Model 69 continues to impress

[stykshooter]

Every time I get out to shoot it, my S & W model 69 impresses me more and more. I was at first concerned with shooting full house loads in it due to the smaller size and weight but for some reason, recoil isn't much more noticeable than with my full house 629 or Classic DX. Heavy .44's tend to kick regardless of the handgun.

I shot 120 rounds through it yesterday afternoon. I have found a load shooting a 240 grain cast SWC with Unique at about 1,000 f.p.s. that it really likes and I shot several groups at 25 yards yesterday that would rival a lot of P.P.C. guns that I have shot. Really surprised me at how well they shot.

Below is a ten shot group that I shot at 25 yards with a recipe of WW 296 and a 200 grain XTP that is pushing 1,700 f.p.s.!!! Not a one hole Bullseye group but respectable for the distance and weapon.

I don't know if it is the two piece barrel, or some other little trick they are doing to these guns but Smith has hit upon a winning combination. To be honest, this little 4" barrel revolver will out shoot most all full sized 29's and 629's that I have owned.

I'm really looking forward to the 2 3/4" version. I was getting in line for the 66 but the .44 will do anything that a .357 will do, and a lot that a .357 can't.

 

[kaaskop49]

Am glad to see so many posters in absolute love with their Model 69s! I remember, as do many of you I'm sure, the gallons of "ink" spilled on this forum worrying about the ball detent lock-up when the gun was introduced.

I handled one at a show just after it appeared: the DA was gritty, to say the least. Would like to handle one now to feel the difference that owners report. Owners: keep enjoying your 69s!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[gman51]

Were you shooting off hand or bag rested? That is some awesome shooting.

 

[Phish]

Nice report!
It been on my short list but I keep balking because I am getting older and recoil is starts to bother me more. Maybe getting is magnaported would be good thing.

 

[The Norseman]

S&W Model 69 44 Mag

Thank you for sharing the Range Report of your
S&W Model 69 Revolver. Also for the picture.

I believe our excellent Target group is contributed
to your confidence with this Revolver, a good trigger,
and the Barrel/Barrel shroud (w/ no roll marking
compressing/constricting path of the bullet).

 

[Geblynch]

The Model 69 is a great example that change can be a good thing. I've been shooting mine for a year now and love it.

 

[stykshooter]

I was shooting it off of sand bags to test a couple of loads for accuracy.

I was a little concerned about recoil as well, but have to say, a cast 240 grain SWC at about 1,000 fps second isn't much more than a +P .38 special. I figure I can carry and shoot that load all I want, plus have the capability to jump up to the real magnum stuff if I ever want or need to.

 

[riverrat38]

Nice report!
It been on my short list but I keep balking because I am getting older and recoil is starts to bother me more. Maybe getting is magnaported would be good thing.

I would like to know if the two piece barrels can be Magnaported.
My solution to age is to load lighter. Still a good defense gun at 44 SPL levels. Hunting might be another matter.

Best,
Rick

 

[nipperdog]

I have owned mine since they came out in 2014. It is probably one of my most accurate .44 cal Revolvers. I bought it primarily as a dedicated .44 Special, but once and a while I fire Magnums.
Mine likes Keith style 250 grain LSWC bullets with enough Unique to get 1000FPS

 

[shocker]

My favorite load is a 240 gr bullet over enough AA7 or AA9 to get what the book says should be 1200 fps. Enough recoil to give that 44 magnum feeling but doesn't beat me up. I don't do intermediate loads much, if I drop down it's to a 180 gr WC at 900 fps.

 

[Seaweed02]

Wow

Wow that is some really nice shooting my friend. I just bought a model 69 a few months ago and I haven't even shot it yet. Reason is I got it just a few days before moving from northern California to Arizona so I was really busy. And once I got to Arizona I was even busier. I also bought a model 696 revolver from a member here named crsides and I haven't shot that one yet either. However I may be interested in buying a 2 3/4 inch version of the model 69 if they actually do come out with one. Anyway that is one sweet revolver you have there, and some mighty fine shooting skills too.

 

[bronco45]

The 69 has become my favorite 44. I own 5 Smith 44s and the 69 is the best. It goes with me everywhere. My grandsons will get the 1950 and the Pre 29. I will keep the 69.

 

[Voyager28]

I second all of the above. S&W got it right with this one. Best "woods" gun I've ever owned.

Bob

 

[FWP]

I second all of the above. S&W got it right with this one. Best "woods" gun I've ever owned.

Bob

I have to agree with the others. The 69 is a winner.

I have a 29 and an Anaconda but neither like lead bullets. The 69 shoots lead and jacketed bullets alike. The recoil from the 69 with mag loads causes less discomfort than the bigger guns.

I said (OK I said it too many times) that I was not going to buy any more guns but that 2.75" 69 has me thinking!

 

[Dennis]

So far I have only shot mild 44 mag loads out of mine. I ordered it from my LGS and asked if i would have the option of not buying it if it did not meet cosmetic, assembly, and timing standards.

It came in and i was impressed with the cosmetics, assembly, and timing. Took it home. Cleaned it up a tad. Loaded some 240's over 8 gr. unique in magnum cases and took it for a spin.
VERY impressed. And I have 3 29-3s and a newer 629.
This would be my holster carry for checkin fences if I ever move out of Kali and get some land back in my home-state of Idaho.

 

[BarryinIN]

Still liking mine. I've realized that everything I've tried in it has shot well. I didn't really catch that at first because I was paying attention to the better loads, but the "bad" ones are still good.
I took it out today to shoot up some ammo another gun didn't like at all, and ended up shooting most of them at 50 yards because it was too dull shooting any closer.

Never has any of its evil parts done anything bad. Even that two piece barrel has yet to raid my bank account or kick my dog.
I am replacing that blued cylinder latch with a stainless one, though.