Model 69 quality questions

[rogo123]

Am interested in this gun if it's better than when it first came on the market.
What are they like now?

 

[Clarke Hammer]

I don't remember hearing about any quality issues when it was introduced. It seems I've only heard praise for the model 69, and most that have one speak very highly of it.

 

[shocker]

Quality issues I can recall being discussed are how precisely the serrations on the barrel shroud index with the serrations on the frame, how the ball detent should align with it's notch, and the muzzle crown on an ECM barrel. Mine is early production and it operates properly and is more accurate than I am. No complaints.

 

[S&WForty]

Shocker's recollection and experience matches mine.

 

[Chas100]

I just purchased one last month. I'm not sure whether it's an early version or not but I've only had it to the range two times. I've gone through 1 box (50 RNDs) of Blazers 240 grain and have not had any issues at all. The cylinder does get a lot of muzzle blast on it. Prior to my second trip I polished it with Flitz paste polish and it cleaned off fairly easy after a coating of that.

I was unaware of any past problems and found nothing but good reviews. The only complaints that I read were that it only holds 5 RNDs and also the lock but nothing quality wise. I really like mine and for a 44mag on a medium frame there's not much more recoil than my 40 cal Glock.

 

[Dave Lively]

Quality issues I can recall being discussed are how precisely the serrations on the barrel shroud index with the serrations on the frame, how the ball detent should align with it's notch, and the muzzle crown on an ECM barrel.

You forgot about the early guns shooting high with the rear sight bottomed out. But only with heavy loads. And by high I mean about 6 inches at 25 yards.

To the OP: If any of these minor complaints bug you S&W will fix them. I wanted to get the lower rear sight blade I have heard the new guns have but Smith insisted I return the gun instead of just mailing me a new rear sight. They also cleaned up the crown I complained about even though I told them not to bother if that was normal now.

No gun is perfect but I really like the 69 I have owned for nearly 2 years. I am glad I can adjust the sights so it shoots to point of aim with all loads now but even if it didn't I would have no absolutely no regrets about buying it.

 

[Pete1979]

I bought one shortly after my 66, not long after they came out. The barrel shroud is crooked but You have to be paying attention to notice. You can see a slight cant in the front sight. Aside from that it's been flawless. The crown is sharp on both pistols and a little rough looking but it shoots specials and red dot handloads into the same hole at 12 yds. S&W offered to send me a shipping label and look at it but I haven't felt the need. Trigger is outstanding, no timing issues or light strikes, good all around revolver. I think of mine as a 44 special with magnum capability.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dennis]

Had mine for a few months now. Smooth and tight and no problems outa the box. Everything lines up and is very accurate. Handier than my 4".

 

[ars1876]

I bought mine June 5 th,2015 and have not had any problems and the parts all line up.Very accurate and digests all my handloads.I don't shoot anything heavier then 240 gr in it.I have enough M-29's & 629's for those.

 

[twodog max]

I have had mine a little over a year. Bought it used off GB. Everything is straight and shoots great with everything I have run through it all the way to heavy load 240's. Possibly the best shooting S&W I have ever owned.

 

[shocker]

You forgot about the early guns shooting high with the rear sight bottomed out. But only with heavy loads. And by high I mean about 6 inches at 25 yards.

That one puzzled me at the time as I never had that issue. I sighted mine dead on with clicks to spare. Perhaps some sight blades from another model got mixed into the parts bin at the factory.