I have the model 69 4 1/4" and two of the model 69 2 3/4". I put VZ grips alien round to square butt conversion grips on the 4 1/4" and diamond round butt grips on both of the 2 3/4". Yes the grips S&W put on either barrel length are that bad. The VZ grips feel better in the hand and more comfortable while shooting. Even with the factory grips I don't find it necessary to grip either barrel length to the point the gun shakes uncontrollably. A good firm high grip and recoil with full power 44 magnum ammo is very manageable. Shooting 44 Special in either barrel length is a dream. The 2 3/4" barrel is like it was made for 44 Special with magnum capabilities.
This revolver is a dandy. It is thinner, lighter, and shorter than my favorite 44 magnum which is a 5" S&W 629. It is not as accurate as my favorite in single or double action fire. The main reasons are the superb balance of the 5" in my large hands and the reduced recoil of the heaver 5" 629. Here is something interesting. I can shoot my model 69 faster and more accurately double action than my 7 1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk. The Redhawk beats out all of my 44 magnums for accuracy in single action fire. However, that heavy brute takes a little more time to get back on target in double action mode. My model 69 is fine in single or double action mode for the defensive role that I purchased it for and it is a pleasure to carry. There is no need for a chest or shoulder holster. It will conceal well enough under a light jacket for going into a convenience store to grab some coffee.
Love the idea of 44 special for self defense, in a 5 shot revolver. But even so, Ruger's GP100 5-shot 44spl and this model 69 are both sorta big pieces. Smith designed theirs for magnum, but I seriously doubt it's a 100%-duty stout magnum gun without eventual issues. Anyway, I guess 38 special wadcutters at 750-800 fps are plenty adequate. A big 44 special running wadcutters at lower velocity has appeal. Another issue is 44 special availability. Wadcutters would have to be handloaded more than likely.
I have the model 69 4 1/4" and two of the model 69 2 3/4". I put VZ grips alien round to square butt conversion grips on the 4 1/4" and diamond round butt grips on both of the 2 3/4". Yes the grips S&W put on either barrel length are that bad. The VZ grips feel better in the hand and more comfortable while shooting. Even with the factory grips I don't find it necessary to grip either barrel length to the point the gun shakes uncontrollably. A good firm high grip and recoil with full power 44 magnum ammo is very manageable. Shooting 44 Special in either barrel length is a dream. The 2 3/4" barrel is like it was made for 44 Special with magnum capabilities.
Corbon makes a 320 grain bullet load for the 44 magnum and it will chamber in the model 69. That is big medicine.
This revolver is a dandy. It is thinner, lighter, and shorter than my favorite 44 magnum which is a 5" S&W 629. It is not as accurate as my favorite in single or double action fire. The main reasons are the superb balance of the 5" in my large hands and the reduced recoil of the heaver 5" 629. Here is something interesting. I can shoot my model 69 faster and more accurately double action than my 7 1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk. The Redhawk beats out all of my 44 magnums for accuracy in single action fire. However, that heavy brute takes a little more time to get back on target in double action mode. My model 69 is fine in single or double action mode for the defensive role that I purchased it for and it is a pleasure to carry. There is no need for a chest or shoulder holster. It will conceal well enough under a light jacket for going into a convenience store to grab some coffee.
Good points on a great revolver. 44 magnum loaded properly and aimed has killed the biggest game worldwide.
Nice trail gun right there.
Which holster is that? And which specific size?
Did you ever find the answer? I want to know too
I would love to know also. Please help!!!!!
MSRP $1200.00 + 15% sales tax up here in Canada way too expensive!!
Love the idea of 44 special for self defense, in a 5 shot revolver. But even so, Ruger's GP100 5-shot 44spl and this model 69 are both sorta big pieces. Smith designed theirs for magnum, but I seriously doubt it's a 100%-duty stout magnum gun without eventual issues. Anyway, I guess 38 special wadcutters at 750-800 fps are plenty adequate. A big 44 special running wadcutters at lower velocity has appeal. Another issue is 44 special availability. Wadcutters would have to be handloaded more than likely.