New Model 69

[mrdante]

I just picked up a Model 69. Now I have about a dozen 44 mags. I hope to get to the range this weekend. Anybody else here have one? What do you think? What loads does yours like? Will any L frame leather fit? I'll post pics later tonight.

 

[bluelund79]

I love my Model 69. I had a pancake holster made by Simply Rugged Leather and Herrett's Jordan grips made. Mid range load uses 240gr Falcon SWC over Trail Boss. Hunting loads are the same bullet over Unique or 2400 depending on mood.

 

[Dan Christopher]

Congratulations, Mrdante!

The 69 is a fine revolver, and I think you'll be quite pleased with it. I have roughly 500 rounds through mine now and I am seriously contemplating buying a second one just to have a spare.

I've put mainly moderate handloads through mine: some 240gr LSWCs @ 800fps, some 240gr JSPs @ 850-950fps. I've also fired some CCI Blazer 240gr 44 Magnums in at as well.

Accuracy has been quite good with all. I can't say enough good things about the 69.

I think you'll thoroughly enjoy it!

 

[nipperdog]

I have had my M69 for about 6mos. I really like the Gun. I bought the 69 primarily as a dedicated 44 Special Revolver but find myself more and more Firing Magnums in it. Yesterday, I had the 69 with me along with my brand new M629 Talo 3" at the Range. The Ammo was 200grain LSWC over 12grains of Unique in Magnum Cases. The 629 was shooting decent groups, but the M69 was shooting fantastic groups offhand @7yds. I an amazed at this L frames accuracy with the .44 mag Round.

 

[Snowwolfe]

My 69 is my all time favorite DA .44 mag. And that list includes a Ruger Redhawk, S&W Stealth Hunter, S&W 329, S&W 629, and a S&W Mountain.
For me, it is the perfect balance between weight, size, accuracy and recoil for a revolver I want to carry on my hip in the woods.

 

[Goblin]

The 69 has a 4.25" barrel, so older holsters may not fit well, but I'd expect to see holsters for that specific model become common. If you go the custom route, you'll get a perfect fit.

 

[686-380]

My holster for my 686-6 fits my M69 just fine. It's a great gun to shoot. Congratulations!!

 

[bronco45]

I've been shooting and carrying 44 Mags since 1973. I just purchased my second 69. Both are very accurate, actions are fair but fit and finish is very good.

My Don Hume and Roy Baker Pancake rigs fit the 69 well. I had Ray at Lobo build a Threepersons for the 69 and its a great field holster.

Enjoy your new Smith.

 

[mrdante]

I had a few minutes to go pop a couple of rounds this afternoon, nothing formal just shooting at some cans and bottles. It was around 95 degrees and 100% humidity here in SC, and my hands were sweaty that's not a good combo for a hand full of fun like the 69. So I ordered up some VZ black Tactical Diamond grips for her. While I was at it I order a pair of their grips for my Kimber Solo. I have about a half dozen guns wearing VZ grips and I really like them. This will be my first pair on a revolver though. I also checked to see if the 69 will fit in my Bianchi holster I use for my 19. It hangs out about 1/8" so I think I can live with that...for now. I'll wait and post some pics of the gun when I get the VZs in.

 

[bronco45]

Look forward to seeing your 69 with the VZs. Been contemplating a pair.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

I put X500 grips on my 69, and it makes full-spec .44mag reasonable to shoot without gloves. I REALLY like my 69. I can full-time carry it comfortably and well concealed in a homemade under-the-shirt vertical shoulder holster ... I wouldn't have thought that was possible.

 

[mrdante]

I gave the 500 grips some thought. We'll see how the vz's feel first. They should be here Tuesday.