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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 4:45:57 GMT -5
Post by heldfast on Sept 20, 2018 4:45:57 GMT -5
I've had a few smiths in all frame sizes and calibers. What are your thoughts on the L Frame 44 Magnum, S&W 69? Would you load it to Ruger SA levels? Thanks!
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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 10:29:10 GMT -5
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Post by bagdadjoe on Sept 20, 2018 10:29:10 GMT -5
What are "Ruger SA levels" in a 44 magnum???
44 mag is 44 mag.
I've seen 45 Colt and 44 Special data for "Ruger or TC only", never 44 magnum.
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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 10:30:39 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 20, 2018 10:30:39 GMT -5
I've seem Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag Only loads. But, agree, that SAAMI 44 Mag is just that.
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Post by ezekiel38 on Sept 20, 2018 10:37:54 GMT -5
Have owned a Model 69 4.25" since their introduction. I have several 44s, both Specials and Magnums including a Pre 29 5" and a 624 4". For esthetic beauty I will take the old Smiths anytime. For day to day carry I pack my Model 69. It is as accurate as the Pre 29 and it is an L frame which fits my hand better. I shoot a Keith 255 whistling along at 1100 and it shoots one hole five shot groups at 25 yds. It is my favorite 44. I'm currently saving up for a 69 2.75". Paul 105 can better illustrate the Model 69.
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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 10:41:19 GMT -5
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gpsman likes this
Post by Encore64 on Sept 20, 2018 10:41:19 GMT -5
I have that one too and love the gun...
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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 10:43:36 GMT -5
Post by ezekiel38 on Sept 20, 2018 10:43:36 GMT -5
Heldfast: I have one of the early ones and had to place a taller front sight to get POA/POI. My beauty, is undergoing a lockectomy this morning with a plug from Original Precision.
Those one hole, five shot groups were attained from a bench and a 44 Special load of the Keith bullet and 8.0 grains of Power Pistol and Winchester primer all nestled in Starline Special Brass.
Love the 69 Smith!
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S&W 69
Sept 20, 2018 17:11:02 GMT -5
Post by dougader on Sept 20, 2018 17:11:02 GMT -5
I have the 2.75" model 69 and really like it. Fits my hand much better than the N frame 29/629. I mostly carry 44 Special, but have fired full-tilt SAAMI loads in mine and, while stout, are not unmanageable.
Again, paul105 is the apparent local expert with lots of experience shooting both the 2" and 4" models.
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Post by matt56 on Sept 20, 2018 21:37:59 GMT -5
I have shot hot magnum loads from my 4.25" 69 but I prefer not to. I couldn't really hit much at 25 yds with it last time I tried. I think it was a 280gr WFNGC under 21gr H110. Shoots good in a Rossi 92 but not so much in an L-frame.
However I have had great success with a 210gr gold dot under 12.0 gr of Unique. This pushed the bullet out at 1200fps and is very accurate and controllable. When I carry the 69 this is the load that's in it.
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S&W 69
Sept 21, 2018 6:15:59 GMT -5
Post by heldfast on Sept 21, 2018 6:15:59 GMT -5
What are "Ruger SA levels" in a 44 magnum??? 44 mag is 44 mag. I've seen 45 Colt and 44 Special data for "Ruger or TC only", never 44 magnum. Here's a 44 Magnum +P+ load you might not be familiar with: www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54340gr hard cast going 1400fps. Manufacturer lists firearms it may be used with, and it does not include S&W. "This new load is designed ONLY for certain firearms. They are as follows; Ruger Red Hawk, Ruger Super Red Hawk (the Ruger Alaskan is a short barrel Super Redhawk), Ruger Super Blackhawk or Vaquero, Freedom Arms Model 83, Taurus Raging Bull, Colt Anaconda, Magnum Research BFR and Dan Wesson Revolvers." The 69 is a lightweight packing gun configured for the kind of scenario where it would be used as backup against a predator. The 44 Magnum +P+ is the kind of round one might put in their backup gun in the off chance you meet a predator. Clearly the 69 wont take this load, but how close can one get to it, would be the question on my mind.
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Post by ezekiel38 on Sept 21, 2018 8:55:21 GMT -5
Standard SAAMI 44 Magnum specifications for the 69. Tim Sundles at Buffalo Bore is building a round that would be better served with a 45-70 Guide gun. Full house SAAMI spec loads which the Buffalo Bore is not is sufficient. It is bullet design and marksmanship under pressure that makes the day. Larry Kelly the owner of Mag Na Port was confronted by a Grizzly at bad breath range and he solved the bear problem with a short barreled 44 Magnum.
Bullet design and marksmanship under pressure will be the keys to winning the day. If I were to shoot the Sundles load it would be in a stout carbine. And the numbers would be few.
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Post by heldfast on Sept 21, 2018 10:07:02 GMT -5
It is bullet design and marksmanship under pressure that makes the day. No argument here; its worked for me So don't put SBH loads in the 69, got it.
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Post by potatojudge on Sept 21, 2018 10:22:20 GMT -5
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Post by bula on Sept 22, 2018 7:37:32 GMT -5
Yeah, that BB loading is not for the M69, too long. They do have a 305 loading though that fits. I've tried some, not fun but doable. I've chosen the Missouri Bullets 300gr "Hammer" seated up over the shoulder and definitely to a lower velo. Want control. For not in the woods carry loads have loaded XTP's and the 210gr Gold Dot.
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Post by Encore64 on Sept 22, 2018 8:59:22 GMT -5
I shoot the Matt's Wadcutter 250 grain (Hardened) bullets in mine. The nose length is just right and they shoot much flatter than you'd think. At woods ranges or for trail gun use, they hit exceptionally hard.
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Post by matt56 on Sept 22, 2018 19:20:44 GMT -5
Here is my 69 wearing factory S&W 500 magnum grips I bought especially for the gun. They really help tame the recoil.
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