M69 questions from a revolver greenhorn

[Chas100]

A couple more questions from a revolver newbie please

On the right side of the M69 starting at the top of the right side of the frame just in front of the top of the hammer is a ridge that runs down the back side and under the cylinder just to the front of the cylinder removal screw and then down to the top, inside of the trigger guard. It almost looks like some type of protective clear plastic covering. What is the purpose of this and is this something that should be removed or an area that needs to have special attention ???

There is also a number on 2 areas of the firearm that I'm curious as to there meaning and if there is any reason that I may need them in the future.

One is inside the yoke area below the SN and model number. The other is on the metal on the bottom of the grip area that is not visible unless the grips are removed.

Sorry if there is an obvious meaning to thes questions but I've searched the forum and the Internet to try and find an answer but I've not been able to find anything about these. The image attached is also not of my 69 but from the S&W page. I've had this to the range one time and I love it. It's supposed to be in the mid 50's today and I'm off so I may take it out again if I have time.

Thanks for any information
Chas



http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=262161&stc=1&d=1482759628

 

[Redford]

Disassemble A Smith & Wesson Revolver - YouTube try this link

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

 

[Neumann]

The only "ridge" I see on the right side of the revolver is an hairline crack delineating the joint between the side plate and the frame. The side plate covers the working parts of the revolver.

Under federal law, the only serialized part of a revolver is the frame. The serial number is found in two places - inside the crane and on the bottom of the grip. They must not be altered or rendered illegible in any way.

 

[PatriotX]

The numbers you are seeing are likely assembly numbers used in the manufacturing of the gun. They help keep parts groups together during assembly, and have no meaning outside this use, afaik.


The other area described would seem to be the side plate. A slight difference in surface finish treatment may be causing the 'plastic' appearance you describe. No special handling above what one would normally require of stainless guns is required.


You have a great gun in the M69, I believe it to be a classic in the making.

 

[Chas100]

Thanks for the info!!

I'm slowly becoming more familiar with revolvers thanks to all the information from the forum members.

The numbers are some type of assembly number and are different from the SN. I thought the number in the yoke area below the SN and model number may be the production number for the model made. The number on the grip area (not the SN) I have no idea what it designates.

Thanks for the info !!!

 

[MikeR90S]

Wait, a 3" model 69? Why haven't I seen that before?

 

[Abflyboy]

Wait, a 3" model 69? Why haven't I seen that before?

I noticed that too.

 

[kaaskop49]

Wait, a 3" model 69? Why haven't I seen that before?

Not a fan of either gun, but a 3" bbl M69 is much more sensible and useful than Ruger's 3" .44 Spl GP100, IMO.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Wise_A]

.44 Special is an underrated cartridge, but I would greatly prefer the S&W.

 

[TAROMAN]

Wait, a 3" model 69? Why haven't I seen that before?

It's 2 3/4", according to S&W.
Model 69 Combat Magnum
Like an updated 696, I guess.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
When I saw the ruger Gp100 44spec I liked it.
When I read about the S&W M-69 snubnose I started saving my pennies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MikeR90S]

I want one. They don't seem to be generally available yet though...

 

[Collo Rosso]

I want one. They don't seem to be generally available yet though...

My best guess is S&W will make it official at the shot show in a couple of weeks and distributors will be able to order at that point. Maybe even release them as one of the major distributors cataloged them a couple of weeks ago.
Not being a member of the "INBAS&WWIL" crowd I've already spoken with a favorite LGS. They'll call as soon as he gets one.

 

[Chas100]

LOL ! Sorry everyone but I loaded the wrong pic from S&W's website. In my original post I did state that this wasn't a pic of my 69. I hadn't noticed that it was a 3" barrel as opposed to mine being a 4". I've been having issues with Photobucket lately so that's the reason I cut and pasted a pic from their site.

It does look very nice (3") and if it's showing up on their website it shouldn't be long. A good friend of mine has gone to the shot show the last 4 years with a good friend of his who gets invited every year. There is another person that goes with them also and he can't make it this year so I'm hoping I can go !!!

Sorry for the confusion !!!
Chas