Tell me about the model 69 combat magnum

[BLUEDOT37]

Gotta love a L-frame 44

I've been more impressed with the M69 2-3/4" than I thought I would be when I first got it.

Not too heavy but not too light. Handles recoils better than you'd think.

Accuracy is good for the short barrel.

Definitely one of my favorite 44s.

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[Shoebox1.1]

Very nice!!!

 

[tgmr05]

I have both barrel lengths, and they are currently my favorite 44s as well. The L frame just feels better, and packs/carries easier. They recoil similar yet ever so slightly more than the 4 inch 629 mountain gun and the short 2.5 inch 629 performance center. The impulse is a little different as the frames are slightly different, but they are close. Much, much easier on the hand than the 329. I liked the shorter barrel more when they first came out, and honestly still do - but I have come to appreciate the longer version enough to make it a tough choice, if I had to pick one.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I currently have two house guests N frames in my possession. Brand new 624 4 inch and a like new ported 629-4 MG. I've quickly forgotten about the 69 and now must have N frame steel! Wow I'm in love. Also have a 696 here as well. It's nice

 

[Bald1]

Is the 69 a round butt ? Also what OWB leather holsters have you guys been using for 2.75" model? Are there 2.75" options or stuck using 3" holsters?

 

[tgmr05]

The 69 is a round butt. I have a galco combat master holster that is made for the 2.75 inch 69 and a simply rugged sourdough pancake as well. You can fit the 4.25 inch 69 in both holsters, as they are open at the bottom and the barrel can extend further. There are other holster options/makers, too. You can use 686 3 inch holsters, but they may not fit exactly/as well as the ones made for the 5 shot 2.75 inch 69.

 

[tgmr05]

Here is the combat master

 

[tgmr05]

And here is the sourdough pancake

 

[diyj98]

The 69 is a round butt. I have a galco combat master holster that is made for the 2.75 inch 69 and a simply rugged sourdough pancake as well. You can fit the 4.25 inch 69 in both holsters, as they are open at the bottom and the barrel can extend further. There are other holster options/makers, too. You can use 686 3 inch holsters, but they may not fit exactly/as well as the ones made for the 5 shot 2.75 inch 69.

Which holster of the two do you prefer?

 

[Bald1]

That combat master just looks right.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I've got the 4" and was surprised at how well it handled the recoil from standard factory 44 magnum loads. I was prepared for much heavier felt recoil. Now I'm looking for one with the shorter barrel. Nice revolvers!

 

[Bald1]

Do any of you guys upgrade grips to something more stylish? Or do most of you just consider the 69 a tool. If I had one ( and I might, soon) I'd put in lock delete and spring kits. Then I'd swap out grips. I've always had trouble leaving well enough alone

 

[Paul105]

Do any of you guys upgrade grips to something more stylish? Or do most of you just consider the 69 a tool. If I had one ( and I might, soon) I'd put in lock delete and spring kits. Then I'd swap out grips. I've always had trouble leaving well enough alone

Check out post #21 above - your gun feel free to modify it to your liking.

 

[tgmr05]

Which holster of the two do you prefer?

The galco is a little smaller and quicker to fit/break in/mold to your body/placement of carry. The simply rugged is a little larger and takes a little longer to fit/break in/mold, etc. I like them both, and use the galco more for concealed type carry because it is a little smaller and I have a lot more time with this type holster over the years. I use the simply rugged a lot when outdoors/in the woods as it covers more of the revolver and is smooth - less likely to snag on anything. A good belt is a must for either with the size/weight of the revolver. In years past, I would have said galco combat master, hands down. Now, I am not sure. This was my first holster by simply rugged. Very well made, great retention.

 

[dickydalton]

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

The Pachmyr Compacs on my 2.75" 69 make it OK with magnums.

 

[Fishinfool]

Bald1 - I picked up a Desantis 00133 thumb snap pancake style holster for the 3 inch L Frame. Rides high and tight. It fits perfect, and I like that 1/4 inch extra leather at the muzzle - it gives a little extra protection. I don't care for open bottom holsters where the guns muzzle is flush, or extends past the holsters bottom.

Put a set of rosewood grips on mine. Like the look and feel, but not going to lie - They work well for 1000 fps or less loads, but are uncomfortable with full power stuff. A 240 cast SWC at about 975 fps is my standard load in this gun, and it shoots fist sized groups for me at 25 yards if I do my part.

Larry

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=637127&d=1689760583

 

[Bald1]

Sorry, I feel like I'm hijacking this thread with all my questions. How do you guys feel about barrel design? Is it even noticeable when handling or inspecting the gun? Has anyone removed the black finish from hammer trigger and cyl release?

 

[Shoebox1.1]

Bald1 - I picked up a Desantis 00133 thumb snap pancake style holster for the 3 inch L Frame. Rides high and tight. It fits perfect, and I like that 1/4 inch extra leather at the muzzle - it gives a little extra protection. I don't care for open bottom holsters where the guns muzzle is flush, or extends past the holsters bottom.

Put a set of rosewood grips on mine. Like the look and feel, but not going to lie - They work well for 1000 fps or less loads, but are uncomfortable with full power stuff. A 240 cast SWC at about 975 fps is my standard load in this gun, and it shoots fist sized groups for me at 25 yards if I do my part.

Larry

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=637127&d=1689760583

That looks awesome!

 

[smoothshooter]

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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What brand of holster is that?

 

[Paul105]

Haugen Handgun Leather M8. It's been a while - their website is still up, but I couldn't access their products so I don't know if they are still in business.

Haugen Handgun Leather - Douglas, Bismarck, Mandan, North Dakota

Paul