Model 69

[Walkin Horse]

I looked at a new 69 yesterday. It has the lock on it. I asked the salesman if any of the new ones coming would be without the lock. He had no idea. I don’t need it right now but I will want one by late summer. Does anyone know what S&W plans are to eliminate the lock?

 

[ColumbusJBR]

I believe the community hope is that they’ll eliminate the lock on ALL models, and save it for the no-fun states.

But my guess is that S&W will 1st observe how their new no-lock offerings fare before making any sweeping decisions. After all, the new no-lock models cost more than the Hillary Hole counterparts.

If Smith WERE to release a Model 69 no-lock, for example, I’d bet that literally the only difference would be the omission of the lock and the price tag. So to say, if you have a serious itch for a model 69, I’d just buy it, plug the hole (or not) and be happy. Who’s to say if they’ll ever release a no-lock model? I hope I’m wrong.

 

[Rat458]

I have one and did the plug kit.
Not a big deal .
Hard to tell what they will do in the future.
They are good shooters one you replace the stock grip.

 

[gunzo]

I did read one comment by a Smith rep that they were in the process of phasing out the lock. But I can't remember the source so take this with a grain of salt.
What took you so long, was the question asked by the blogger & the Smith guy said the lock had been around so long that it was a big engineering change to go back.

 

[smoothshooter]

I believe the community hope is that they’ll eliminate the lock on ALL models, and save it for the no-fun states.

But my guess is that S&W will 1st observe how their new no-lock offerings fare before making any sweeping decisions. After all, the new no-lock models cost more than the Hillary Hole counterparts.

If Smith WERE to release a Model 69 no-lock, for example, I’d bet that literally the only difference would be the omission of the lock and the price tag. So to say, if you have a serious itch for a model 69, I’d just buy it, plug the hole (or not) and be happy. Who’s to say if they’ll ever release a no-lock model? I hope I’m wrong.

If it were me, I would just buy whichever version was available when I was ready to spend the money, and get on with my life, which is too short to deny yourself the use and enjoyment of a gun just because of something as inconsequential as a lock.
I have two Smiths with the locks and have never had a reason to give them a second thought.

 

[PHS327]

Don't worry about the lock. Buy the 69. One of the best, most accurate guns there is.

 

[Bald1]

I’ve never owned a S&W with lock. I don’t plan too. But I’d buy a new short barrel 69 with no lock

 

[F224]

I bought a 4" version. Sent it back to S&W Performance Center for the "revolver action package", it's smooth as silk. I'll take the lock out and replace it with a hole filler plug available on this site.

It shoots very well, with 1.5" groups possible at 25 yards in skilled hands. It shot smaller groups out of a Ransom Rest last summer with everything from 900fps Remington 44 mag UMC 240gr Lead, Speer 200gr 44spl HP's up to 44 Mag 300gr Hornady XTPs . Even my handloads shot well in it.

Just buy one, pull the lock out, plug the hole and move on.

 

[bronco45]

I love my 4" 69. Most accurate 44 I own. I own an old pre 29 5" and the 69 will outshoot it, not by much but it will. I have VZ grips the smooth ones on mine. Bought mine in 2015, still have it and use it with pleasure.

Packing an L frame 44 Mag. is a great deal better than N frames.

 

[ken158]

I bought one of the 69’s when they first came out, put the plug in it before I even fired it and would be without one of the best guns I’ve had if I waited for a no lock version which will likely not happen anytime soon or at all. I believe no lock on some of the Classic models is an experiment by the bean counters at the factory.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

Although I have "plenty" of S&W revolvers, I really only have one that is permanently serving in a problem-solving mode, and that is my 4.25" M69. Stored conveniently, yet discreetly, nearby my main entrance along with a handy Camillus Carnivore machete, it is sighted in and loaded with a 200 gr SWC at about 900 fps.

 

[tylerlayne]

I would not worry about it. If you don't use it ,its like its not there.

 

[steelslaver]

I have had 12 of the lock guns. My 500, and my 296, 396, 69, and 2 325s 3 of my alloy 32H&Rs and the 2 alloy J frame 38 specials I gave my step daughters. I eliminated the lock myself on everyone of them. I wanted the guns and deleting the lock was really easy to do.

 

[WardenRoss]

I was of the school that when I saw or handled any new Smith with the lock or two-piece barrel it would make my teeth sharp and my skin crawl.

I love my old classic Smith revolvers. I made my living with them and shot them in competition.

Well...I ran across a used model 69. Couldn't turn down the deal.

The best decision I ever made. It's now my favorite shooter. It may be the most accurate revolver that I own.

I call her the perfect Mountain Gun.


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