I've had two of the 4.25" bbl'd model 69's since they first came out, I kept one and my greedy son got the second.
As a .44 Special, with occasional .44 Magnum use, each of them has been excellent. The concept of a light weight magnum designed for occasional magnums with most firing done with lighter recoiling practice ammunition is not new. Read Smith's M19 Combat Magnum with .357 and .38 Specials in the starring roles.
Hence my opinion that the M69, as a carry piece for back country use where a full weight 629 would be prohibitive, is just the answer. Mine, unloaded, weighs one oz. more than my M19, 4 incher; carries easily, and is there if I need the bigger punch of full house .44 Mags.
Accuracy, too, has been excellent in SA use, but is somewhat degraded by the DA trigger which is heavier than former S&W standards. Still, up close, say out to ten years, it's a solid DA performer. In the two examples I've owned, selected loads, handloads BTW, will consistently produce 2" or a bit smaller groups at 25 yds from rest. These are 1100 fps, 240 gr loads that are more than enough for most purposes, IMOP.
Good stocks are a requisite for any sort of comfort while shooting true Magnum loads in any handgun. In my case, with size "L-XL" paws, the 69''s factory rubber ones are adequate, but are really quite comfortable with .44 Special level pills....~1000-1100 fps.
To sum it up, the 69's weight on the belt for all day carry, while still offering full .44 Magnum performance, if desired, is a trade off that I'm more than happy with.
Best regards, Rod
