Model 69 - is it a Combat Magnum?

Draw4u · Jul 23, 2023

I am going to trade one of my 686-6's for a model 69 later today. The 69 that I am looking at has a 4-1/4" barrel. Was doing some reading on the 69's and I thought the "Combat Magnum" models were only in the 2-3/4" barrels but I saw a few 4-1/4" barrels advertised as "Combat Magnums" as well. Is this right? Are all model 69's considered combat magnums? If not, are they made in the 4-1/2" as well? What are the key differences between a combat magnum and standard model? When reading online, the info seems to vary (imagine that - lol)

HughD1 · Jul 23, 2023

If memory serves me right the Models 15 and 67 were Combat Masterpiece. The 19 and 66 were Combat Magnums. The 686 and 586 were Distinguished Combat Masterpiece. The 69 I do not know.

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PHS327 · Jul 23, 2023

Both my M69 4.25" and 2.75" revolvers have "Combat Magnum" on the barrel.

Tom S. · Jul 23, 2023

Model 69 is a Combat Magnum of 2014.

burneyr · Jul 23, 2023

On Smith's website the shorter barrel is labeled as Combat Magnum, the longer variant as model 69.

If you look at the pictures, both are engraved Combat Magnum on the barrel sleeve.

If it says Combat Magnum on the revolver it must be so?

HughD1 · Jul 23, 2023

Let me correct myself. The 586 and 686 were Distinguished Combat Magnum.

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Draw4u · Jul 23, 2023

burneyr said:
On Smith's website the shorter barrel is labeled as Combat Magnum, the longer variant as model 69.

If you look at the pictures, both are engraved Combat Magnum on the barrel sleeve.

If it says Combat Magnum on the revolver it must be so?

I will check it out later when we meet up to trade and let you know what I find. Was just curious if some 4.25" were Combat Magnums and some weren't, and if that was the case, I was curious if it made a difference on price.

Venom6 · Jul 23, 2023

My 4.25" barrel says "Combat Magnum". Its box says "Model 69"

Draw4u · Jul 23, 2023

Just made the trade and just like Venom6, the box says Model 69 but the barrel says Combat Magnum, so I supposed all of the model 69's are Combat Magnums?

Bill Lear · Jul 23, 2023

I've had my M69 since they first hit the market with 4.25" barrels and it's marked "Combat Magnum" on the right side of the barrel.

murphydog · Jul 23, 2023

It's a marketing tool, but it makes you wonder if they now have to go back and call the model 19 the ".357 Combat Magnum" and the model 69 the ".44 Combat Magnum".

Buick · Jul 23, 2023

Indeed it is

Tom S. · Jul 26, 2023

murphydog said:
It's a marketing tool, but it makes you wonder if they now have to go back and call the model 19 the ".357 Combat Magnum" and the model 69 the ".44 Combat Magnum".

Well at least they didn't call it "Blow Your Head Clean Off Magnum, Dirty Harry Edition".

ImDrRich · Jul 26, 2023

murphydog has a very important point. "Marketing tools" are routinely used to sell items in any category. In this case, it doesn't make the Model 69 more special.

Furrball · Jul 30, 2023

Model 69 Combat Magnum 4.25 inch Barrel
Combat Magnum is stamped on the barrel by the manufacturer.
I'm going to take that as a yes.
It is of the size and weight of many Classic Police Revolvers of the 70's and 80's. Combat Magnum is an appropriate name for the Model.
I could care less about "marketing."
It is relatively compact and lightweight for a .44 Magnum. It fits my requirements perfectly.
I really like it.

Paul105 · Jul 30, 2023

Furrball said:
Model 69 Combat Magnum 4.25 inch Barrel
Combat Magnum is stamped on the barrel by the manufacturer.
I'm going to take that as a yes.
It is of the size and weight of many Classic Police Revolvers of the 70's and 80's. Combat Magnum is an appropriate name for the Model.
I could care less about "marketing."
It is relatively compact and lightweight for a .44 Magnum. It fits my requirements perfectly.
I really like it.

Bandito Style Shoulder Rig

Who makes that shoulder rig?

Thanks, Paul

Furrball · Jul 31, 2023

Paul105 said:
Who makes that shoulder rig?

Thanks, Paul

The Shoulder Belt itself is made by a Company called 'Pistol Packaging'. You can call or email them for help with ordering the proper size. They were very helpful.

Bandito Shoulder Belt

The Shoulder Belt itself is very High Quality but I found thier Holster to be adequate but a bit crude. The Shoulder Belt is made in such a way that any holster must be 'attached' to the Belt not 'slid on'.
I found this High Quality 'Alaskan Hunter ' Holster from 'Diamond D' of Alaska.
It has 'Chicago Screws' allowing it to be attached to the Shoulder Belt, packs or other gear.

Alaska Hunter Hip Holster, a leather gun holster designed to work | Diamond D Custom Leather | Handmade Leather Holsters

Paul105 · Jul 31, 2023

Furball - Thanks!

Paul

bronco45 · Jul 31, 2023

The 69 in either format just is a kick butt Magnum. I have both barrel lengths and they are shooters and much easier to pack. I have a 34" waistline and the L frame is much handier on my midline and allows me to carry other items I might need without resorting to a pack of some sort.

10 years ago I packed a Redhawk 4" and thought it was the "end to do all" revolvers. But it was heavy. The Redhawk is still a great 44. My needs are different now I'm not in Griz country anymore and a L frame 5 Shot 44 Magnum just works.

An observation: Recoil impulse seems less with the L frame than a N frame 44 with the same ammo. I'm guessing is the axis of the bore is lower in my hand with the L frame. What do you all think?

Paul105 · Jul 31, 2023

bronco45 said:
The 69 in either format just is a kick butt Magnum. I have both barrel lengths and they are shooters and much easier to pack.

An observation: Recoil impulse seems less with the L frame than a N frame 44 with the same ammo. I'm guessing is the axis of the bore is lower in my hand with the L frame. What do you all think?

Plus one on both statements. I also don't find the 2.75" recoil to be any way near as obnoxious as is continually stated on various forums. As a septuagenarian "that's my story and I'm sticking to it" (until I change my mind LOL) - less velocity means less recoil.

As always, ymmv

Paul

Model 69 - is it a Combat Magnum?

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