Tell me about the model 69 combat magnum

[Rich Richardson]

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?

I removed the black on the cylinder release, hammer and screws. Took 30 minutes with a scotch brite pad.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I removed the black on the cylinder release, hammer and screws. Took 30 minutes with a scotch brite pad.

It's not case hardened under the black I assume?

 

[Gunaholic]

I've shot both length 69s. Liked them but haven't bought them.
I'd be interested if they'd offer those two revolvers in 10mm, which would be easy to do. My son has a Match Champion in 10mm and it's about the size of the 4" 69. Damn close.

 

[PHS327]

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.

Sorry, I got it wrong (again). It is the Defender Ammo that advertises 1200 fps from am 8 inch barrel. The 406Ammunition is 1035 fps from a 6 inch barrel. As much as I like the 406Ammunition, I actually found the Defender Ammo to be more accurate, at least for me in the M69.

 

[PHS327]

I'd be interested if they'd offer those two revolvers in 10mm, which would be easy to do.

OMG, I hope not. I don't know if I could resist that.

 

[Bald1]

After putting in a lock delete kit that little L and arrow might bother some. Has anyone tried to polish it off? I'm assuming it's not engraved.

 

[kamloops67]

I love my 4 1/4" model 69 , as others have said I was somewhat surprised at how well it absorbs recoil from full power rounds .
I generally use 240gr lead bullets backed by a medium charge of WW 231makes for a pleasant target range load
As with all my SW revolvers it wears hogue hardwood fingergroove stocks and will eventually receive a gold bead Patridge sight

 

[cerescorubi]

Model 69

I have a 3" 629 and a 4" 629 Mountain Gun. I always wanted a 696 L Frame 44 Special but would have been great if you could shoot 44 Magnum once in a while. Seems like most people that bought the Model 69 use 44 Special most of the time. For that purpose I think the 696 has lots of advantages. The no dash at least had forged parts and the The Lock is something I have a problem with. Though you are entitled to your own opinion. Please hope turning this into that story is not started again.

 

[Pointblank2U]

Sam uses a 4" Model 69 frequently in his ammunition tests:
I LOVE the .44 Special! - YouTube

 

[NCBeagle]

I developed a serious interest in the 2.75" Model 69 recently. Not sure why, as .44 Mag in a 5" 629 is sometimes too much for me. Seems like an interesting gun.

I do not care for the black hardware, thumbpiece, etc. Here is my 2.75" Model 66 (-8 or -9, cannot remember. It is the modern production). I swapped telhe black thumbpiece and screws for bead blast stainless. No pics of screws at the moment. Great gun, although the trigger pull has always felt "off." Working on it. Carried this gun a lot while hiking in the desert outside Reno, NV during the 2018 SWCA Symposium.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Seems like most people that bought the Model 69 use 44 Special most of the time.
For that purpose I think the 696 has lots of advantages.

The big advantage the M69 has over the M696, besides cartridge interchangeability, is the thicker & strong barrel breech extension.

The M696 is best suited for factory pressure/velocity SAAMI spec'd ammo.

The M69 is noticeably more robust & who doesn't like a little more bust.


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M69
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From "Loading S&W 696 & 396 44 Specials - Handloader #293"
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[Paul105]

Personally I shoot a lot of high level 44 special (265 gr SWCGC over 17.5gr A2400, deep seated and crimped over front drive band in .44 Magnum cases). Have used this load exclusively in one of my 2.75" M69s and an earlier 4 1/4". It chronos a little over 1,100 fps from the 2.75" which is the same as Federal factory 240 JHPs give or take a few fps. Accurate and powerful but certainly can't be recommended for use in a 696.

I had a 696 no dash which never got used after acquiring the M69s, so it went down the road with not regrets.

FWIW,

Paul