Dollin' Up the S&W 69

[2 Crow]

I really like my Model 69... except the factory grips (and the sights, but this about the grips). They aren't terrible, they work, but....
I like the look and feel of wood grips on my revolvers. I started with a set of Pachmayr Renegade grips that cracked our first trip out to the range. Those gave me a chance to decide I didn't want to go with finger groove stocks. After some searching, I came across the Altamont Company and ordered a set of their Altai grips in smooth "Super Rosewood".



The Altai's seem to be a good compromise of size and concealability. The fit is nearly seamless and very snug on the frame. In fact, I was at first concerned that they weren't going to fit, but with a deep breath, they squeezed together nicely. The grip panels come complete with brass pins to align the panels, and three different length screws. I'm not sure why three screw lengths are required because the stocks are either going to fit or they aren't.



The Altai's leave the smooth backstrap of the 69 exposed. I think I might have preferred to have the panels wrap around the frame entirely, but that was not an option with these grips. My only real issue with the fit is, in fact, at the backstrap, where the panels on both sides, create sort of a trough of about 1/16" with the exposed metal running down the middle. I haven't shot them yet, may not even be an issue, we will see.



All in all, I am pleased with the look and feel of the Altamont Altai's. A trip to the range this weekend will let me know if they will stay on, or wind up in the box of "stuff". Now to address the sights. Bowen Rough Country rear but which front....?

Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying this wheel gun?

 

[Pat Riot]

I’d say you dolled it up nicely.

 

[no.5enfield]

That "trough" seems to be common on round butt grips. If they would bring the lower wood up until it contacted the metal it would look and feel cleaner. I don't know if they do this to avoid clearance issues, or what. Nice looking gun either way!

 

[bannockburn]

2 Crow

Nice looking gun and some great photos of it too!

 

[Tbafile]

That’s a great looking model 69. I have the 66-8 with the 4.25” barrel and went a similar route. I put a set of Jerry Miculek stocks on mine that seem to be a similar profile to the Altai’s. They also have that trough you described. I’ve never favored the ramped front sight, so I installed a Patridge on mine. I think it was S&W stock sight that I got from Midway USA. Easy job and cost less than $20. I’ve been pack and forth on one of the SDM gold dots in its place. I’ve shot a PC gun with one and it really grabs the eye and seems to have a classic look. If you go with the Rough Country rear sight, please post a pic of that. I’d like to hear what you think of it.

 

[2 Crow]

That’s a great looking model 69. I have the 66-8 with the 4.25” barrel and went a similar route. I put a set of Jerry Miculek stocks on mine that seem to be a similar profile to the Altai’s. They also have that trough you described. I’ve never favored the ramped front sight, so I installed a Patridge on mine. I think it was S&W stock sight that I got from Midway USA. Easy job and cost less than $20. I’ve been pack and forth on one of the SDM gold dots in its place. I’ve shot a PC gun with one and it really grabs the eye and seems to have a classic look. If you go with the Rough Country rear sight, please post a pic of that. I’d like to hear what you think of it.

Tbafile.... I was thinking about the SDM gold bead front sight. I’d really like to handle a revolver with that set up before I pull the trigger. I know my eyes work better with dots than blades. Gotta let the ATM card cool off for a while though. Between the purchase of the 69 itself, two sets of stocks, various additional reloading components and other gee-jaws, I’m starting to get the stink eye from The Missus. !!

 

[Tbafile]

2 Crow, I am actually in the same boat with my better half. I’ve gotten pretty familiar with the UPS delivery guy of late! Here’s what my 66 looks like with the plain Patridge sight. SDM looks about identical with the addition of the gold bead.

 

[2 Crow]

View attachment 830959 2 Crow, I am actually in the same boat with my better half. I’ve gotten pretty familiar with the UPS delivery guy of late! Here’s what my 66 looks like with the plain Patridge sight. SDM looks about identical with the addition of the gold bead.

Nice!!

 

[sabbfan]

I really like the looks of those, make that 69 look classy! Much better looking than the factory grips, I think you found a winner.

 

[dickydalton]

I liked the looks so much I bought a set. They look nice but feel too thin in my hand. I have a feeling that I won't like them with full power loads.

 

[2 Crow]

I liked the looks so much I bought a set. They look nice but feel too thin in my hand. I have a feeling that I won't like them with full power loads.

I also liked the looks of them, but.....


They don’t like me so much! They are very thin, which can be a good thing I guess, but not for me. Back to the factory grips for now, which so far, have worked out the best. At least no hammered palm and DNA extracted.

Still love this revolver!

 

[dickydalton]

I also liked the looks of them, but.....

View attachment 832719
They don’t like me so much! They are very thin, which can be a good thing I guess, but not for me. Back to the factory grips for now, which so far, have worked out the best. At least no hammered palm and DNA extracted.

Still love this revolver!

I love the revolver and it's even better with one of Jerry's spring kits in it. Thanks for saving me the pain. They'll go in that darned box unshot!

 

[2 Crow]

PS. ...... Shooters Choice is a great solvent for removing blood from S&W matte stainless. Ballistol didn’t eventouch it.

YMMV.

 

[alfsauve]

I got my 4" 69 last week and have only 100rds through it. Like you it's become my pet. I just found this thread and was going to ask how those grips worked out but I see not so well. I'm tempted to try some of my Altamont's out though.

Developed some, what I call crossover loads, low end .44mag rounds for my 69. Makes it a real sweet shooter. Got to smooth out the action after I get the first 1,000 rounds through it.

 

[2 Crow]

I got my 4" 69 last week and have only 100rds through it. Like you it's become my pet. I just found this thread and was going to ask how those grips worked out but I see not so well. I'm tempted to try some of my Altamont's out though.

Developed some, what I call crossover loads, low end .44mag rounds for my 69. Makes it a real sweet shooter. Got to smooth out the action after I get the first 1,000 rounds through it.

The Altamont’s are beautiful grips. I truly wish these would have worked out for me.

I now have close to 300 rounds thru mine, mostly mags, and all but the last few have been great to shoot. I have also handled it everyday for the past month, and dry fired I don’t know how many times. The action has smoothed some (or I’ve gotted used to it) but the double action pull is still heavy. Single action is fantastic.

I loaded some 220 grn Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrators loaded with Unique and I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy at 15 yards. I also ran some Barnes 225 grn XPB’s thru it loaded with H110. They were also accurate, but quite a bit more stout. Going to try some loaded with Blue Dot next week.

I am really having fun with the Smith and have enjoyed getting back into revolvers.