Model 69 in .45 Colt?

[wlewisiii]

That would be a pleasant way to get a compact revolver in my other favorite cartridge.

Say name it the Model 73 ...

 

[steelslaver]

Won't happen. I bought a model 69 with thoughts of a 45 conversion. But, the chamber walls would be way to thin. I know CA and Taurus have done small 45s, but, they have a smaller ratchet and their chambers are closer to the center. For S&W to do a L frame 45 they would have to shrink the ratchet, move the chambers in relocate the hand and its slot to operate it. Then move the barrel down in the frame. Not going to happen. They could make the cylinder and frame opening bigger, but then your basically have an N frame.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

The idea certainly has merit. If S&W would make a Scandium frame version on the 25-5 with a traditional fluted cylinder and a traditional barrel (not slab sided, etc.) in a 3" to 4", I'd be interested. In fact, basically copy the old 3.5" Model 27 but with a Scandium frame.