Model 69 Range Report

Voyager28

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In another thread someone requested a range report on a Model 69. So, since I was going to the range today anyway I decided to take mine and do some shooting with it.

Distance: 20 yards. Ammo: Hornady 240 gr XTP. Temperature: 75 degrees (Yep, it's January in Florida) Winds: Calm

In photo #1 is the first string I fired. The first 5 rounds were to zero in. You will notice two rounds low and right. Can you spell "flinch"? After that I tightened up my girdle and started shooting like I should. The next three rounds, sights adjusted. Then 10 rounds uninterrupted except for reload.

Photo #2 is 20 rounds continuous, except for reload, slow fire, in a combination of both off hand and two hand shooting.

The next photos are older pictures of my Model 69 when I first bought it. The only difference is it now sports a Hogue Mono-Grip.

I really wanted to shoot more but, after 35 rounds, my 68 y/o wrists were telling me they had about had enough. Pattern started getting a bit sloppy so I stopped there.

Compared to my Model 629, felt recoil is a bit less and muzzle flip is noticeably less. Mind you, it is still a .44 magnum and when you touch the bang switch it leaves no doubt whether or not the round fired. It's certainly not what I would call a pleasurable target shooter, but, as a woods carry gun I can't imagine anything better suited.

Bob
 

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Nice shooting report! It's great to be in Florida this time of year.

The SASS Florida State Championship is this weekend in St. Augustine. We have 350 shooter from all over the country trying to get warm. Try to check it out if you can. Its free!
 
Thank you for the range report. I'm surprised to hear that the Model 69 had less felt recoil than your 629. Do you think it was because the axis of the bore is lower in your hand or maybe the grips?
 
Thank you for the range report. I'm surprised to hear that the Model 69 had less felt recoil than your 629. Do you think it was because the axis of the bore is lower in your hand or maybe the grips?

I have very similar grips on my 629 so, personally, I think it's more to do with the lower bore axis. The reason I say that is because the lighter muzzle flip is even more noticeable. Whatever the reason, it is easier and steadier to shoot.

Bob
 
Bob, fine shooting.

I'm the same vintage as Bob (V28) and my impressions mirror his regarding recoil and shootability. The L Frame .44 Mag just works for me. The M69s durability (at least my two samples) is amazing and exceeds all INTERNET expectations -- 4,700 rnds thru one (1,200 thru the other) and no problems whatsoever -- end shake is zero on both.

I absolutely love traditional, blued, color cased, ivory stocked (sheep horn & fancy walnut also) revolvers but these new M69s are GREAT everyday working guns. As to being only 5 shots, I have some Freedom Arms M83s that are functionally only 4 shot revolvers and that doesn't bother me in the least.

FWIW,

Paul
 
About the lower bore axis, I'm not going to lie...my 640 feels very similar to my 28 when shooting magnums. Maybe my hands are just numb to it, but that's how it feels to me. I can see the same thing here vs the 629 happening.
 
As I have said in other threads, my Model 69 is most certainly NOT the most beautiful revolver I own. It will never win any beauty contests. Nor, is it the most pleasurable to shoot. But, as a woods carry gun, everyday hunter, working gun, it is very hard to beat. The bead blast finish is almost impervious to wet, damp, cold environments. Mine fist perfectly into a Jordan 4" holster and has been on my hip for a number of woods outings. While this is the first range report I've done with it, it is absolutely not the first time I've had it out of the house.

If you are squeamish about the 2 piece barrel, don't be. If you are squeamish about only 5 rounds, well, that's a personal thing so there's nothing I can say about that except that, for my use, 5 rounds are plenty. If you are squeamish about the IL, well, that's another of those personal things. Personally, I have never had any issue with it on either of my guns so equipped.

IMHO, S&W absolutely got it right with this one.

Bob
 
As I have said in other threads, my Model 69 is most certainly NOT the most beautiful revolver I own. It will never win any beauty contests. Nor, is it the most pleasurable to shoot. But, as a woods carry gun, everyday hunter, working gun, it is very hard to beat. The bead blast finish is almost impervious to wet, damp, cold environments.

If you are squeamish about the 2 piece barrel, don't be. If you are squeamish about only 5 rounds, well, that's a personal thing so there's nothing I can say about that except that, for my use, 5 rounds are plenty. If you are squeamish about the IL, well, that's another of those personal things. Personally, I have never had any issue with it on either of my guns so equipped.

IMHO, S&W absolutely got it right with this one.

Bob


A BIG PLUS 1 -- I'll also add that this applies to the new M66-8 for those that find the .357 enough gun.


Paul
 
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Thanks for the range report! When I shot mine side by side with my 29-10, the recoil felt equal for a newb like me.

Times are a-changing. I think a M69 can win a beauty contest. I couldn't take my eyes off its American Rifleman cover photo. ;)
 
If I didn't already own several very nice big-bore revolvers, the 69 would be on my short list.
 
If I didn't already own several very nice big-bore revolvers, the 69 would be on my short list.

It's only money..... ;)

But then I'm quite happy with my Old School 29-2 and my 696 44 Special.

That 3 inch 44 Special is "close enough" to a 69 for my purposes.
 
Love my 69. Can't appreciate them until you handle one. Wasn't interested in them, at all, until I picked one up, I then had to buy it. Great packing 44.
 

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