Model 69 combat magnum

[Electraclyde]

Been looking at these in a 2.75" barrel. Would shoot mostly .44 special, very few .44 magnum. Started out looking for just .44 special. The s&W's in this caliber are out of my price range. The new Ruger in .44 special does not appeal to me at all. The only other is the Charter Arms Bulldog which does not have a good reputation.
What say those of you that have an "L" frame in this caliber?

 

[Protocall_Design]

They are great for special type loads.

 

[RoyM52]

I like mine.

What's not to like?

Same size as a 357 for carry, can be shot with 44 special or ...if you re-load, your not stuck with 44 special pressure restrictions. This gun has all the good, without the forcing cone issues. The barrel is lower in relation to the hand so the recoil axis is improved over the N frame versions. The cylinder notches line up with the meat of the cylinder instead of over the cartridge. Full length ejector rod on a snubby with a tight lock-up from the new style. Comes with a full wrap around grip , that covers the back-strap. As yet....no competition with collectors over these since they are current production.

What's not to like?

 

[Paul105]

Big fan of the M69 here. Bought two 4 1/4” guns back in early 2014 and have shot them extensively.

Added the 2 ¾” earlier this year (April I think). Have put right at 1,200 rnds thru this one – almost all have been .44 mag level loads. Can’t believe how well these L Frames (both barrel lengths) handle recoil. I find the 2 ¾” gun recoils less than the 4 ¼” (resulting from approx 100 fps less velocity I think).

Only change I’ve made to mine has been to install S&W 500 X Frame Hogue grips. Due a problem with the bone at the base of my thumb on my shooting hand, the X Frame Hogues have found a home on all my current round butt S&Ws.

Actions (trigger pulls) on these guns vary from gun to gun and can be “tight” on some. With use, they tend get better. I haven’t had any action work (or changed springs) on any of my guns – just my personal preference.

For some reason, I find the 2 ¾” very easy to shoot – puts a smile on my face every time out.

As always, your mileage may vary.

Paul

 

[StakeOut]

The biggest thing to decide is whether you want a 5 shot L frame(Model 69) or a 6 shot N frame(Model 629)

Both will fire loads in 44spl cases and loads in 44 magnum cases.

The Model 69 barrel is 2.75" while the 629 offers a 3" barrel.

From Grab a Gun:

Model 69 2.75" = $683.18
Model 629 Deluxe 3" = $763.05

The Model 69 has a bead blasted matte finish vs a smooth shinier traditional stainless steel finish on the 629.

IMO the normal stainless finish is easier to care for after shooting.

edit: If you reload there's no reason to load 44spl cases.The longer 44 magnum cases will keep your cylinder holes cleaner and reduced target loads in magnum cases will will be similar to shooting 44spl.

Also the shorter distance to the forcing cone using magnum cases(less bullet jump) is better.

In 44mag cases:
240gr Lead,Plated or HY-Tek coated bullet over 5.0gr of Bullseye(mild light load)
240gr Lead,Plated or Hy-Tek coated bullet over 8.5gr of Unique(medium power load)

 

[shocker]

I like mine and it's a fun gun with appropriate ammo, which for me is a 44 special up to a "starter" level 44 mag.

Just note that the 69 2.75 is a svelte 34 oz. The laws of physics not having been repealed, the recoil of such a light gun with heavy loads is going to be "snappy", plus the noise and muzzle blast of a short barrel magnum. Watch Hickok45 get flinchitis during his youtube review from 44 mag loads.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, very good topic, I got a 2 3/4 “ 69 a few months ago and like it and the concept of the L frame 44. To be honest I have 3” 629-4, ruger Alaskan, SBHawk 4”29-2 and a Charter arms Bulldog. So with that I have good choices! I end up carrying the CA Bulldog! I belt carry and pocket carry. It’s the SS bulldog at 19 oz. that makes the difference for me!
Good luck
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[Electraclyde]

I do reload and I still have some very mild loads in magnum cases that I used for cowboy action shooting a few years ago in a Marlin lever action and a Ruger single action revolver. This Smith will not see many full blown .44 magnums. It will be 95% .44 special charges in magnum cases.
Will be out to several LGS tommorow to see if anyone has one. If not, I will look closer at the online sellers. FWIW, I don't want an "N" frame. This all started with looking for/at just .44 special only, small guns. Not much to choose from there.

 

[bluelund79]

I’m huge fan of my M69, in fact, it was my first Smith I purchased. I reload, so I have some special loads in magnum cases, which I also do in my 357’s. After enough trial and error, I have some that shoot poi at 50 yards with my magnum loads. While I don’t have the newer 2.75” M69, the 4.25” has served me well the past four years.

 

[DFrame]

My ONLY regret is that I jumped the gun and bought the 4 incher. Not that there is anything wrong with it., I just prefer a 3 inch Barrel. I love the way it handles. and though I haven't shot many magnums in it, it handles very well with them. With 44 specials it's a pure pleasure

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I'm very impressed with it & I'm glad I got mine.

Get one, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Need more tempting?

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69 Combat Magnum, with Badger grips

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69 Combat Magnum

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69 Combat Magnum

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[akmtnrunner]

As a 44 special or mild 44 mag platform, I think it would be fantastic. Mine, however, has tough extraction after 300gr XTP's sent from 16.8 gr (book max is 17.1) of 2400. So it's not exactly the best suited for max level 44 mags. So there is a penalty for moving down from the N to the L frame. Everything is a compromise.

 

[RoyM52]

As a 44 special or mild 44 mag platform, I think it would be fantastic. Mine, however, has tough extraction after 300gr XTP's sent from 16.8 gr (book max is 17.1) of 2400. So it's not exactly the best suited for max level 44 mags. So there is a penalty for moving down from the N to the L frame. Everything is a compromise.

Might want to check the forcing cone to cylinder clearance. My M69 is a very tight .004. The book isn't always the last word.

Have you run this load across a chronograph? How is your primer deformation? There could be factors at work here ....not just ....Baby and bathwater ....I always like to "Work up" a load

YMMV......

 

[Paul105]

As a 44 special or mild 44 mag platform, I think it would be fantastic. Mine, however, has tough extraction after 300gr XTP's sent from 16.8 gr (book max is 17.1) of 2400. So it's not exactly the best suited for max level 44 mags. So there is a penalty for moving down from the N to the L frame. Everything is a compromise.

I think this is something specific to your individual gun. I've run the 325s over 22.0gr of H110 at a chronoed 1,182 fps and 310gr Dual Crimp Gr Lees crimped in top grove over 20.0gr H110 at 1,140 fps in two 4 1/4" M69s with no problem at all. Same loads thru the 2 3/4" gun with same results -- no problem with extraction or otherwise.

No downside vs N Frame other than 5 v 6 rounds that I can see. In fact for me, recoil is less w/same bbl length and the L Frame is more compact and fits me better. Again indiv preference and your mileage may vary.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Electraclyde]

Bluedot, that us one fine looking gun with those grips and you photography skills are very good.
Today I bit the bullet (pun intended). After driving and calling gun shops and box stores in my area and one 110 miles away, ( the only one that had the 2.75" barrel model in stock), I had my local mom & pop gun shop order the gun. It should take 2 or 3 days to get here. I will post again after I have it in my hands and have fired it.

 

[akmtnrunner]

Roy and Paul, I hope you're right and I can certainly attest that besides my experience that I've read 99% very positive things about this revolver. I will keep trying to problem solve my loads.

 

[mlazarus]

I have the 4 inch version which I use for backup while hunting. I find that even stout 44 magnum rounds are somewhat reasonable recoil wise. I added a lanyard loop to mine.

 

[diyj98]

I bought both the 4" and 2.75" to try them out. I like the 2.75" so much that's I'll probably sell the 4". I'd prefer a 6" or so for hunting, but I wanted the five smaller gun for a handy house gun.

 

[gaspipes]

The biggest thing to decide is whether you want a 5 shot L frame(Model 69) or a 6 shot N frame(Model 629)

Both will fire loads in 44spl cases and loads in 44 magnum cases.

The Model 69 barrel is 2.75" while the 629 offers a 3" barrel.

From Grab a Gun:

Model 69 2.75" = $683.18
Model 629 Deluxe 3" = $763.05

I have a question. The model 69 and the model 629 PC guns have the ball detent lock up. No mention of this on the regular 629 or 629 Deluxe.

Is this important? Do all the new S&W have ball detent or is it a PC thing.... Model 66 Combat and 69 Combat thing.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I have a question. The model 69 and the model 629 PC guns have the ball detent lock up. No mention of this on the regular 629 or 629 Deluxe.

Is this important? Do all the new S&W have ball detent or is it a PC thing.... Model 66 Combat and 69 Combat thing.

The 4-1/4" M69 came out with the same ball detent lock found on many PC revolvers. When the 2-3/4" M69, & M66-8, came out S&W went to a different style detent lock that seems to be much better, IMO. No telling if future standard production models will get them.

It was important on these compact K & L-frames so they could beef up the barrel extension, for better durability with magnum loads, as seen in my pics below.

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69 Combat Magnum

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396NG 44 Spcl, - bbl. extension

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69 Combat Magnum - ball detent lock

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