Did S&W change the Ball Detent design on the M69

[nipperdog]

I own an early M69 with the Detent Ball in the Crane that engages with a Notch in the ejector shroud. I noticed that the Currently produced 69 have a different detent design. When did it change

 

[shocker]

The short barrel was introduced with the internal ball and detent. AFAIK, the long barrel hasn't changed from the original.

 

[nipperdog]

The short barrel was introduced with the internal ball and detent. AFAIK, the long barrel hasn't changed from the original.

Thanks for the Clarification

 

[junglefighter]

I have asked which is better and have been told they are equal in strength and neither have any problems. True-False,any opinions? Thanks.

 

[shocker]

From a customer look and feel perspective, the new design is better. IMO.
Only the SW engineers know if one is actually stronger than the other, in a way that makes any functional difference.

 

[jaymoore]

Neither actually does any locking, it's just good for repeatability in the crane location, which should help accuracy up until the mating surfaces get well gunked up. Whilst the extractor("ejector") rod lock did actually lock in place, it provided less precision in keeping things aligned the same way all the time, given the looseness of fit required between multiple moving parts.
Realistically, all of the actual lock up is done in back. The front end stuff falls under the heading of "kind thoughts" and marketing as far as strength goes. I do think the ball tensioning may possibly help accuracy if everything else is done properly.

 

[junglefighter]

So which is a better lock up,the 2 3/4 or 4.25 inch revolver? As they are both different and the only difference between the M69 is the bbl. length? I just do not understand why two different lock ups on the same model.

 

[jaymoore]

So which is a better lock up,the 2 3/4 or 4.25 inch revolver? As they are both different and the only difference between the M69 is the bbl. length? I just do not understand why two different lock ups on the same model.

Same but different looking. As long as the spring loaded ball exerts tension tending to close the crane to frame gap, it'll be fine.

 

[Dave Lively]

I just do not understand why two different lock ups on the same model.

Judging by the number of threads like the one at SW 69 = failure S&W probably got a lot of unwarranted negative feedback about the original version of the ball detent. I don't know why the 4.25 inch model still has the original version. Maybe they had a big production run of the 4.25 inch frames and are still using them.

 

[junglefighter]

All I know is that my bbl. is on straight,all 5 cylinders lock up tight and the yoke does not have play when closed.It is new with 25 rds. fired through it.I like the revolver and old/new style detent is okay with me.I have a little off center on the ball and it looks like most photos shown.I just like the 4.25 in. bbl.better than the 2.75 in. bbl.They both sell well here and I have heard of no problems with either.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Smith probably got tired of all the "My ball isn't centered in the V" threads and figured out of sight out of mind was the way to go.
Or, and this is more likely, they did it just to screw with us.