New S&W models for 2014

Links don't seem to work and I'm very interested is seeing them. I'm looking on the S&W site and I don't see a link to their new products. I guess I'm missing it!

I will be buying the model 69!!!

The model 66 is my favorite revolver. I own examples from the 66 no dash through the 66-4.

That abomination being touted as a model 66 bears scant resemblance to a real 66.

Looks more like that discontinued 7-shot, IL, two piece barrel 520 that was discontinued after a short production life. I predict the same short production life for that 66 knock off.

That model 69 has my attention! I've already got a nice 66 from the old days.

Until they get rid of the Hillary Hole on the side of the frame, S&W will see none of my money.

Ruger was smart enough to end the production of the internal lock versions, time for S&W to follow suit.

+1 on no keyhole guns! When will S&W get the message?

But the model 69 looks very interesting! But two things caught my eye:

1. "Ball detent lock" Are they changing the locking system? A ball system doesn't sound as strong as the current system.

2. "Two piece barrel" ??? Not sure what this means but it doesn't sound good to me!

Anyone have any ideas? I couldn't find anything on the S&W site.

If that model 69 ever comes out with a 3"bbl, heaven help the person who stands between me and the gun shop!

19-3 ben you MAY have to try and run over me.
I'll be at the front of the line for a 3 inch gun!!!

I'll be all over the 66, I don't care about the lock so much for a range gun, albeit that it's unflattering to say the least.

19-3Ben said:

If that model 69 ever comes out with a 3"bbl, heaven help the person who stands between me and the gun shop!

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Same here!

Ditch the lock and where did they get a 4.25" barrel for both models???

I heard that in Canada revolvers must have a barrel that is 4.1 inches or 4.25 inches. I imagine that it is so they can be sold in Canada as well.

351 WINCHESTER said:

Ditch the lock and where did they get a 4.25" barrel for both models???

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Copying Ruger?

OK, makes sense. I wasn't aware about the Canadian regulation. Maybe I should go into the holster making business and concentrate on 4.25" ones. Actually I doubt that a quarter of an inch would make much difference in any of my holsters.

My guess is that the ball detent lockup refers either to the cylinder lockup at the rear of the cylinder/recoil shield, or a the barrel underlug/ejector rod.
Either that, or the crane/frame.

I might have to sell my 629 mountain gun to pick up that L frame 44.

I wonder how they got enough forcing cone thickness to put .44 Magnum in the L frame.
The 696 L .44 Special was often said to be marginal.

Lock or not, I am going to look for them.

I wish the Model 69 was 44 Special only but i'll accept it in 44 Magnum.

I really like the 69!

That model 69 could be called the S&W Tracker. Looks like they have taken notice of the Taurus Tracker 44 mag with the lock up, frame size, and 5 shot cylinder.

I have a 5 shot Tracker in 44 mag and it is a great gun, the S&W 69 should be even better.

I wonder how they got enough forcing cone thickness to put .44 Magnum in the L frame.
The 696 L .44 Special was often said to be marginal.

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That's what I'm wondering as well. I wonder if they enlarged the barrel shank. Very interesting, to say the least.

+1 on no keyhole guns! When will S&W get the message?

I think they have. Notice how the publicity pictures do not show the lock.

But the model 69 looks very interesting! But two things caught my eye:

1. "Ball detent lock" Are they changing the locking system? A ball system doesn't sound as strong as the current system.

The recoil on magnum loads in a L-Frame should be....well big attention getter. Maybe the ball detent prevents the cylinder from unlocking from the recoil?

2. "Two piece barrel" ??? Not sure what this means but it doesn't sound good to me!

Well it certainly isn't as high as quality of manufacturing as old S&W revolvers but the barrel doesn't contain the pressures of the round when it is fired.

Anyone have any ideas? I couldn't find anything on the S&W site.

It seems to be part of the trend to chamber the most powerful commercial round possible in as small and light as possible aka 357 J-Frame revolvers. This mostest in the lightest is really not practical for regular use. However it should be a excellent platform for handloaders to take advantage of the full potential of the 44 Special.