2.75" M69

[BillBro]

I know how it goes, you get a new gun and barring a piece of total junk youre always very proud of it and its jusy the best gun you have, your new favorite. I think people call it the proud papa syndrome, Im guilty as well but ...

To whoever has a 3.75" M69 with that two piece barrel set'up, can you give an objective review of it? Whats the good and the bad of it? Do you shoot more Specials or mags in it? How is yours holding up? Quality overall? Things like that, just in general.

I find myself drawn more and more to this one ovet the 4"model. Why did they put a full length ejector rod on the short one but not the longer one? Seems dumb.

 

[PHS327]

What makes you think the 4.25 inch barrel M69 doesn't have a full length ejector rod? It does.

I've had the 4.25 inch model for years and it's one of my favorite guns. I only shoot 44 specials and light 44 mag. I think 240 grain bullet at 1000 fps is the perfect load for this gun.

I recently bought the 2.75 version but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

 

[BillBro]

Sorry. The rod on the 4 is as long as the one on the 3? Surr doesnt look like it, my bad.
Anyway, not interested in the 4" just the 3. Yes, I know theyre not 4 and 3 but I think you know which ones I mean.
I bet both are a handful with magnums though.

 

[PHS327]

Depends on how you hold the gun. Some people manage to hold it so the gun flips up on firing. Then the recoil is not so bad. I was shooting full magnums once and doing OK until I just happened to adjust my grip in such a manner that the gun went straight back into my hand. That one hurt like heck.

 

[310Pilot]

I bought a 2.75" 69 about a year ago. I am a lifelong 44 nut, and have long had a number of 29s, 629s and Rugers in that caliber, including a 329PD (that one does recoil a bit). Frankly, when the 69 first came out, I saw no purpose in it. Sure, it was a bit lighter than my 4" 629, but not that much smaller or lighter. On the other hand, the 2.75" 69 is a nearly perfect big bore snubby! It conceals easily and is relatively light weight (not nearly as light as a 329, but quite a bit lighter than a steel 29). Its slim profile tucks away quite nicely, and the big hole at the end of the barrel is noticeable to anyone on the down range side. The trade-off of 5 rounds for its concealibility is reasonable. Yes, you will know that you fired it, but the recoil, while stout, is not uncontrollable. Muzzle blast with full house 44 magnums is substantial, bordering on unpleasant, but not bad with Specials. In town, I usually load it with some of the hot Hornady 44 Specials, if I'm carrying it in the woods, magnums. I haven't had any problems with mine, but I plan to do an action job on it some time in the near future, as the DA pull is a bit heavier than I like. Overall, I'm very pleased with mine, and consider it a very strong 44 Special that cab take Magnum loads if I want. Enjoy yours.

 

[Furrball]

I recently got the 4 1/4 Barrel Model.
The overall quality is good.The ergonomics and grip are good.
The two piece barrel is a non issue. Adjusted the sights and it is as accurate as I am.
The trigger is/was a bit heavy.
I sent it to the Performance Center for a Master Revolver Package (Trigger Job). It came back nice. About 20%+ lighter and smoother. Light Single Action. It has become a favorite.
Recoil is not a problem for me.
It should be manageable for anyone that has shot Magnums.
I really like the 180 grain 44 Magnum PMC Hollowpoints.
Excellent Performance while not having an overpenetration problem. Slightly less recoil due to lighter bullet weight. A great round.
I am working it into my carry rotation.
The L Frame makes it "relativity" compact for a 44 Magnum.
The short barrel Model would also be an excellent choice.
Here is a great Ballistics video.

.44 Magnum VS .44 Special PMC Bronze S&W Model 69 - YouTube