New Model 69: what accessories to get?

[wood714]

I polished mine and replaced all the black bits with stainless, except the hammer and trigger. Put an old style thumb piece on it too.

Then I gave it to my dad.

Grips were just for the picture.

 

[The Norseman]

It's all in the Grip

Thank you for the Updated. Great Range Report and Pictures.

Yes with all the Plastic Pistols running around out there I bet it
was nice hearing a compliant on a Revolver. People know a
Real Gun when they see it.

Please give a Range Report on the Altamont walnut checkered
grips with fleur de lis and silver medallions when you get
them.

Thank you again, very nice.

 

[smoothshooter]

A couple of Safariland speed loaders. They beat the heck out of HKS brand design. Also some speed strips.
I prefer the Safariland speed loaders because you do not have to twist a release knob like you do on the HKS, or hold the cylinder with the other hand to keep it from rotating when the HKS release knob is turned.
With the Safariland you merely insert the tips of the cluster of cartridges into the chambers and push right on down until the release clicks and drops the rounds into the chambers in one smooth motion.
A superior design.

 

[RoyM52]

[/IMG]I accessorized my M 69 with the Altamont Combat Grips , a set of Meprolight night sights and did the long wait in order to have a Milt Sparks VM 2 IWB holster. I also have a couple of speed strips.

 

[PHS327]

Safariland is definitely better than hks, but I do not believe they make a 5 shot 44 loader.

I don't think they do either but it's hard to tell. You would think they would put a list of what speed loader fit's what guns but if it's there, I couldn't find it.

 

[Paul105]

 

[bitstream]

Paul, I found it on the 5 star firearms website, can you confirm that it doesn't interfere with the cylinder release? It looks like the way it is shaped might just slide right past?

 

[bitstream]

I should also update that I tried a few accessories:

HKS speedloader: It does work. The twist towards the revolver tends to try and move the cylinder back, which closes it against the frame catching the speedloader. It's not too hard to simply pin it with your finger as you work it, but could have been better thought out. The fit works, mostly because HKS makes their loader loose. Not exactly fast, but it does work and it does retain the rounds.

SpeedBeez speedloader: Superior design to the HKS, it clips each round in snugly and retains the nicely. It releases with a push, which is much more natural and quick. The only issue on the Model 69 is that it rubs the cylinder release and you have to work it past, which makes it hard to do with any speed at all. I'd guess that their design is exceptional on a larger frame revolver with more room to get past the release button.

Galco Combat Master CM-104 holster: Galco holsters are always very nice and this is no exception. The fit and finish and leather are great. The only 2 issues with this holster for the Model 69 is that the gun fits perfectly, but it is for a 2" barrel and the 69 is a 2.75" barrel, so it doesn't seat quite as deep as I'd like. The back of the trigger is left out of the holster guard (which is not a 100% foul, but I would prefer full covering of the trigger. Also, it just rides with a little more out of the holster than I'd like. It seems firm and I can get in and out of my truck and go about my business. I can even bend down and pickup something and the gun doesn't move at all. But, I'd prefer it ride deeper by just a bit. As far as drawing, it doesn't have a thumb break or other retention device, so it's fast, especially with the snub nose. That said, I'd prefer a strap so it is positively retained and I don't have to worry. I can unsnap pretty fast, so the safety and security of a strap would be good.

I've ordered a new Galco Silhouette SIL-104 so I'll post a review once it arrives and I can try it a few days. I think it will fit much better and it has a thumb break.

 

[Paul105]

Paul, I found it on the 5 star firearms website, can you confirm that it doesn't interfere with the cylinder release? It looks like the way it is shaped might just slide right past?

Yes, it clears the cylinder release BUT the rounds splay out a bit and longer rounds (magnums depending on nose profile) are more difficult to release from the loader if seated deep in the cyl. May just be my loader.

.44 Specials with 255 gr Keith work fine.

Paul

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I put Pachmyer grips , shoot reduced loads most of the time , [can shoot mags with new grips] "may" install a fixed sight[C&S] but most of all a holster.
Mine is a LOBO Tommy Threeperson with a hammer strap...

 

[joe44va]

My 2.75" M69 is box stock but I've worked on my 4.25" model. It has S&Ws Master Revolver Action Package, a Venom, and Pachmayer Diamond Pro's. I like it.

 

[bitstream]

Followup:

I got the Galco Silhouette SIL-104 holster in and have had a chance to wear it out a few times. First, it fits the Model 69 perfectly. The design and cut allows the revolver to fully seat down and in where the trigger is completely protected and the hammer sits perfectly where the thumb break covers it so the rig is far safer than the Galco Combat Master is. I think the Combat Master holster will be great for taking to the range, but for daily carry, the Silhouette is the clear choice. The leather is well made and stitching great, plus you can't beat the smell of good leather over any of those plastic or fabric holsters.

Finally, my Altamont walnut checkered grips with fleur de lis and silver medallions arrived today. They feel much better in the hand than the Pachymayr laminate grips. They look very nice as well and the fit was tight and clean. Here are some pics included.

 

[Paul105]

Really like that Galco.

Forgot to mention aftermarket sights. Here's a picture of my M69 with Bowen Rough Country Rear and Dawson Precision 1/10" front. Sight picture improvement has to be seen to be believed - big help to these old eyes.

.

.
Paul

 

[Dave Lively]

Forgot to mention aftermarket sights. Here's a picture of my M69 with Bowen Rough Country Rear and Dawson Precision 1/10" front. Sight picture improvement has to be seen to be believed - big help to these old eyes.

My M69 shot high with heavy bullets and ran out of adjustment range. The factory solution was a shorter rear blade. The rear notch is also short and makes it hard to get a good sight picture.

Does that rear sight have plenty of adjustment range?

 

[oink]

Just a side note:
I called Safariland. They don't make a speed loader for the 69. Speed loaders are not a big part of their business and their interests are elsewhere. Armor is their current center of interest according to their spokesperson. They haven't introduced any new speed loaders in years and apparently have no plans to do so. It sounds like they need to sell that part of their business off to someone more interested in that segment of business.

 

[Classic29]

I have Model 69 with the 4.25" barrel now which I love. All these pictures of the 2.75" model have me lusting for one ��

 

[Paul105]

Just a side note:
I called Safariland. They don't make a speed loader for the 69. Speed loaders are not a big part of their business and their interests are elsewhere. Armor is their current center of interest according to their spokesperson. They haven't introduced any new speed loaders in years and apparently have no plans to do so. It sounds like they need to sell that part of their business off to someone more interested in that segment of business.

My M69 shot high with heavy bullets and ran out of adjustment range. The factory solution was a shorter rear blade. The rear notch is also short and makes it hard to get a good sight picture.

Does that rear sight have plenty of adjustment range?

Not sure but doubt you could get full range of bullets (180gr - 320gr) and various velocities from 800fps to 1,200 fps to zero. The pictured setup is a .370 Bowen (which corresponds to S&W .126), and a .320" Dawson front sight (IIRC, S&W front is .280"). Currently sighted in with 240gr JSP/20.1gr A2400 (about 1,100 fps) and there is .050" down avail (pretty much topped out - i.e no more up elev).

The Bowen was originally purchased for a 4 1/4" M69 because the factory sights shot high with 240gr (and heavier) magnum loads with rear sight bottomed out - the Bowen fixed the problem without changing the front sight.

Here's the S&W/Bowen rear sight height cross ref table:

S&W .126 uses BCA .370
S&W .146 uses BCA .385
S&W .160 uses BCA .400
S&W .196 uses BCA .430

Bowen offers the rear blades separately, but they are $46 plus shipping.

I don't know why S&W doesn't make all revolvers with the DX replaceable front sight - would solve a lot of sight issues. Then they could offer a deeper rear sight blade notch.

Hope some of that helps.

Paul

 

[Dave Lively]

Hope some of that helps.
Paul

It does, thanks.