New Model 69

[jaymoore]

Had the thought this morning that a .41 Magnum would be even better! More metal at the forcing cone and a wee bit less earthshaking with factory loads. (Not that I shoot many of those.)

The fixed sight idea mentioned above isn't bad either, or maybe fixed night sight.

The slightly shorter distance between trigger and backstrap is one reason I like this new package. It's way easier for me to shoot double action accurately.

ETA: Need to fire up the lead pot and commence casting! Very likely this Model 69 is going to be a hungry little beastie.

 

[chuck perry]

This just made the top of my "want" list. What a great idea for a revolver. It's awesome to see new revolver ideas from both S&W and Ruger!

 

[geoff40]

There may be a "PLUG" in my future...

What? After seeing some of your 629s why why why would you want one of these things?

 

[KLYDE]

Been stewing on this blasted gun all day. Why the 4.25" barrel? I believe Canada has the longer barrel requirement. (may be wrong) Is this a one size fits all to suffice their barrel regulations. Lets hear from our members up North.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I was at my LGS picking up my M49.
Last thing I told him was the first one he gets in is mine!

 

[KLYDE]

I was at my LGS picking up my M49.
Last thing I told him was the first one he gets in is mine!

I'll probably end up buying one myself.

 

[Doug M.]

I don't see the solution and the problem overlapping at all. 2 piece barrel? Meh. I'll keep my 629-4MG.

Obviously, I seem to be in the minority on this, and so S&W may have a winner on their hands.

 

[shipwreck2]

Is something wrong with the K frames? It seems the excitement stems from this being in a an L frame? What am I missing?

 

[Muley Gil]

Is something wrong with the K frames? It seems the excitement stems from this being in a an L frame? What am I missing?

Well, this IS the first big bore Magnum L frame. .44 Magnum in a more compact package is appealing to a lot of folks. The L frame also shares the same grip size as the K frame. Many shooters find the N frame grip to be too large for them.

 

[Godandhuntingdogs]

How hard would it be for a smith to cut the barrel to 3"

 

[Rick_A]

I'm not a fan of big calibers in little guns but I'm sure there's a market for it. After all, Taurus has been selling something similar for years

 

[Goldstar225]

As I posted in another thread, I'll be going to my LGS to order one. While I don't care for two piece barrels and "the lock" FINALLY a .44 Mag D/A that will fit my hand and trigger reach. I've owned two (a model 29 and 629) and gave them up because of my hand size.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

M69

While I have not looked at the piece on Smith's site I would expect that the cylinder is longer hence barrel extension shorter and I would not be surprised if they went the two piece barrel route to help manage this as well.

I think the thinness of the barrel, at the frame, & the amount of metal around it is the main weakness of the 396/696. The extension doesn't help.

When you compare the barrel thickness there to a 357/329 they are probably double the thickness. When they say two-piece, how is that different from the Night Guards barrel/shroud design?

Wonder why a two digit model# for a stainless steel gun? Why didn't they call it a "695" or something similar?

 

[P&R Fan]

This is going to be a classic.
When I got my M696 in '97 when they first came out my next wish was for a .41 Magnum version.
Here is my fantasy:
L-Frame.
5 shot.
3" barrel.
Fixed sights.
A hammer that is bobbed.
Barrel lug, but not full length.
Relieve the right (or left for Southpaws) side of front of trigger guard.
Wood stocks.
No lock.
And since I'm the P&R Fan...Pinned and Recessed.
This would make the ULTIMATE carry gun.

Offer it in an Airlight version at around 20 ounces too.

We can dream.
Jim

 

[Boge]

Regardless, I think we can all agree that it will be more portable than a behemoth N Frame. I see this as a better Mountain style gun for backwoods carry as an avid reloader can put Skeeter Skelton .44 Spcl. loads through it all day and you cannot do that in a Model 696, or so I have been advised. As for only five shots, this is IMO of little consequence for a backwoods gun. All in all, I think it is a smashing idea for those who wanted a lighter DA revolver to take heavy .44 Spcl. handloads, and in a pinch shoot factory Magnum loads. Finally, something from S&W that catches my fancy

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Regardless, I think we can all agree that it will be more portable than a behemoth N Frame. I see this as a better Mountain style gun for backwoods carry as an avid reloader can put Skeeter Skelton .44 Spcl. loads through it all day and you cannot do that in a Model 696, or so I have been advised. As for only five shots, this is IMO of little consequence for a backwoods gun. All in all, I think it is a smashing idea for those who wanted a lighter DA revolver to take heavy .44 Spcl. handloads, and in a pinch shoot factory Magnum loads. Finally, something from S&W that catches my fancy

Indeed!

I love my N-Frames, and I love Magnums, especially the big bores.

I think next to the X-Frames, this is the coolest new revolver Smith has come up with in quite some time!

I WANT ONE!

 

[jglsprings]

I'm holding off - waiting for the 3 shot j frame .44.

Okay, I sprayed coffee all over my keyboard...

Meanwhile back to the thread... How does the two piece barrel "fix" the forcing cone issues (real or imagined). And does the two piece barrel fix the newly released Model 66 forcing cone issues? (real or imagined).

And I don't care I'm going to have one anyway.

 

[Jdavis]

I love it! Classic S&W design with a classic numerical model number, practical size, and a versatile caliber. What's not to like? S&W's marketing dept. decided to cut into the successful Taurus Tracker series sales with this one. I hope that it catches on and see no reason why it shouldn't.

 

[jrod]

I want one too!!! Maybe they'll make a 41 Mag like that.... Can only hope!

 

[Skeeziks]

Had they made it in a 3" instead of that awful 4.25" I would jump on it in an instant.
So, like the new M66...I'll pass.

 

[Nemo288]

I agree.
A 3" would satisfy all who have been clamoring for a new 696.
I already have 4" 629 and 624s. This is not that compelling for me.
Still, I hope they sell well and keep the L frame 44 alive.

===
Nemo

 

[Roadranger]

I figured I'd stir everybody up when I posted this thread. I too would like to see the same gun in 10mm as a 6 shot and dare I even think .41 magnum. I agree a 3" fixed sight version would be nice as well. I'm glad to see S&W off in the right direction, again. I hope we don't have to wait 2 years to see one. Bob!

 

[DFrame]

Sounds great, but will probably be a handfull with full magnum rounds. I think I will stick with my 44 special 696 as it should carry a bit better with the three inch barrel. YMMV.

I've had little luck finding a 696 at anything remotely close to a reasonable price. I'd welcome this new 69 with open arms if they'd make a 3 inch gun.

 

[Invictus357]

This may be important information to some:

If you look very carefully at the video at S&W's website...

It is clear that the S&W logo on this 69 is stamped and not laser etched.

For me this is a very welcome return.

 

[Herknav]

Been stewing on this blasted gun all day. Why the 4.25" barrel? I believe Canada has the longer barrel requirement. (may be wrong) Is this a one size fits all to suffice their barrel regulations. Lets hear from our members up North.

That's my suspicion. Canuks need 105mm min barrel length, which is 4.133" American. I'm hoping they come out with a 3" barreled version.

 

[ddixie884]

I'll take one, as is. If they sell well enough, they may make them in a lot of barrel lengths.

 

[smousefam5]

I love the idea of the smaller grip frame and the ability to shoot .44 mags in it. I wouldn't be interested in more than a 3 inch barrel though, not in a trail gun, anyway.

 

[GCF]

...I too would like to see the same gun in 10mm as a 6 shot and dare I even think .41 magnum. I agree a 3" fixed sight version would be nice as well. I'm glad to see S&W off in the right direction, again. I hope we don't have to wait 2 years to see one. Bob!

Kinda' what I was thinking. Not sure if the cylinder spec would work, but if so, a 6 shot, .41 mag, w/ 3" barrel, would be..., let's just say "interesting".

Yeah, lock & all.

 

[Sean from Vt]

My only gripe is the finish. The one I saw has a beadblast satin finish. I would have preferred a gloss finish like my 696.

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

 

[Mossyrock]

I also want a 6-shot version in 10mm. Feed it with moon-clips, and you may very well have the perfect "combat" revolver.