Model 69...Range Report

[Jlduke]

Dang it, now I want one.

 

[Wingmaster]

What do you guys think about the future collectability of the model 69?

Wingmaster

 

[falcon1]

As to the three-inch barrel possibility, I contacted the factory after I purchased a Model 69 to ask if they had any three-inch barrel assemblies for it. They said none were available. While I did not specifically ask if they would ever make any, their reply did not suggest the possibility.

 

[S&W ucla]

I would like to see a 5" ported barrel, using the original shroud, along with the tool to swap them out. The only issue with mine was a terrible two-stage single action trigger pull. A little judicious stoning fixed that right up. Double is fairly heavy but smooth. It will go after deer this fall!

 

[ironhead7544]

Glad to see someone else with a favorable opinion of the M69.

As most of you who follow the M69 threads, I have two - one with 800 rounds and one with 1,400. I've shot 325s at 1,180 fps and 240gr at 700 fps. Have settled on two loads 6.5gr HP38 under a 240gr Laser Cast SWC seated and crimped over the front drive band in .44 Mag cases. Haven't chronoed these, but should be about 850 fps.

The other is 265gr SWCGC (429244 Thompson GC) over 17.0gr of A2400 also crimped over the front drive band (basically .44 special OAL) - these chrono 1,140 fps (both loads at 5 long paces from the muzzle at 60 deg F).

I put the Hogue 500s on mine and have been carrying the m69 in an older Simply Rugged Sourdough Panake off and on while walking the dogs.

6.5gr HP38/240 SWC - Top Target, lower right group.
.

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17.0gr 2400/265gr SWC - Bottom target, middle left group.
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Haven't had any problems and am real happy with mine.

FWIW,

Paul

Thanks for the info. Why are you crimping the 429244 over the front band? Is it too long to fit the cylinder? Your 2400 load is really all you need for a 44 revolver. I really want a M69.

 

[Paul105]

Thanks for the info. Why are you crimping the 429244 over the front band? Is it too long to fit the cylinder? Your 2400 load is really all you need for a 44 revolver. I really want a M69.

So that it will function in my Rossi M92 lever action carbine. Found out that accuracy was superb and bullet pull nill in handguns. Basically duplicates the "Keith" .44 Special Load.

Haven't tried the 429244 crimped in the crimp grove in the M69. For reference, the Lyman Keith 429421, when crimped in the crimp grove has a longer over all length than the Thompson 429244 -- The Keith 429421 crimped in crimp grove fits in the M69 -- it is real close to the face of the cylinder however.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[yfdcap]

Just curious, what are the b/c gaps on everyone's new 69's? Mine is .009. I have noticed on a couple new smith purchases I have made recently that gaps are getting bigger.

 

[Gibbs44]

Thanks for the write up, though it's done nothing good for extinguishing my desire for one of these beauties.