Model 69, 2.75" barrel, Pin gauge update

[Shark Bait]

I picked up my new model 69 today and here are my initial thoughts on it, which are all positive.

The fit and finish are very good. The ball detent system does a good job providing good cylinder lock up. Cylinder is chamfered and the edges are all rounded. The forcing cone has very sharp edges but the depth appears to be adequate. All chambers appear to line up properly with the forcing cone. Chamber throats all measure to about .432 and the cylinder gap is between .003 and .004 for all chambers. The gun appears solid and ready for the range. I did swap out the rubber grips for a set of VZ's. I like how I can use the leather for my 2.5 inch 686 with this gun. Pics below. Sorry for the crappy light, using a shop light. Range report to come, whenever I can get out there.

UPDATE: Received pin gauges on 5-8-17. Much better results! They were .4295 go, .430 no-Go! Can't get much better than that.

 

[NCBeagle]

Very nice. Look forward to your range report.

 

[muddocktor]

It looks good, except I'm not a big fan of the black thumbpiece. But that is easily exchanged for not too much money. I'll also be looking forward to your thought of it after some quality range time.

 

[Texas Star]

It looks good, except I'm not a big fan of the black thumbpiece. But that is easily exchanged for not too much money. I'll also be looking forward to your thought of it after some quality range time.

There is no "quality range time" with a .44 Magnum having under a four-inch barrel. There is only suffering, wailing, and amazement that the recoil didn't break a wrist or the muzzle blast blow out an eardrum.


Those things are made for masochists!


That aside, best wishes to the new owner. (I can't access the Smiles here. But I'm not altogether joking, either.)


BTW, thanks to Shark Bait for the superb photos of the crane lock. I see now how it works. Never saw a M-69 in person.

 

[muddocktor]

Texas Star, if you reload, 44 Mag even with that short barrel can be a fun gun on the range. You don't have to load everything to kill grizzly bears powerful.

 

[GeoJelly]

Great pictures Sir - Thanks! Not at all to criticize - but the interior of the frame looks like the frame may be cast? I hope not, but either way it's out of my affordability range ...

 

[Collo Rosso]

There is no "quality range time" with a .44 Magnum having under a four-inch barrel. There is only suffering, wailing, and amazement that the recoil didn't break a wrist or the muzzle blast blow out an eardrum.


Those things are made for masochists!

A whole new world opens up when you reload.

 

[Shark Bait]

I won't be shooting a lot of magnums through this gun, but I can. It's like having a 696 with the option of loading magnums if needed. And I shouldn't have to be concerned about about damaging the forcing cone with any load. I will mainly carry BB heavy 44 Special loads in it. I plan to get back into reloading soon, too. I think this is my 7th 44 magnum in my safe.

 

[gnystrom]

That gun really looks like fun. Awaiting a range report.

 

[Paul105]

I won't be shooting a lot of magnums through this gun, but I can. It's like having a 696 with the option of loading magnums if needed. And I shouldn't have to be concerned about about damaging the forcing cone with any load. I will mainly carry BB heavy 44 Special loads in it. I plan to get back into reloading soon, too. I think this is my 7th 44 magnum in my safe.

This is the beauty of the M69 IMHO!

Great pictures.

One question -- how did you measure the cylinder throats. Just curious as all three M69s I've measured with plug gauges measure .4295 (.429 go .430 no go).

Can't wait until to get one -- love the M69.

Paul

 

[hastings]

I'm eager to hear how it shoots, too. I have one waiting for me at the local gun shop (actually its' 80 miles away) but I have to say I'm not really diggin' the looks of the barrel/underlug arrangement or the black pieces/parts. If it shoots really well, those are things I can overlook, but the appearance is not exactly what I expected in spite of the image on the S&W site.

 

[hoytx10]

Thank you!

 

[M29since14]

Thanks for the pics. I wonder how much trouble it is going to be to keep that lock mechanism functioning considering how close it is to the b-c gap. Crud has a way of finding a home in places you would never dream it could reach. Be interested to know how you get along with this one after you shoot it some. Congrats on your new revolver.

 

[Topsarge]

Real nice looking. Been wanting a 696 for a long time, but they are hard to find and over priced. I collect big bore snubbies, so this will fit in perfectly as a cool weather carry with .44 sp ammo. Good luck and enjoy. Don't forget the range report.

 

[bluelund79]

You got a winner right there! Love the grips on it. If it shoots half as good as it looks, I'll be in line for one. I love my 4.25" model, so having a similar one won't hurt. Have you used the VZ grips on another gun previously? If so, what are your thoughts? I'd be interested to hear, especially if they are on a carry weapon.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Found one! Going through my Emails and had one from grabagun. Never dealt with them before but have read good things. Went to the site and found S&W model 69 2.75" barrel and ... in stock! Simple check out and they had a gun store I can walk to already listed in the FFL's. No credit card fees either. With shipping and FFL transfer I'll be just under $700.
That was the easy part. Hard part is breaking the news to the wife tonight. Hope it doesn't hurt to bad.

 

[Shark Bait]

This is the beauty of the M69 IMHO!

Great pictures.

One question -- how did you measure the cylinder throats. Just curious as all three M69s I've measured with plug gauges measure .4295 (.429 go .430 no go).

Can't wait until to get one -- love the M69.

Paul

I used a digital caliper, but have no way to guage it's accuracy.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Great PICs, thanks for the close ups, Ive been looking for a 69. But can't decide on a 4" or the 2 3/4". I already have a 3" 629. I always wanted a 696 but it hasn't happened yet!
Good luck
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[Paul105]

Thanks Collo Rosso, just ordered one thru Grabagun. I've used them before with complete satisfaction. Can't wait until it shows up.

Paul

 

[Shark Bait]

You got a winner right there! Love the grips on it. If it shoots half as good as it looks, I'll be in line for one. I love my 4.25" model, so having a similar one won't hurt. Have you used the VZ grips on another gun previously? If so, what are your thoughts? I'd be interested to hear, especially if they are on a carry weapon.

I have VZ's on my 2.5 inch 686 and a 624. I really like them. They are tough and a great choice for a carry gun. I added the medallions myself, which improves the appearance quite a bit.