bluetopper
Member
Do all model 69's have a 4 inch barrel? That is the only length I've seen. I'm starting to get the itch for a 69 and I thought a 6" might be more enjoyable to shoot.
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Are All Model 69's 4"?
- Thread starter bluetopper
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Fishinfool
Member
Actually, they are all 4.25 inches long. A 2 1/2 and 6 inch model would be nice.
Larry
Larry
scooter123
Member
At present the only offering is 4 inches. Because this model uses a 2 piece Tensioned Barrel going to a different barrel length will require the design and construction of a new barrel shroud and barrel for any new barrel length. This means that we would only see a new barrel length if the demand for this particular model indicates a market sizable enough to justify the expense of tooling up for an additional barrel length.
BTW, based on my experience with the tensioned barrel model 620 and a Dan Wesson 15-2 the ONLY gain with a longer barrel would be a bit higher muzzle velocity. I've actually mounted a scope to my 620 and shot it under 1 inch at 50 yards off a rest and expect in better hands than mine it's a sub 1 MOA handgun.
BTW, based on my experience with the tensioned barrel model 620 and a Dan Wesson 15-2 the ONLY gain with a longer barrel would be a bit higher muzzle velocity. I've actually mounted a scope to my 620 and shot it under 1 inch at 50 yards off a rest and expect in better hands than mine it's a sub 1 MOA handgun.
twodog max
Member
I have found my Model 69 enjoyable to shoot even with heavy magnum loads. I would not want to shoot them all day but 3-4 cylinders full I do not find hard to handle and I have a hand injury that makes to much recoil a literal pain. Mid power cast bullet loads are no problem whatever. Very accurate with whatever I have put through it so far.
I would say the 69 is shootable with heavy loads but rather than "enjoyable" I would say "challenging" as in having the mental discipline to not flinch. Wonder if SW would produce a ported version?
Will take a while to see barrel length variants and I think shorter is more likely than longer. I could go for the 3" myself.
Will take a while to see barrel length variants and I think shorter is more likely than longer. I could go for the 3" myself.
I wish they had just made it four inches.
That extra quarter inch just doesn't look "right" to for some reason.
If I didn't know it was there, it probably wouldn't bother me a bit.
Don't get me wrong.
It didn't bother me enough to keep me from buying one
or to keep me from liking it. It's pretty much my favorite S&W
out of all of the ones I've owned, and would be the last one I'd sell.
I tend to think of it more as a 44 Special that will shoot magnums.
I've never fired any magnum rounds, and most likely never will.
That extra quarter inch just doesn't look "right" to for some reason.
If I didn't know it was there, it probably wouldn't bother me a bit.
Don't get me wrong.
It didn't bother me enough to keep me from buying one
or to keep me from liking it. It's pretty much my favorite S&W
out of all of the ones I've owned, and would be the last one I'd sell.
I tend to think of it more as a 44 Special that will shoot magnums.
I've never fired any magnum rounds, and most likely never will.
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Oh, I'm sure of that. I think Ruger has done that before also.
I'm just being picky.
I can't find anything else to not like about it.
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If you use iron sights the longer barrel does give you a longer sight radius. But it does seem like 6" and longer barrels aren't very popular anymore.
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twodog max
Member
Owning a magnum and never shooting magnums in it is like using a Ferrari to only go get groceries
I second the 3 inch
I would buy one in each barrel length they made.
You listening, S&W ?!?
You listening, S&W ?!?
joe44va
Member
I'd sooner have one in 41 Magnum with the same barrel length. Less engineering and tooling involved too.
Owning a magnum and never shooting magnums in it is like using a Ferrari to only go get groceries
I used to have a BMW motorcycle. People always asked me..."How fast will it go?"
I could never tell them anything but the truth..."The speed limit...a little above if I have
to pass someone." I was quite content to ride at the speed limit. I also got 60 MPG, while
others bragged they were getting 45..same type of bike. I was accused of riding
"like an old man." Well I AM an old man.
I've owned dozens of magnums over the years, 357, 41, and 44. I almost never shoot full
magnum loads in any of them. I never saw any reason to use a loud, hard kicking load to
punch a hole in a piece of paper.
If I had a Ferrari, I'd drive it to the grocery store. I'd park it WAY away from the front door,
but I'd drive it.
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I have the 66. Same thing on the 4.25" barrel. Hard to tell them apart from pics, actually. Mine is an absolute tack driver, so I wouldn't change anything on it, but ... with holsters, I'm seeing a choice between a 4" holster with the bore sticking out or a 5" with an empty 3/4" to conceal and causing unnecessary problems. Can't have it all, I s'pose. 
... but ... with holsters, I'm seeing a choice between a 4" holster with the bore sticking out or a 5" with an empty 3/4" to conceal and causing unnecessary problems. Can't have it all, I s'pose.
I purchased a Garrett Industries OWB Silent Thunder for my 66-8, if anyone can do a specific Model 69, it will be them. I did call to be sure they would support the 66-8, so for the Model 69 it may be an option.
It's leather lined Kydex. My only initial problem was that the screws were too short for my preference on tension. One phone call explaining my issue and I had 2 new screws mailed to me. They offered to send both 1/2" and 3/4" but I wanted the longest, knowing that I could cut them to length if needed. The longest ones worked perfectly for me. Very happy with the holster and it's use is primarily IDPA.
Additionally, it works for my 4" Model 15-3 being just the 1/4" long, obviously adjusting the screws for retention.
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I purchased a Garrett Industries OWB Silent Thunder for my 66-8, if anyone can do a specific Model 69, it will be them. I did call to be sure they would support the 66-8, so for the Model 69 it may be an option.
It's leather lined Kydex. My only initial problem was that the screws were too short for my preference on tension. One phone call explaining my issue and I had 2 new screws mailed to me. They offered to send both 1/2" and 3/4" but I wanted the longest, knowing that I could cut them to length if needed. The longest ones worked perfectly for me. Very happy with the holster and it's use is primarily IDPA.
Additionally, it works for my 4" Model 15-3 being just the 1/4" long, obviously adjusting the screws for retention.
Thanks. I've owned several of theirs, and actually have one on order for my TRR8 ... should've thought of that!
