Model 69 examination:

Donald Paul

Donald Paul

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2011
Messages
379
Reaction score
931
Location
Florida
S&W mod 69 (7).jpg

S&W mod 69 (8).jpgS&W 69
Picked-up a new model 69 to see what it's all about. Here's my quick & dirty assessment.
MIM parts are: hammer, trigger, cylinder latch & interior assembly, rebound slide, & cylinder indexing bolt.
The hand is no longer floating.
New individual pieces: a stirrup that hooks into the hammer for the main spring to attach to, and an individual pin that connects between the rebound slide and the trigger.
The front lock for the cylinder, as you know, has been replaced with a spring loaded ball detent that is located on the front of the yoke/crane and it locks into the ejector rod shield.
The two piece barrel is new big news for S&W.
Over-all, I feel that the model 69 is a fine piece of modern craftsmanship and workmanship.
{Hopefully I'll send more pictures of the break-down}.
 
Register to hide this ad
Model 69 examination

Very frustrating that can't load more pictures.
I have taken good exploded pics of the revolver with all the parts spread out over my copy board.
I'll keep trying.


{Hopefully I'll send more pictures of the break-down}.[/QUOTE]
 
I'm confused. I couldn't look close or for very long but I didn't think either the 66 or 69 had two part barrels. If they do it's not like the old style two part barrels.
 
Does the 69 have any of the endurance package ie. radiused studs or the bolt block to not allow the cylinder to spin backwards under recoil?
 
Maximumbob54 said:
I'm confused. I couldn't look close or for very long but I didn't think either the 66 or 69 had two part barrels. If they do it's not like the old style two part barrels.
Click to expand...

Looking at the barrel tip from the front you can see that it's a two piece but it does not have the large exposed flange like on the NightGuards. It's definitely less obvious than the old style.
 
BLUEDOT37 said:
Looking at the barrel tip from the front you can see that it's a two piece but it does not have the large exposed flange like on the NightGuards. It's definitely less obvious than the old style.
Click to expand...

In this photo of a new 66, you can see what bluedot37 is talking about.

66BARREL_zps6c90f023.jpg
 
I do not for the life of me know how I could have missed that.

I wonder if a cutter could smooth out the transition bwtween the two so that some are less obvious. But then I also didn't see the ball detent either. I wasn't here. These aren't the droids you are looking for....
 
Picked up my M69 yesterday. Shot some 180s and 240s today. Some of them were reloads, can't remember the velocity on the loads. I had convinced myself that I wasn't going to purchase one. After playing with it and a new model 66 I had to try one. Only put 37 total rounds, but at this point I am hooked. While the 240s could be rough in large numbers, this is a keeper! One handed it was very manageable!
 
Last edited:
I went to my LGS over this past weekend and he had a new m66 and m69 there. I have my 357 desires covered with my 4" m19-3 and my 6" m28-2 so I didn't ask to check out the 66.

The m69 on the other hand..... :cool:

I was really liking what I saw just looking at pics and description shortly after it's release. I asked to fondle said m69 the other day and I am smitten!

I LOVE the portable horsepower of it! It has my 4" m29-2 beat for lightweight and slimness hands down (obviously, being an L frame and all..) It points naturally, feels very light, balanced, and portable.

But I will admit there are some things that I don't care for, but they are strictly cosmetic IMHO.. I don't care for the matte finish of the new m66 and m69. It makes them look like they are built out of aluminum, reminiscent of the small Charter Arms 38spl CC revolvers that have the plastic trigger guards. Although I didn't mind the black hammer/trigger/cyl release looking at pics, after seeing in person I find it kind of "cheapens" the look of the revolver. The 2-piece barrel, not a big fan of that as far as looks either. But they use the 2-piece design on the X-frames for a reason, so I assume it is to address previous issues with the old m66 and 696 with strength and longevity.. (at least as some say).

Overall, I fell in love with the m69 and it is squarely on my "want" list, very near the top in fact... I love the concept, love the way it handles. I'll have one sooner or later!
 
Last edited:
Where's the 41 magnum?

There are three most important things in my life, the 357mag, the 41mag, and the 44mag. Again no 41mag?? A model "6668" in 41mag?
Let's grow a pair and test the marketing waters with a 41magnum we all maybe surprised. Put me down for some.

Blue and nickel versions? Please?

But there on my want list anyway.

I seen barrel liners used before in stainless guns. I'm thinking the install a hardened steel liner into the softer stainless.

S&W is competing with its older revolvers and these newer ones are right in there price wise. Maybe some will prefer new over used. I prefer buying both. Ccw carry the m66 or m69 and let the older one stay home.

Either way s&w wins and we win too.
 
Last edited:
Looking at recent history, I believe they'll make a small run of .41. Things here are kind of tight at the moment, but if/when they do it, I'm going to have to work something out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Y
Nice used 69
Replies
0
Views
137
Yendor357
Y
3
Model 19-10 Ejector Rod Removal Help
Replies
8
Views
643
337vegasstrong
3
F
Outdoorsman troubles
Replies
9
Views
496
2152hq
2
W
J frame gunsmith for reliability and trigger job, please take a look at my options
Replies
17
Views
2K
DETROIT
D
T
WTB Schofield or pre new model 3 American parts
Replies
0
Views
211
TomTownUSA
T

Latest posts

Back
Top