S&W Model 69 (L Frame .44 Magnum), 4 ¼” Bbl.

[coltfan]

Fantastic review. Have yet to see one in person, but this makes me think that I need to seek one out. Thank you.

CF

[magman]

Hopefully mine will be here this weekend. Then next week can wring it out a little.

[Bile]

Thanks for the heap good review. This is just the gun I've looking for to serve as a rifle hunting back-up and sleeping bag companion. I've only got one question you didn't address in your review - does the action handle the same as an M29? In other words, can I shoot my M29 most of the time, then pick-up the M69 and not encounter any surprises (shorter trigger pull before firing) or any real differences?

As an example: I love my Ruger Security-Sixes and GP100's, but don't use them for home security because I use an M29 a lot more and the differences in the action sometimes result in surprises when swapping between guns (usually in the opposite direction - Once I've memorized the Ruger's hitches when pulling double-action, and then go to a Smith, the Smith often fires while I'm waiting for the Ruger trigger pull hitches). Sorry if my question is convoluted. Thanks.

[tgc]

Mar 4, 2014 13:09:07 GMT -5 Bile said:

Thanks for the heap good review. This is just the gun I've looking for to serve as a rifle hunting back-up and sleeping bag companion. quote]


I'm sorry Bile, but couldn't resist. Jennifer Lopez as the sleeping bag companion would be just about right(although much more expensive).

I do like the idea of this gun though and if I could find one locally that I could fondle I would probably buy one.

[paul105]

Mar 4, 2014 13:09:07 GMT -5 Bile said:

I've only got one question you didn't address in your review - does the action handle the same as an M29? In other words, can I shoot my M29 most of the time, then pick-up the M69 and not encounter any surprises (shorter trigger pull before firing) or any real differences?

Trigger reach measurement from page 1. Measurement taken from the same place - both guns had S&W 500 Hogues installed:

629 Mtn Gun Trigger Reach: 3.10“ (same grips for both 629 & M69)
M69 L Frame - Trigger Reach: 3.00 “

I just did some double action dry firing with a 629 and the M69 (both with Hogue 500 grips).
The M69 double action trigger pull felt "shorter" (hammer seems to drop a tiny bit sooner), but very subtly so -- may just be do to the .10" difference in "trigger reach". It may also be due to the difference in the individual gun's action smoothness. It could also be that I'm just imagining the difference. I would have no problem transitioning between the two, although I slightly prefer the M69s shorter reach.

Your best bet would be to find one you can try.

FWIW,

Paul



Everyone is so different, I'm not sure this answer's your question.

[Bile]

Mar 4, 2014 20:50:17 GMT -5 paul105 said:

Mar 4, 2014 13:09:07 GMT -5 Bile said:

I've only got one question you didn't address in your review - does the action handle the same as an M29? In other words, can I shoot my M29 most of the time, then pick-up the M69 and not encounter any surprises (shorter trigger pull before firing) or any real differences?

Trigger reach measurement from page 1. Measurement taken from the same place - both guns had S&W 500 Hogues installed:

629 Mtn Gun Trigger Reach: 3.10“ (same grips for both 629 & M69)
M69 L Frame - Trigger Reach: 3.00 “

I just did some double action dry firing with a 629 and the M69 (both with Hogue 500 grips).
The M69 double action trigger pull felt "shorter" (hammer seems to drop a tiny bit sooner), but very subtly so -- may just be do to the .10" difference in "trigger reach". It may also be due to the difference in the individual gun's action smoothness. It could also be that I'm just imagining the difference. I would have no problem transitioning between the two, although I slightly prefer the M69s shorter reach.

Your best bet would be to find one you can try.

FWIW,

Paul



Everyone is so different, I'm not sure this answer's your question.

That answers my question. Thanks Paul.

[Bile]

Mar 4, 2014 19:26:52 GMT -5 tgc said:

Mar 4, 2014 13:09:07 GMT -5 Bile said:

Thanks for the heap good review. This is just the gun I've looking for to serve as a rifle hunting back-up and sleeping bag companion. quote]


I'm sorry Bile, but couldn't resist. Jennifer Lopez as the sleeping bag companion would be just about right(although much more expensive).

I do like the idea of this gun though and if I could find one locally that I could fondle I would probably buy one.

She's all yours - I'll stick with the 44.

[Bile]

I looked at the 69 today at lunch. I like most of it except it looks like it has a barrel inserted into a shroud, is this true. The guy at the gun shop didn't know. And I looked it up and a "two piece barrel" is referred to in a number of places, but I've not found out what that is. It sure looks like a barrel insert to me - I sure hope it isn't. Please enlighten me if anyone knows. Thanks.

[Fowler]

Mar 5, 2014 17:25:42 GMT -5 Bile said:

I looked at the 69 today at lunch. I like most of it except it looks like it has a barrel inserted into a shroud, is this true. The guy at the gun shop didn't know. And I looked it up and a "two piece barrel" is referred to in a number of places, but I've not found out what that is. It sure looks like a barrel insert to me - I sure hope it isn't. Please enlighten me if anyone knows. Thanks.

I don't know if it is a insert or not but Smith has been doing them for years on their Scandium framed guns without issue. I wouldn't let that run you off...

[paul105]

Bile,

Yes it's a two piece barrel. See Figure 22 on page 25 of the below linked S&W Owners Manual for a diagram.

www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/S&W_Revolver_Manual_08-15-2013.pdf


My understanding is that this was developed for and used on the S&W 500 since it's introduction. Not sure that validates it or makes a difference to those that don't like the concept.

FWIW,

Paul

[Bile]

Thanks again Paul for the great review and follow-up answers. I don't much care for "two piece barrels" (especially unnecessary ones) and will likely pass on this one. Even though Fowler has testified to the success of barrel inserts - which I agree - they tend to annoy me and I will find this one getting under my skin in no time and will end up selling it after a while (I am not always reasonable and rational). It is too bad S&W couldn't just put a traditional 1 piece barrel on what is otherwise a great answer to an outdoorsman's demand. Oh well, I better get used to the 21st century.

[AxeHandle]

Finally got to hold one last week. You guys won't have to worry abut me buying them all. I could overlook that barrel shroud but that little ball detent on the crane is not for me. Shroud, ball detent, AND a clinton hole... Looks like S&W is ready to step aside for Ruger. I could still see buying a used specimen if I stumbled upon one at at good price but all things equal I'd buy a Ruger 357 instead..

[ezekiel38]

We've yet to see one here in the backwoods of Idaho. A great many "custom gunsmiths, Powers included" used that ball detent on their custom Smiths. Be interesting to see how this engineering exercise holds up. The lock can be easily defeated and the shrouded barrel doesn't grate too much as long as the bbl is pointed away from me. I would like to shoot one with my 44 Special loads that do a 1,000fps from my Mtn Gun.

[AxeHandle]

Wait until you see the ball detent on this gun. I've owned a few custom revolvers with the ball detent lock on the crane. This is not the same.

[shorty500]

just waiting on my chance to snatch one up