New M69 4"

[santacruzdave]

New S&W model 69. Put 100 rounds thru it first day at the range. Very accurate with "Skeeter" loads of 7.5 gr Unique under a 240 gr Acme SWC "lipstick" bullet. Shot some HSM "cowboy" factory ammo, 240 gr. lead SWC rated at 1100 fps, which were not very accurate and leaded my barrel. Good news is the HSMs are loaded in Starline brass. Pictures when I figure out how to post 'em.

General impression: I like this gun a lot! Sleeved barrel is on straight. With the Skeeter load the sights were dead on with a 6 o'clock hold at 15 yards. Grips (stocks) are a tiny bit small for my hands. Both the HSM and my handloads provide some generous feedback in this L frame revolver. I have a S&W 500 Magnum grip on order from S&W. Let's see if that quiets things down a bit. Right now I'm not contemplating loading and shooting anything hotter. I was going to buy a Ruger GP 100 in 44 Special, but the Smith just seemed more to my liking; 4 inch barrel, adjustable sights, magnum rated and I already have a GP100 in 357.

Looking forward to more range time with the M69.

 

[Macinaw]

What made you choose the 4 inch model instead of the 2 3/4 inch?

I asks this because I am about to buy a model 69. Don't know which one to get.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I just shot the M-69 2 3/4in.
The shorter barrel just "fits " better.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, I to had that problem and decided on the 2 3/4" two weeks ago, I like the gun and concept, I think the gp100 is to large, I love my new CA bulldog, and I have a 629-4 3" and a Alaskian, and super black,if I want a big honken hand cannon. I did send the 69 back to SW because of the mysterious ring in the bore a week ago! 44's are my favorite, ask a special girl from high school, lol
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[Lou_the_welder]

In California, the 2 3/4" barrel 69 is not legal for sale. Nor is the model 66. We can buy the 4" tho. In either.

They need to be on the roster of approved guns.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I have a S&W 500 Magnum grip on order from S&W. Let's see if that quiets things down a bit.

Glad you like your new 4 inch 44.

If you find the 500 grips are bigger than you'd like you might consider Pachmayrs Diamond Pro grips. I like them on my 2-3/4".

.

 

[twodog max]

I don't think a snubby 69 would be for me but I sure like my 4 incher. I shoot it a couple times a week since getting it about 18 months ago. I put Pachmayr Diamond Pros on mine and helped a lot with full magnums but I don't shoot to many of those. The 69 has turned into my favorite revolver.

 

[Dave Lively]

You guys have talked me into giving the Pachmayr grips a try. The 500 grips are better than the stock ones but do feel a little large at times, kind of like they were designed for a huge X frame 500 magnum. At less cost than a box of cheap ammo they are worth trying. Worst case I can always throw them into my box of holsters I tried once and never used again.

I really like my 4 inch 69, it just feels right to me. I really like shooting ammo in the strong 44 special/weak 44 magnum range through it. I do shoot full strength magnum loads through it but find one or two cylinders per range session is enough of the strong stuff.

 

[twodog max]

I like the Diamond Pros but a heads up they are not perfect. With the soft rubber comes wear at friction points when used in a holster. After one year of almost daily field carry the diamonds are worn away at a couple of small places. As inexpensive as they are if they wear out lacking a better alternative I would buy another set.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations on the new 69!

 

[diyj98]

I have both the 4" and the 2.75". I haven't fired the 2.75" yet, but if it shoots acceptable, I'll may end up selling the 4". If it were for hunting or primarily 44 magnum loads, the 4" would be my pick, but I'll mainly use the 69 for a 44 special plinking and home defense gun.