Tell me about the S&W 469

It should be very similar to my 459 that I bought new in 1986 but just a tad smaller than my 459. The 459 has been 100% reliable and is still my bedside gun even though I own newer guns that are more accurate. But the 459 being Double Action/Single Action, a feature I find very safe when grabbing with groggy hands, and carrying, I believe, 13 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber gives me a lot of rounds to work with. Even though it has a longer sight radius and longer barrel than my Sig 239 I could never master shooting very tight groups with the Smith like I can with my Sig.

If "It" hadn't happened and I still had an open market when my tax refund comes in this year I had planned on retiring the 459 in favor of either a Sig 229 or 226 for bedside duty. But I don't think the stars are going to line up and let me follow through on that plan now. :banghead:

As for parts and accessories, good luck. I recently bought some spare parts from Smith for my 459 and had to settle for a stainless steel barrel bushing because the blued ones were sold out years ago according to the parts person. They said parts for the 2nd Gen models are getting thin in the inventory bins. Aftermarket parts like grips, it would be mere chance to stumble on something that would fit so brush up on your carving skills.

They were great for their day but there are better options available today, well a month ago.

I've got a 469 and love it. I got mine about a year and a half ago, for $250. It's got some honest wear, but nothing significant. Sounds a lot like the one your got. These days, $399 OTD isn't that bad. My LGS has a 5906, used, priced at $469.95. They are often overlooked and undervalued, I think I got a steal for mine.

1) not sure about the exact dimensions, but I know it should be darn close to the 5906.

2) Yes, reliability should be the same. The major differences in the 2nd to 3rd gen guns was cosmetic. The 469 has a bobbed hammer and a right side safety. The 3rd gens have a spurred hammer and an ambi safety.

3) Yes, mags are interchangeable. The Kel-Tec P-11 uses a virtualy identical magazine as well, and they have grip spacers for their higher round magazines. The 469 standard mag capacity is 12, but the 10, 15, 17 and 20 round mags work. I've got a 15 round mag that looks awkward, and one of these days I'll get around to ordering an extended base plate. I've got a 20 round for it, too, which will look awkward regardless of the base plate. I'll try to find where I saw those base plates and get back to you.

4) No ideas, but will be hoping you get an answer, so I can order up a set myself.

5) I haven't been able to track down the manufacture date for mine either. S&W was of no help when I called them. I also read about the recall, but I have not had any issues with my gun.

It's not picky about ammo. I've shot steel, brass and aluminum cases, FMJ's and hollow points, 115 grains and 124. The only time I have seen it malf was in the hands of an inexperienced shooter (limp wristing) while shooting older reloads. I wrote it off on the shooter, as I had shot the same ammo just prior to passing it off to her. I had no problems before or after that incident.

And as for cleaning, I run a patch down the barrel. not every time I shoot it, maybe every three or four range visits. I've done a full break down and clean on it only once.

USAF_Vet said:

1) not sure about the exact dimensions, but I know it should be darn close to the 5906.

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No, they'd be like the 6904/6

2)The 3rd gens have a spurred hammer and an ambi safety.

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The 6904/6 had bobbed hammers.

It was closer to 3rd Gen than 2nd Gen, almost a transitional model.

It's a fine gun and will serve you well.

http://www.keltecweapons.com/product/p-11-sw59-15-rd-mag-sleeve/

This should work with the S&W magazines. When they come in stock, I plan to order one.

Yes, the P-11 is shorter.

The most apparent difference between the 2nd and Third Generation is that the 2nd has a full butt frame with grip panels, while the Third has a one-piece wraparound plastic grip.

I have one, it's super reliable, trigger has a pretty short reset which is nice but too much uptake. I could never get groups as good as my Glock or HK P7, but it was good enough for off hand plinking.

I've carried it before, and likely will again. Mine was actually my first gun ever!

Being said, I don't think I'd spend 400 on one. I think I'd look at a NEW SW SD9 VE for a little bit less actually. Apparently parts are starting to get a bit harder to find.