Model 69 - Anybody seen one yet?

[didactic]

I'm intrigued by the idea of a 5-shot .44 Magnum on an L-frame, which I believe is a Model 69. It's been announced but my LGS has been unable to get one for me.
Has anybody seen one yet? Does anybody know which distributor might have them?
Of course I don't NEED such a little beast, but we all should recite the gun store mantra, "What does need have to do with it?"
It's in the online catalog, and already in stainless. So far, it only comes with a 4 1/4" barrel, which I understand is the minimum length to make it exportable to Canada. I might prefer a 5" barrel, but would sure live with it as is. The perfect trail gun? If such exists, this might be IT.

 

[steelslaver]

I checked out one at a Shields store. They had 2 and I didn't get one, waited till after the gun show and a week later both were gone. Seem like a good gun, some interesting changes like the 2 piece barrel and a thicker forcing cone than the 696. Plus it locks up the crane with a plunger from the crane to an indent in the ejector rod shroud. Should work better than the turning end of the ejector rod, being closer to the yoke, not turning and a tiny bit less drag on the cylinder rotation. Only time and shooting will tell. I don't need on either, BUT.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Bulls-Eye Gun & Range in Lawrenceville, GA had the S&W 69 the last few times I have been in to shoot.

 

[MTKTM]

I've seen a couple of them in shops here in NW Montana. Nice guns. I'm surprised you can't get one of your local dealers to order one for you from one of their distributors. Same with the new 66, I've seen a couple of those as well. Nice looking revolvers.

 

[oger]

Saw one at the last gun show, really didn't like the way it felt in my hand so I passed and ended up with a mountain gun.

 

[qballwill]

Im not sure where in Texas you are, but I know a dealer that has one in Southeast Texas. PM me if you are interested.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I have seen them here in South Florida for a while. Several shops.

 

[Snowwolfe]

They are all over the place. Last month some of the vendors on gunbrokers were selling them for as low as $675 with no reserve.

 

[bronco45]

I have one and I love it! I own several N frame 44s but prefer the L frame to carry and shoot. It's very accurate, mine prints 1.5" for 5 at 20 yds offhand. This gun will shoot tighter groups, I can't.

Look up Model 69 or Paulg he did a great coverage on the gun.

 

[Model39]

Mine With A Model 66 4" For Comparison

 

[Gunhacker]

I figure you-know-what will freeze over before we get to see any here in Cali-flubbed-up-fornia, with our infamous "handgun roster".

 

[TDC]

Here's another picture of a new L frame 69 beside its K frame brother the 66-8.

Waiting now for the snubbies and the L frame in .41 caliber.....

 

[TDC]

Here's another picture of a NIB factory original Mod. 66 no-dash beside a NIB factory original 66-8.

 

[wader4]

I maybe new to the forum but I have quite a few Smiths. When the 69 came out I had to get one to go with my 29 Hostile, 29 Classic Dx and Original Stealth hunter. Fit and finish are not like the other 3, and the 2 piece barrel looks different but it does shoot!

 

[nipperdog]

Just got mine last Week. I wanted one real bad but there were none around here. I found one on GB for 679.00 and snagged it. I loaded some light .44 loads of 11grains of Unique under a 240g LSWC. Shot real well. I have yet to try her with full house .44 Mags

 

[clindt]

I love mine. I looked all over DFW and finally found one at Bass Pro. I paid full MSRP, but had to have it. That thing is a tack driver.