Model 69 questions...

[Andy Griffith]

The new models are intreging. I'm think'n about them a lot.

Since it seems that the new 69 and "66" is a bit redesigned from their old counterparts, and much heavier, as they would have to be to be able to get around the undercut on the bottom of the barrel in the yoke area. Likely from the photos, may even be heavier in some respects than an N frame.

So, am I correct that they technically a new frame size?

A K+?
K and a half?
L-?

Or just "Q" for question?

 

[colt_saa]

No you are not correct.

These are K and L frame firearms.

Where are you getting your information that the new 66 is heavier? According to the 2002 S&W catalog, the older 4" model 66 weighs in at 37 ounces.

The new 4 1/4" model 66 that was introduced this year weighs in at 36.6 ounces according to the factory website.

The reason that no undercut of the forcing cone is necessary on the 66 has nothing to do with an increase in size. It is due to metallurgical advances and manufacturing changes that came in at the -6 engineering revision years ago. The current revision of the 66 is -8. Here is a picture of the 4 1/4" 66

 

[Andy Griffith]

The weight may not be able to be compared to an older gun, as those did not have shrouded barrels, which would likely be lighter than the older solid barrels.

I agree that stripped frame to frame comparison would be necessary to ascertain their true weight.

I guess it is a K frame, but significantly redesigned.

Like a vintage Ford Galaxy 500, to one of the new Ford 500's.

I guess once these hit the shelves, I'll have to compare it with my 619 and model 10, 14th change.