The M69 can be outfitted with wood grips. There are many "off the shelf" and custom makers that supply L Frame round butt grips. Even though I love the look and feel of wood grips, the recoil shoulder, or hump, on the backstrap of the double action revolver hammers the bone at the base of my thumb. My guns are equipped with the S&W X Frame 500s which solve the problem for me.
I have both of the guns you linked above. For general use, I gravitate towards the M69 – if I could only have one, it would be the M69. Shooting plates double action with the M69 is just plain fun. You can use gentle .44 specials, moderate level .44 spec/mags, or full on .44 Magnums – whatever your pleasure may be. There is a subtle but noticible difference between the M69 and the larger N Frame .44s and contrary to what some believe, recoil of the M69 is more manageable than that of an 4" N Frame, either standard bbl or Mtn Gun – lower grip to bore axis. The M69 makes a great carry gun if you needs evolve in that direction.
As you can see from the above posts, everyone has a different opinion. This is as it should be – no two individuals are the same and personal experience will dictate preference. Example: With factory grips and magnum ammo, recoil (for me) of the frequently recommended 7 ½" Ruger Super Blackhawk is downright painful. The square trigger guard of the Dragoon grip hammers my middle finger unmercifully -- and yet I can shoot full house .475 LInebaugh (420gr/1,300 fps) ammo from a 6" Freedom Arms single action (same weight as the Super Blackhawk) without any pain.
The .44 Magnum has taken every game animal on this planet (including Elephant), and while marginal on the largest of species, it is a very capable and flexible cartridge. Ammo is readily avail even in remote areas. It's basically the 30-06 of revolver cartridges – not particularly sexy, but very capable. Larger calibers/cartridges are more effect on big game but are harder to shoot well, and somewhat more expensive to feed. I enjoy my 475 Linebaugh and 500 JRH, but if I could only have one revover/cartridge, it would be in .44 magnum.
IF at all possible, you should shoot whatever guns you are interested in before you make a decision. If not possible, you can always try one and sell it if not your liking (consider the loss on sale as a rental fee). Part of the fun and probably not to much more expensive than a good meal out for a family of four.
FWIW,
Paul
