Talk me out of a Smith & Wesson 2.75 Model 69

[MDFA]

Been looking and doing research on them. I would shoot .44 Specials as I don't want to beat my hands to death with full house .44 Magnums.
Anyone have experience with them? I read the thread about the 4 inch model.
Thanks in advance.

[Zeke38]

Won't try to talk you out of purchasing one. I own a 4" 2015 mfg and a 2.75" 2021 mfg. Great handguns! My 4 inch will shoot right beside a Pre 29 5" Smith and it packs like an L frame because it is one.
The 2.75" 69 is everything and more than the ill fated Smith 696. I had a 696 but the forcing cone was razor thin and I was afraid to shoot anything beyond factory level 44 Spl loads in it. My 69s have been engineered for the Magnum cartridge and I shoot a 200gr XTP at 1080fps out of my 2.75" and the same round does 1119 out of my 4".

I have VZ grips on mine but many prefer the Hogue X Frame grip for Smith and Wesson on the 69s. Padded backstrap to mitigate recoil forces.

Best part of owning Model 69s is the fact they are L frames and not only lighter but smaller overall than an N frame.

The 69s will shoot full house 44 Magnums longer than you care to hang on to it. I just have settled on the load above for me. Brian Pearce had a very informative write up on the 69 in Handloader a while back.

Go for it you will like it!!!

[paul105]

Have both barrel lengths since they first came out. Have been using the 2.75" mostly for the last couple of yrs. Have a pair and a spare. Guns handle recoil better than one would expect, especially with the Hogue Tamers. Shoot mine a couple of times a week.
.
2 3/4" w/Modified Hogue Tamers (rounded butt and removed finger groves).
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/M69%202.75%20%20%202%20%20%20%20cropped%20%20thumb nail_IMG_4597.jpg
.
50 yd group rested on range bag - verified on differnt day:
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/IMG_0446_zpscikwgnml.jpg
.
Pick the load that works best for your intended use from mild .44 specials to heavy botique loads
.
Here are some chrono results
.
Three rounds at 5 Long paces from muzzle and 68 deg F. Larger sample could change the results a bit. Largest ES was 42 fps.
.
Larger sample could change the results a bit. Largest ES was 42 fps.
.
240gr Commercial Cast SWCBB coated 5.0gr WST deep seated and crimped over fr dr band - 697fps
240gr Commercial cast SWCBB coated 17.5gr 2400 deep seated crimped over fr dr band - 1,100 fps
240gr Zero JSP 9.0gr H Universal – 930 fps (muzzle Labradar)
225gr Barnes XFB with 18.1 gr A#9 avg (1,214 fps (muzzle vel from Labradar)
240gr Cutting Edge Flat Point Mono – 22.6 H110 1,218 fps (1,247 fr 2.5” 329 Alaska Backpacker)
240gr Zero JSP with 24.0gr H110 avg 1,126 fps
240gr JHP Fed Factory avg 1,125 fps (bought at an estate sale “44a 1981 production” – 1,375 fps from 7 ½” RSBH)
260gr WFNGC w/23.0gr H110 avg 1,125 fps
265gr CSWCGC (Lyman Thompson) with 17.5gr A2400 (Deep Seat – crimped over front drive band) 1,119 fps avg
265gr SWCGC (429244) 23.5gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases ---------- 1,162 fps.
310gr FNGCDC (Lee) with 20.0gr H110 avg 1,100 fps
325gr WLNGC (BTB) with 22.0gr H110 avg 1,104 fps

I Was curious, so I bought some 305gr Buffalo Bore and Underwood ammo – here are chrono results.
.
Buffalo Bore, 305 LBT LFN HC rated 1,325 fps
Underwood, 305 LFNGC Plated (HiTech?) rated 1,325 fps
LabRadar muzzle velocity at 33 deg F
.
S&W M69 2.75" ===> BB 1,195 fps ===> Under 1,147fps
S&W M69 4.25" ===> BB 1,276 fps ===> Under 1,248 fps
Ruger SRH 7.5" ===> BB 1,395 fps ===> Under 1,315 fps

My most used load is the 240/265gr 17.5 2400.

Paul

[1911Nut]

Been looking and doing research on them. I would shoot .44 Specials as I don't want to beat my hands to death with full house .44 Magnums.
Anyone have experience with them? I read the thread about the 4 inch model.
Thanks in advance.

Don't do it! It will get you kilt on the street! Send me the address of where it is located, including phone number of the seller, and I will do all I can do to protect you further!

[Crazy Dane]

Talk me out of a Smith & Wesson 2.75 Model 69
No, you don't need one! Not until I get mine anyway... I have a Marlin 1894 in .44 that needs a companion.

[FrankB]

I’d get a .357/.38 special over a .44 Special: more ammo choices, and greater availability of ammo. .44 special seems to have a muzzle enters of around 300-350 ft/lbs in commonly available commercial loads, and you get very close to that in +P .38 special. If you’re just punching horses in paper, .38 special will be very easy on the hands, but you can bounce up to .357 to shoot moose.

Www.ballistics101.com has plenty of charts for various calibers/brands of ammo.

[Crazy Dane]

I’d get a .357/.38 special over a .44 Special: more ammo choices, and greater availability of ammo. .44 special seems to have a muzzle enters of around 300-350 ft/lbs in commonly available commercial loads, and you get very close to that in +P .38 special. If you’re just punching horses in paper, .38 special will be very easy on the hands, but you can bounce up to .357 to shoot moose.

Www.ballistics101.com (http://Www.ballistics101.com) has plenty of charts for various calibers/brands of ammo.


I have 4 - .357s and my 3 inch GP100 in .44 Special is my favorite by far. I have loads from 540fps powder puffs that is way easier to shoot than .38s all the way up to Elmer Keith's load, a 255 at 1250 for killin T-rex. I have loaded the same range with the .357s but they have more muzzle blast and flash and will never be able to drive a 255 grain bullet to 1000fps (this is my happy spot).


Even sticking to factory loads you can still have a broad range in ammo, low pressure cowboy loads to Buffalo Bores rhino rollers. CCI has a 200gr Gold Dot at 920fps that I use for my on asphalt carry load.

Having M69 would open the options even further and in my case, give me a second firearm that can shoot the . 44 magnums which I doubt that I would load to magnum levels anyway.

[Oldherkpilot]

Been looking and doing research on them. I would shoot .44 Specials as I don't want to beat my hands to death with full house .44 Magnums.
Anyone have experience with them? I read the thread about the 4 inch model.
Thanks in advance.

All this "talking you out of it" is talking ME into it, damn it.

[JHC]

All this "talking you out of it" is talking ME into it, damn it.

Too bad sooo sad. I'm jones'in for one myself if I was to get another .44 having owned 3 N frames over the years. Gorgeous revolver and I generally don't like SS guns. I must have 1000 empty .44 cases packed away.

[Stephanie B]

I have thought of getting one, myself.

[SwampDweller]

Has anyone ever had the internal lock bind the gun up in these harder-recoiling calibers? As I understand it it's more likely with small, lightweight revolvers with Magnum cartridges, so the 69 might be big enough not to fall under that category.

[MDFA]

Have both barrel lengths since they first came out. Have been using the 2.75" mostly for the last couple of yrs. Have a pair and a spare. Guns handle recoil better than one would expect, especially with the Hogue Tamers. Shoot mine a couple of times a week.
.
2 3/4" w/Modified Hogue Tamers (rounded butt and removed finger groves).
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/M69%202.75%20%20%202%20%20%20%20cropped%20%20thumb nail_IMG_4597.jpg
.
50 yd group rested on range bag - verified on differnt day:
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/IMG_0446_zpscikwgnml.jpg
.
Pick the load that works best for your intended use from mild .44 specials to heavy botique loads
.
Here are some chrono results
.
Three rounds at 5 Long paces from muzzle and 68 deg F. Larger sample could change the results a bit. Largest ES was 42 fps.
.
Larger sample could change the results a bit. Largest ES was 42 fps.
.
240gr Commercial Cast SWCBB coated 5.0gr WST deep seated and crimped over fr dr band - 697fps
240gr Commercial cast SWCBB coated 17.5gr 2400 deep seated crimped over fr dr band - 1,100 fps
240gr Zero JSP 9.0gr H Universal – 930 fps (muzzle Labradar)
225gr Barnes XFB with 18.1 gr A#9 avg (1,214 fps (muzzle vel from Labradar)
240gr Cutting Edge Flat Point Mono – 22.6 H110 1,218 fps (1,247 fr 2.5” 329 Alaska Backpacker)
240gr Zero JSP with 24.0gr H110 avg 1,126 fps
240gr JHP Fed Factory avg 1,125 fps (bought at an estate sale “44a 1981 production” – 1,375 fps from 7 ½” RSBH)
260gr WFNGC w/23.0gr H110 avg 1,125 fps
265gr CSWCGC (Lyman Thompson) with 17.5gr A2400 (Deep Seat – crimped over front drive band) 1,119 fps avg
265gr SWCGC (429244) 23.5gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases ---------- 1,162 fps.
310gr FNGCDC (Lee) with 20.0gr H110 avg 1,100 fps
325gr WLNGC (BTB) with 22.0gr H110 avg 1,104 fps

I Was curious, so I bought some 305gr Buffalo Bore and Underwood ammo – here are chrono results.
.
Buffalo Bore, 305 LBT LFN HC rated 1,325 fps
Underwood, 305 LFNGC Plated (HiTech?) rated 1,325 fps
LabRadar muzzle velocity at 33 deg F
.
S&W M69 2.75" ===> BB 1,195 fps ===> Under 1,147fps
S&W M69 4.25" ===> BB 1,276 fps ===> Under 1,248 fps
Ruger SRH 7.5" ===> BB 1,395 fps ===> Under 1,315 fps

My most used load is the 240/265gr 17.5 2400.

Paul

Thanks for the detailed reload information. I would reload for one as well so that's great information. This is more of a want than a need thing, although we do have a large population of Black Bears around here. (Honey we NEED One Because Of The Bears)...

Nice Shooting by the way.

[MDFA]

I’d get a .357/.38 special over a .44 Special: more ammo choices, and greater availability of ammo. .44 special seems to have a muzzle enters of around 300-350 ft/lbs in commonly available commercial loads, and you get very close to that in +P .38 special. If you’re just punching horses in paper, .38 special will be very easy on the hands, but you can bounce up to .357 to shoot moose.

Www.ballistics101.com has plenty of charts for various calibers/brands of ammo.

I have .38/357 covered. Moose are not an issue here in the Panhandle of Florida. LOL Black Bears on the other hand are. We have them wandering around neighborhoods and climbing fences into back yards. Thanks for the ballistics link.

[mjac]

I have a 4.5" 69 @ 37.2 oz and a 5" GP 100 @ 38 oz. Both wear red dot reflex scopes. I prefer the GP because the GP points (handles) and fits my hand, the best.
I should add, I am a bit bias because I also shoot a GP 357 full lug 5" @ 43.2 oz and despite the 5.2 oz weight difference, the GPs feel the same.

[HeavyDuty]

I’ve had the 4.25” for a few years now, it was my UP gun. The 2.75” has always appealed, though - it’s on my someday-if-I-find-a-good-deal list.

[MDFA]

I'd just like to state the obvious, you're all a bunch of enablers. However I have been guilty as charged on several occasions. Thanks for the information so far, I have not pulled the trigger yet....;)

[Crazy Dane]

Has anyone ever had the internal lock bind the gun up in these harder-recoiling calibers? As I understand it it's more likely with small, lightweight revolvers with Magnum cartridges, so the 69 might be big enough not to fall under that category.

I bought a part for a gun I don't even own yet so I have a plug sitting on a shelf for when I finally find one and get it.

[MDFA]

I bought a part for a gun I don't even own yet so I have a plug sitting on a shelf for when I finally find one and get it.

You make it sound like that's a bad thing to do....:cool:

[Crazy Dane]

You make it sound like that's a bad thing to do....:cool:


Hi, my name is Crazy Dane and I have a problem...

[MDFA]

Hi, my name is Crazy Dane and I have a problem...

Ok I'm bidding on GB. So I have a problem...

[awp_101]

Hi, my name is Crazy Dane and I have a problem...


Ok I'm bidding on GB. So I have a problem...

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. I've never made past step 1 so I have no idea what step 2 is...

[Catshooter]

Ok I'm bidding on GB. So I have a problem...

Only if you get outbid . . .

[Crazy Dane]

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. I've never made past step 1 so I have no idea what step 2 is...


It's only a 3-step program.

you got step 1
step 2 - buy parts, ammo, mags and support gear for firearm you don't own yet.
step 3 - acquire absent firearm.

[awp_101]

It's only a 3-step program.

you got step 1
step 2 - buy parts, ammo, mags and support gear for firearm you don't own yet.
step 3 - acquire absent firearm.

Oh. Well hell, I've got a Masters in this program then...

[MDFA]

Ok I'm bidding on GB. So I have a problem...

Well I won and stayed below my max bid!

It's on the way to my FFL. And I actually waited until I won to order Hogue Grips, Speedloaders, Original Precision Lock Delete Plug, and Ammo...

I think I showed great restraint...:cool: Of course my wife may think otherwise...

[Zeke38]

I know the syndrome. A repeat offender. When a person buys a gun, he/she is really beginning to purchase a system. Everyone of my firearms has a complete "kit" to accompany them wherever they go.

[MDFA]

I know the syndrome. A repeat offender. When a person buys a gun, he/she is really beginning to purchase a system. Everyone of my firearms has a complete "kit" to accompany them wherever they go.

Oh Yeah my guns are "dressed" better than I am. They seem to be partial to the "Black Horsehide/Shark Collection" at Milt Sparks...

[willie]

I've examined several recent outstanding examples of S&W K and N frame revolvers. I can detect issues within one minute. These have been excellent specimens. My lgs receives some really nice Smiths. All the shit guns are shipped to @Olong's dealer. 😀

[Crazy Dane]

Well I won and stayed below my max bid!

It's on the way to my FFL. And I actually waited until I won to order Hogue Grips, Speedloaders, Original Precision Lock Delete Plug, and Ammo...

I think I showed great restraint...:cool: Of course my wife may think otherwise...



Congrats! I was wondering how you did. I've got a little over 2 days left on the one I am bidding on. I'm top bid, currently and I haven't decided on how high I will go.

[jtcarm]

I have thought of getting one, myself.

How’s the M-66 working now?

Reading about that shitstorm cooled my interest in any current Smiths.

[MDFA]

Congrats! I was wondering how you did. I've got a little over 2 days left on the one I am bidding on. I'm top bid, currently and I haven't decided on how high I will go.

Thanks. Good Luck with yours.

[Stephanie B]

How’s the M-66 working now?

Reading about that shitstorm cooled my interest in any current Smiths.

It's fine. I have a few hundred rounds through it, mostly .38s. .357s aren't a lot of fun with it (or any K frame).

[JAH 3rd]

Glad your M-66 is finally working for you! You really went through an ordeal with that.......and you had lots of folks following this journey.

[jtcarm]

It's fine. I have a few hundred rounds through it, mostly .38s. .357s aren't a lot of fun with it (or any K frame).

Did Malamute ever forward those grips to you?

When shooting at the local indoor, I sometimes let fly with a cylinder of magnums from my 2.5”.

Sorta let the AR pistol blasters know I can make noise, too.

[MolonLabe416]

95372

I’ve got mine.

[Stephanie B]

Did Malamute ever forward those grips to you?

He did, indeed. I have them on the gun.

[03RN]

95372

I’ve got mine.

Which front sight?

[MolonLabe416]

Unknown. The Gunsite Gunsmity installed it for me.

I like it a lot.

[DamonL]

Try SDM for an S&W gold bead front sight.

http://www.sdmfabricating.com/Gold%20Bead.htm

[Half Moon]

When shooting at the local indoor, I sometimes let fly with a cylinder of magnums from my 2.5”.

Sorta let the AR pistol blasters know I can make noise, too.

Had a Coonan .357 for a while before it got traded. It was a loud beast (though not up to the levels of my, also long gone, Automag III). AR shooter in the lane next to us at the indoor range. My wife: "Drive them into sea. Get out the Coonan..." Always knew she was the one! 😀

[Crazy Dane]

I just won the one I was bidding on... now I have to wait. I guess I'll go dig out my .44 mag brass and look up some loads.

[HeavyDuty]

Try SDM for an S&W gold bead front sight.

http://www.sdmfabricating.com/Gold%20Bead.htm

I’ve used SDM twice now for gold beads - one on my 4.25” 69 and the other on my 4” 620, both with Bowen Rough Country rears.

[MDFA]

I just won the one I was bidding on... now I have to wait. I guess I'll go dig out my .44 mag brass and look up some loads.

Congrats. I have mine, still waiting on the Plug and Speedloaders to arrive.

[Crazy Dane]

Congrats. I have mine, still waiting on the Plug and Speedloaders to arrive.


I wish Safariland would make a Comp loader for these. Its either HKS or Speedbeez, the SB suck for round retention. The HKS will fit in the Safariland Split 6 carriers, model #371-2. I run 3 rounds behind the belt. This is where I get them Safariland Speedloaders & Accessories (pistoleer.com) (https://www.pistoleer.com/safariland/speedloaders/)

[paul105]

I wish Safariland would make a Comp loader for these. Its either HKS or Speedbeez, the SB suck for round retention. The HKS will fit in the Safariland Split 6 carriers, model #371-2. I run 3 rounds behind the belt. This is where I get them Safariland Speedloaders & Accessories (pistoleer.com) (https://www.pistoleer.com/safariland/speedloaders/)


Here's another option.

https://5starfirearms.com/j5-44-45-speed-loader/

This loader is CNC Machined to fit the following Models:

Taurus - Judge .45 LC ONLY
Taurus - M450 & M44 Tracker
Charter Arms - .44 Bulldog
Smith & Wesson - .44 Night Guard
Smith & Wesson - Model 69
Rossi - R44102
Ruger - GP100 44 Special

[Crazy Dane]

Here's another option.

https://5starfirearms.com/j5-44-45-speed-loader/

This loader is CNC Machined to fit the following Models:

Taurus - Judge .45 LC ONLY
Taurus - M450 & M44 Tracker
Charter Arms - .44 Bulldog
Smith & Wesson - .44 Night Guard
Smith & Wesson - Model 69
Rossi - R44102
Ruger - GP100 44 Special



I have one. It doesn't work very well with my Rugers, operates backwards to the HKS and is 2 to 3 times the cost. I will try it on the M69. I use it to make ready but stick with the HKS for reloads.

[MDFA]

I wish Safariland would make a Comp loader for these. Its either HKS or Speedbeez, the SB suck for round retention. The HKS will fit in the Safariland Split 6 carriers, model #371-2. I run 3 rounds behind the belt. This is where I get them Safariland Speedloaders & Accessories (pistoleer.com) (https://www.pistoleer.com/safariland/speedloaders/)

I have the Safariland 371-2 Split Six Pouches. Waiting on the HKS Loaders. I wish they would make a Comp Loader as well. Hopefully the loaders and Plug will arrive tomorrow.

[MDFA]

My Model 69 Before and After Photos. I removed the lock and installed an Original Precision Plug, cleaned and lubed the interior and installed a lighter rebound spring, which brought the Double Action down to 11 lbs and the single action to 4 lbs. It was off the scale on my Lyman Digital Gauge before that. And added Hogue Bantam Grips. HKS CA-44 Speedloaders work fine as do the Safariland 371-2 holders as Crazy Dane stated earlier in the thread. Hopefully I can get to the local indoor range today for a few rounds.

And you all are seriously lacking in your ability to talk someone out of buying a gun...:cool:

9557595576

[Crazy Dane]

My Model 69 Before and After Photos. I removed the lock and installed an Original Precision Plug, cleaned and lubed the interior and installed a lighter rebound spring, which brought the Double Action down to 11 lbs and the single action to 4 lbs. It was off the scale on my Lyman Digital Gauge before that. And added Hogue Bantam Grips. HKS CA-44 Speedloaders work fine as do the Safariland 371-2 holders as Crazy Dane stated earlier in the thread. Hopefully I can get to the local indoor range today for a few rounds.

And you all are seriously lacking in your ability to talk someone out of buying a gun...:cool:

9557595576

Nice kit!

This place is a highly contagious disease. The main symptom is bleeding from the wallet.

I just ordered rebound springs, I didn't know I needed those until I read this post.

What's up with the screws on the bottom of the Split 6s? Mine aren't like that.

[Stephanie B]

And you all are seriously lacking in your ability to talk someone out of buying a gun...:cool:

That's not what we do here. You bought the gun, so we are playing to our strengths.

[03RN]

Nice kit!

This place is a highly contagious disease. The main symptom is bleeding from the wallet.

I just ordered rebound springs, I didn't know I needed those until I read this post.

What's up with the screws on the bottom of the Split 6s? Mine aren't like that.

Some of them are made for duty belts. The screw makes it fit 1.5" belts and also gives some leverage to keep the speed loaders in tight.
95581

[MDFA]

Some of them are made for duty belts. The screw makes it fit 1.5" belts and also gives some leverage to keep the speed loaders in tight.
95581

03RN answered before I could. And I got the idea from an earlier thread that he showed that modification in. All the credit goes to him.:D

[MDFA]

That's not what we do here. You bought the gun, so we are playing to our strengths.

LOL. I'm afraid I'm just a guilty as everyone else here...

[MDFA]

Nice kit!

This place is a highly contagious disease. The main symptom is bleeding from the wallet.

I just ordered rebound springs, I didn't know I needed those until I read this post.

What's up with the screws on the bottom of the Split 6s? Mine aren't like that.

I just changed the Mainspring out for one I had from a previous revolver. It brought the pull down from a high 11 lb. average to a 10.8 average. So better than a pound reduction.

[Crazy Dane]

I picked mine up at my FFL this afternoon. Its pretty much what I expected until I ran the trigger. It felt much lighter than the over 10lb double and 5lb plus single I have seen reported. I broke out the pull gauge when I got home and this is what I got;

double action 10 pull average - 7lb 2.6 oz

https://i.ibb.co/rMTp0z1/13885275-C0-AB-489-C-A970-AF19-A71-DE556.jpg (https://ibb.co/5vtj4Sf)

Single action 10 pull average - 2lb 6.7oz

https://i.ibb.co/4tbdhgh/53-E092-E5-3608-4980-A31-C-1-F655577-CE20.jpg (https://ibb.co/7C34sNs)

It was sold as NIB and didn't have a turn line, the screws aren't marred. it doesn't look like anyone has been in this one. :confused: Anyway, everything is straight, finish is great.

https://i.ibb.co/R3vW4Gc/B781-CE32-F225-4-BAA-818-F-D4-F2-C2-EAFD42.jpg (https://ibb.co/fk17GVH)

It will be a few days before I get to shoot it. I'm leaving out for a hunting trip.

[Crazy Dane]

Okay, who's the fucktard that decided to use an Allen head screw on the grips. I don't find the grips to be too bad and if I keep them I'm gonna have to find a replacement screw.

[jtcarm]

I’ve used SDM twice now for gold beads - one on my 4.25” 69 and the other on my 4” 620, both with Bowen Rough Country rears.

I’d use ‘em if they’d make a .1 or even .090 thickness. For me, .125” is too thick on anything shorter than a 6” barrel, unless shooting slow-fire bullseye.

.1” is about perfect on a 4” Smith. I put a Dawson .1” FO on my 2.5” M-66 and still not enough light for my taste. I’ll be taking a file to the rear notch.

[Crazy Dane]

I'm finally home from my hunting trip (don't ask) and after I got laundry going and the camper cleaned out, I thought I would install the lock delete in the M69. Disassembly went well other than the yolk screw didn't want to come out of the hole until I tapped the side plate off. The plug went in easy-peasy, and I cleaned up the insides and lubed as needed. Reassembly was going well until I got to the yolk screw. I dropped it in the hole and tried turning it with my thumb. It seemed a lot springy and wouldn't catch a thread so, I pulled it back out and found this (the pic is after I found the broken piece lying on my rag. I placed it back for photo)

https://i.ibb.co/VwV7wwj/9-D8-DECDC-C4-E9-4-F45-9-EDD-93685-EBB2-A69.jpg (https://ibb.co/Z2dn22L)

After a few deep breaths and a word or 4, I found and ordered a replacement from Midway. Would it be worth it to call CS in the morning to complain and the possibly wanting me to ship the gun back or do I chalk it up to a ham fisted assembler over torquing a screw/ defective part and drop the replacement in when it gets here? Everything else seems fine. I'm good with just putting in the new screw when it gets here. Anyway, the plug looks good

https://i.ibb.co/7NvL7sk/6-C2-B95-DC-4833-4-B74-8371-C0-FBBC325-F8-A.jpg (https://ibb.co/sJjzL8W)

[HeavyDuty]

I'm finally home from my hunting trip (don't ask) and after I got laundry going and the camper cleaned out, I thought I would install the lock delete in the M69. Disassembly went well other than the yolk screw didn't want to come out of the hole until I tapped the side plate off. The plug went in easy-peasy, and I cleaned up the insides and lubed as needed. Reassembly was going well until I got to the yolk screw. I dropped it in the hole and tried turning it with my thumb. It seemed a lot springy and wouldn't catch a thread so, I pulled it back out and found this (the pic is after I found the broken piece lying on my rag. I placed it back for photo)

https://i.ibb.co/VwV7wwj/9-D8-DECDC-C4-E9-4-F45-9-EDD-93685-EBB2-A69.jpg (https://ibb.co/Z2dn22L)

After a few deep breaths and a word or 4, I found and ordered a replacement from Midway. Would it be worth it to call CS in the morning to complain and the possibly wanting me to ship the gun back or do I chalk it up to a ham fisted assembler over torquing a screw/ defective part and drop the replacement in when it gets here? Everything else seems fine. I'm good with just putting in the new screw when it gets here. Anyway, the plug looks good

https://i.ibb.co/7NvL7sk/6-C2-B95-DC-4833-4-B74-8371-C0-FBBC325-F8-A.jpg (https://ibb.co/sJjzL8W)

It’s probably worth a call to CS to see if they will send the part, but I wouldn’t bother sending it back unless other things come up.

[FrankB]

S&W will undoubtedly send you the yoke screw, but they can be slow. You can get one from MGW pretty fast, and for $7-ish plus shipping:
https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/219860000

[Stephanie B]

After a few deep breaths and a word or 4, I found and ordered a replacement from Midway. Would it be worth it to call CS in the morning to complain and the possibly wanting me to ship the gun back or do I chalk it up to a ham fisted assembler over torquing a screw/ defective part and drop the replacement in when it gets here? Everything else seems fine. I'm good with just putting in the new screw when it gets here. Anyway, the plug looks good.

Remember, if you send the gun back, you’ll need to reinstall the lock.

[Crazy Dane]

Well, that was easy. I called CS and I told the lady I had taken apart my new revolver and I found a broken screw. She immediately asked if it was the yolk screw, she wasn't amused when I asked how did ya know and just asked for model and serial number, my information and said a replacement would be in the mail at no cost. took all of 3 minutes from the time I dialed the number.

[MDFA]

Well, that was easy. I called CS and I told the lady I had taken apart my new revolver and I found a broken screw. She immediately asked if it was the yolk screw, she wasn't amused when I asked how did ya know and just asked for model and serial number, my information and said a replacement would be in the mail at no cost. took all of 3 minutes from the time I dialed the number.

Well I'm going to keep an eye out for that! Glad they took care of it.

[claymore504]

The Model 69 4.25" is my first real experience with S&W revolvers and so far I am really liking it. The grip is ok, but I think there could be better options. What is everyone running on thier M69?

[Zeke38]

VZs for me. Have them on two Model 69s, a 2.75" and an early 4.25".

https://i.imgur.com/ihaz5KPl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8fjK1ITm.jpg

[HeavyDuty]

The Model 69 4.25" is my first real experience with S&W revolvers and so far I am really liking it. The grip is ok, but I think there could be better options. What is everyone running on thier M69?

I’m going to be an outlier, but I have Hogue rubber Bantams on all three of my L frame round butts, including my 4.25” 69. They just work for me.

[Zeke38]

Grips on revolvers are so personal. Use what works for you! I have a couple drawers of grips and leather.

[MDFA]

I’m going to be an outlier, but I have Hogue rubber Bantams on all three of my L frame round butts, including my 4.25” 69. They just work for me.

Same on my 66 F Comp and my 2.75 Model 69. I do have Cocobolo Hogue Bantams which look really nice but the Rubber Bantams are more practical.

[MDFA]

Finally got to the local indoor range to check sights and function of my Model 69. This target is only 20 rounds of HSM .44 Special 246gr. SWC at 10 and 15 yards. Shot POI/POA but it was very smokey in an indoor range. Pretty pleased with it so far. I need to get to the outdoor range and actually give it and me a work out.

96303

And yes I cleaned it before the photo... I'm OCD that way...

[Crazy Dane]

Finally got to the local indoor range to check sights and function of my Model 69. This target is only 20 rounds of HSM .44 Special 246gr. SWC at 10 and 15 yards. Shot POI/POA but it was very smokey in an indoor range. Pretty pleased with it so far. I need to get to the outdoor range and actually give it and me a work out.

96303

And yes I cleaned it before the photo... I'm OCD that way...


Nice, the replacement screw from S&W came in yesterday and I loaded 100 rounds of various bullets and will be shooting later today.

[Crazy Dane]

Well, it shoots great but we started out low. How low you ask?

https://i.ibb.co/px0PRzp/7-F998226-7-DFB-4255-A36-D-D4-A76-F8-A8-D39.jpg (https://ibb.co/FKxW0wt)


I put 100 rounds through it, as follows.

Magnum cases 10gr Unique
20 - 240gr RNFP 1070fps
20 - 245 SWC 1st shot took out the chronograph
20 - 210 RNFP
20 - 200 XTP JHP

.44 Special
10 - 255 SWC these clock 1050 out of my GP100
10 - 210 RNFP 800ish

Shooting from 15 yards, it took 16 clicks of elevation to get to the center of a B8 from where it started. Once I started putting elevation on the sight, all rounds stayed in the black. The XTPs and the RNFPs grouped really well. The SWCs did even better. I shot fast enough to get the gun hot, didn't have any issues. The narrow grips don't tame the recoil like my GP100s but was still manageable, no baseball bat to the hand. These grips are more like the compacts Letts for the GP100s. I should have gotten a pic of the target but it started to rain and I had a funeral to plan.

I am going to redo the top 80 rounds with 2400 once I get a now chronograph, for now I'll load up a bunch with the Unique.