I really like my M69...and my #2 son liked it so much I ended up buying him one for Christmas a few years ago. We both have the 4.25" bbl'd models.
Just an ounce heavier than my M66, the M69 throws a much heavier bullet with equal accuracy and mimic's the .357's light weight on the gun belt. If I were still making trips out to Colorado chasing elk in the high country, I'd probably take the 69 for it's lighter weight as a back up gun when packing out the quarters after a successful hunt.
Some have described the 69 as a .44 Special that'll fire magnums if reqr'd...an apt description IMHO...as that's the role it occupies in our use; and with no apologies either.
For loads, I'm a strong believer in Skelton's justly famous 240 gr LSWC backed by 7.5 gr of Unique for ~950 fps. This is a cheap, every day load for all day carry here on the farm. And has proved effective putting down large stock.
Another good one is Hornady's 200 gr XTP with ~9.0+ gr of Unique for an honest 1050 fps. This too is one heck of a great carry/all purpose load for us. It'll do for close in deer or varmint shooting. A third preference is Lyman's 429215GC, with 7.5 gr of Unique....giving a chrono'd 1000 fps from our guns. It's a bit easier on the hands in recoil than Skeeter's old prescription, and is cheap using wheel weight alloy.
We really like the guns...and have found them equally as accurate as our other Smiths. The above trio of loads will do sub-2" groups at 25 yds on demand. Lastly, I hate to admit it, but the factory rubber finger groove grips suit me just fine...totally eliminating the 2nd knuckle rap that standard S&W Targets are notorious for. I know their beyond fugly, but they WORK!!. Best regards, Rod
Pic below of my carry position, with my version of the old Tom Threepersons belt holster. Pretty sure that's my 69 in the bucket but it may be the 686...they both fit.
