Tell me about the model 69 combat magnum

[Shoebox1.1]

So I’m thinking about adding a 44 magnum to the herd and the 69 came up. I’m not crazy about the black trigger and hammer but how do you like it? I read an article that the writer wasn’t crazy about the EDM cut rifling as far as accuracy. He tried several different hand loads for it and it was just “ok”. Not a tack driver. Tell me your expirience with this model and also I’d like a 3 inch.. hard to find? Thank you

 

[upcountry]

I have a 2.75" 69.
The black doesn't bother me as it's a tool not a wall hanger. The black could look "tacky" otherwise.
Accuracy is what you'd expect for 2.75" barrel, but still good. My 4" 629 is comparable. Trigger is fine.
Although it's a .44 magnum, I see it as a ".44 spl, with magnum capability" as it's a handful as a magnum. But it does a good job with either.
I like the 69, it's a well made, reliable revolver. Great for carrying out in the boonies.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I like the 44 special for carry and be able to do magnums if needed.

 

[PHS327]

I'm 70 with some arthritis in my hands so take this for what it's worth. The 69's are light for caliber guns, so lighter loads are desirable. IMO, the perfect load for the 69 4 inch is 240 grains @ 1000 fps. Less than that for the 2.75 inch. If you don't reload, there are several factory loads available. My favorite is the 406Ammunition 44 mag target load. They advertise 1200 fps from am 8 inch barrel. Just recently shot some of that in my 2.75 inch and loved every minute of it.

I love both my 69's, but prefer the 2.75 inch as it balances better in my hand. I highly recommend either or both. As far as accuracy, you'll have to ask someone who is a better shot than me. Not hard to find, but I wouldn't pay more than $790.

 

[walter o]

I have a 4."69 and love it with 44 spl loads .don't think i have found a better from the factory trigger action than on this firearm

 

[lkabug]

I too have a 4" model 69. It isn't a bullseye gun but then it wasn't meant to be. I also run 44 specials through mine for range time along with a cylinder or two of Magnums just to remind me to purchase more 44 specials. Trigger is pretty darn good out of the box and gets better with use. Although I don't carry it, I do take it into the woods as it's weight makes that a bit easier for me.

 

[Les Greevy]

M 69 accuracy

Attached photo is a 3 shot group shot at 25 yards from the bench with wrists rested. Load was 215 Bayou powder coated SWC over 10.5 grains of Unique. I know it is only three shots but they were three pretty good ones.

 

[VictorLouis]

Les, that is FINE shootin'. Can you advise on the ports? They look a lot larger than typical MagnaPorting. Thanks.

 

[Les Greevy]

Victor, The porting was done by MagnaPort.
Front sight is Dawson .100 wide.
Rear sight is LPA.

 

[mtgianni]

I have a 4.2" and love it. Accuracy is good though not on a par with an N frame. Mine is not a competition gun and will never see that. It is easy to pack, handy to have with me and sturdy enough to shoot 280 gr loads if I need it to. I have a 14" 44 mag TC contender bbl if I want accuracy.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Mine is the 2,75” and I love it. The full house loads are for my N frames.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

You guys are making this piece sound like I need one!

 

[7887mm08]

I have the 4" model. This is my first 44 and first time shooting a 44.
I bought the hogue tamers for it. They really work but they are too big for my hands. so back went on the original grips. I mostly shoot 44 specials out of it but always end the session shooting magnum loads.
I also have a holosun red dot mounted on it. I really like the weigt and size of the 69.

 

[dogdoc]

I do a lot of load development with bench rested 6 shot 25 yard groups. I find my 4 inch 69 is often a better grouper than my 4 inch 29-2 n frame revolvers. As a matter of fact it can be phenomenally accurate for a 4 inch revolver. As much as I want to dislike the shrouded barrel design , the performance makes me a fan .

 

[twodog max]

I have the 4 inch Model 69 and it shoots as good or better than some of the various 29 and 629's i have owned. It's size suits me perfectly. Get some soft rubber grips and the recoil even with magnums is tolerable in small doses.

 

[stu1ritter]

I've had my 69 for several years (2.75" version) and have developed loads using 215 and 240 grain Bayou coated in the 44 Special and slightly +P but far short of magnum loadings and I love to shoot it. When you are over 80 that recoil gets a bit much but the 69 seems to do well at those power levels. Pachmyer Compacts also help fill the hand and take up the punch.

Stu

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I’d sure like some wood grips on one. Specials only I’d imagine with wood panels

 

[Paul105]

I have had both barrel lengths since they were introduced. Shot many thousands of rounds thru both. My favorite double action revolver platform. Currently the 2.75" is my go to .44 Mag.

50 yds rested over range bag and verified on different day with factory open sights:
.

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25 yds offhand (different bullet than above) - I can't do this on demand and the older I get the less likely this will be the outcome.
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Don't have picture, but 6.5gr of HP38 over a 240gr SWC coated and deep seated in .44 mag cases to .44 special length is a very accurate and runs 890 fps in 4 1/4" gun. The same load over 5.0gr of WST is equiv to current .44 special factory load.
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The Hogue Tamers can be modified with a belt sander or dremel drum sander. These were don't hastily to see what could be done. A more aesthetic outcome can be achieved by taking your time.
.

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[Shoebox1.1]

The tamers are finger groove? And you sanded them off? I like it

 

[Paul105]

Yes finger groves removed and square butt rounded off.