks.

Victor, The porting was done by MagnaPort.
Front sight is Dawson .100 wide.
Rear sight is LPA.

I have a 4.2" and love it. Accuracy is good though not on a par with an N frame. Mine is not a competition gun and will never see that. It is easy to pack, handy to have with me and sturdy enough to shoot 280 gr loads if I need it to. I have a 14" 44 mag TC contender bbl if I want accuracy.

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Front sight and squeeze

Mine is the 2,75” and I love it. The full house loads are for my N frames.

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You guys are making this piece sound like I need one!

I have the 4" model. This is my first 44 and first time shooting a 44.
I bought the hogue tamers for it. They really work but they are too big for my hands. so back went on the original grips. I mostly shoot 44 specials out of it but always end the session shooting magnum loads.
I also have a holosun red dot mounted on it. I really like the weigt and size of the 69.

I do a lot of load development with bench rested 6 shot 25 yard groups. I find my 4 inch 69 is often a better grouper than my 4 inch 29-2 n frame revolvers. As a matter of fact it can be phenomenally accurate for a 4 inch revolver. As much as I want to dislike the shrouded barrel design , the performance makes me a fan .

I have the 4 inch Model 69 and it shoots as good or better than some of the various 29 and 629's i have owned. It's size suits me perfectly. Get some soft rubber grips and the recoil even with magnums is tolerable in small doses.

I've had my 69 for several years (2.75" version) and have developed loads using 215 and 240 grain Bayou coated in the 44 Special and slightly +P but far short of magnum loadings and I love to shoot it. When you are over 80 that recoil gets a bit much but the 69 seems to do well at those power levels. Pachmyer Compacts also help fill the hand and take up the punch.

Stu

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I’d sure like some wood grips on one. Specials only I’d imagine with wood panels

I have had both barrel lengths since they were introduced. Shot many thousands of rounds thru both. My favorite double action revolver platform. Currently the 2.75" is my go to .44 Mag.

50 yds rested over range bag and verified on different day with factory open sights:
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25 yds offhand (different bullet than above) - I can't do this on demand and the older I get the less likely this will be the outcome.
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Don't have picture, but 6.5gr of HP38 over a 240gr SWC coated and deep seated in .44 mag cases to .44 special length is a very accurate and runs 890 fps in 4 1/4" gun. The same load over 5.0gr of WST is equiv to current .44 special factory load.
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The Hogue Tamers can be modified with a belt sander or dremel drum sander. These were don't hastily to see what could be done. A more aesthetic outcome can be achieved by taking your time.
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The tamers are finger groove? And you sanded them off? I like it

Yes finger groves removed and square butt rounded off.

I've been more impressed with the M69 2-3/4" than I thought I would be when I first got it.

Not too heavy but not too light. Handles recoils better than you'd think.

Accuracy is good for the short barrel.

Definitely one of my favorite 44s.

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Very nice!!!

I have both barrel lengths, and they are currently my favorite 44s as well. The L frame just feels better, and packs/carries easier. They recoil similar yet ever so slightly more than the 4 inch 629 mountain gun and the short 2.5 inch 629 performance center. The impulse is a little different as the frames are slightly different, but they are close. Much, much easier on the hand than the 329. I liked the shorter barrel more when they first came out, and honestly still do - but I have come to appreciate the longer version enough to make it a tough choice, if I had to pick one.

I currently have two house guests N frames in my possession. Brand new 624 4 inch and a like new ported 629-4 MG. I’ve quickly forgotten about the 69 and now must have N frame steel! Wow I’m in love. Also have a 696 here as well. It’s nice

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Is the 69 a round butt ? Also what OWB leather holsters have you guys been using for 2.75” model? Are there 2.75” options or stuck using 3” holsters?

The 69 is a round butt. I have a galco combat master holster that is made for the 2.75 inch 69 and a simply rugged sourdough pancake as well. You can fit the 4.25 inch 69 in both holsters, as they are open at the bottom and the barrel can extend further. There are other holster options/makers, too. You can use 686 3 inch holsters, but they may not fit exactly/as well as the ones made for the 5 shot 2.75 inch 69.

Here is the combat master

And here is the sourdough pancake

Which holster of the two do you prefer?

That combat master just looks right.

I’ve got the 4” and was surprised at how well it handled the recoil from standard factory 44 magnum loads. I was prepared for much heavier felt recoil. Now I’m looking for one with the shorter barrel. Nice revolvers!

Do any of you guys upgrade grips to something more stylish? Or do most of you just consider the 69 a tool. If I had one ( and I might, soon) I’d put in lock delete and spring kits. Then I’d swap out grips. I’ve always had trouble leaving well enough alone

Check out post #21 above - your gun feel free to modify it to your liking.

The galco is a little smaller and quicker to fit/break in/mold to your body/placement of carry. The simply rugged is a little larger and takes a little longer to fit/break in/mold, etc. I like them both, and use the galco more for concealed type carry because it is a little smaller and I have a lot more time with this type holster over the years. I use the simply rugged a lot when outdoors/in the woods as it covers more of the revolver and is smooth - less likely to snag on anything. A good belt is a must for either with the size/weight of the revolver. In years past, I would have said galco combat master, hands down. Now, I am not sure. This was my first holster by simply rugged. Very well made, great retention.

The Pachmyr Compacs on my 2.75" 69 make it OK with magnums.

Bald1 - I picked up a Desantis 00133 thumb snap pancake style holster for the 3 inch L Frame. Rides high and tight. It fits perfect, and I like that 1/4 inch extra leather at the muzzle - it gives a little extra protection. I don't care for open bottom holsters where the guns muzzle is flush, or extends past the holsters bottom.

Put a set of rosewood grips on mine. Like the look and feel, but not going to lie - They work well for 1000 fps or less loads, but are uncomfortable with full power stuff. A 240 cast SWC at about 975 fps is my standard load in this gun, and it shoots fist sized groups for me at 25 yards if I do my part.

Larry

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...7&d=1689760583

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Sorry, I feel like I’m hijacking this thread with all my questions. How do you guys feel about barrel design? Is it even noticeable when handling or inspecting the gun? Has anyone removed the black finish from hammer trigger and cyl release?

That looks awesome!

What brand of holster is that?

Haugen Handgun Leather M8. It's been a while - their website is still up, but I couldn't access their products so I don't know if they are still in business.

Haugen Handgun Leather - Douglas, Bismarck, Mandan, North Dakota

Paul

I removed the black on the cylinder release, hammer and screws. Took 30 minutes with a scotch brite pad.

It’s not case hardened under the black I assume?

I’ve shot both length 69s. Liked them but haven’t bought them.
I’d be interested if they’d offer those two revolvers in 10mm, which would be easy to do. My son has a Match Champion in 10mm and it’s about the size of the 4” 69. Damn close.

Sorry, I got it wrong (again). It is the Defender Ammo that advertises 1200 fps from am 8 inch barrel. The 406Ammunition is 1035 fps from a 6 inch barrel. As much as I like the 406Ammunition, I actually found the Defender Ammo to be more accurate, at least for me in the M69.

OMG, I hope not. I don't know if I could resist that.

After putting in a lock delete kit that little L and arrow might bother some. Has anyone tried to polish it off? I’m assuming it’s not engraved.

I love my 4 1/4” model 69 , as others have said I was somewhat surprised at how well it absorbs recoil from full power rounds .
I generally use 240gr lead bullets backed by a medium charge of WW 231makes for a pleasant target range load
As with all my SW revolvers it wears hogue hardwood fingergroove stocks and will eventually receive a gold bead Patridge sight

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I have a 3" 629 and a 4" 629 Mountain Gun. I always wanted a 696 L Frame 44 Special but would have been great if you could shoot 44 Magnum once in a while. Seems like most people that bought the Model 69 use 44 Special most of the time. For that purpose I think the 696 has lots of advantages. The no dash at least had forged parts and the The Lock is something I have a problem with. Though you are entitled to your own opinion. Please hope turning this into that story is not started again.

Sam uses a 4" Model 69 frequently in his ammunition tests:
I LOVE the .44 Special! - YouTube

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I developed a serious interest in the 2.75" Model 69 recently. Not sure why, as .44 Mag in a 5" 629 is sometimes too much for me. Seems like an interesting gun.

I do not care for the black hardware, thumbpiece, etc. Here is my 2.75" Model 66 (-8 or -9, cannot remember. It is the modern production). I swapped telhe black thumbpiece and screws for bead blast stainless. No pics of screws at the moment. Great gun, although the trigger pull has always felt "off." Working on it. Carried this gun a lot while hiking in the desert outside Reno, NV during the 2018 SWCA Symposium.