Impulse buy on a SW 469

[Delta959]

Well I did something I never do, I impulse bought a 469 at a gun show. I really didn't know much about it other then it was a Smith, and I always have liked the looks of the SW alloy autos. Anything I need to know about this thing? What kind of mags can it take? Can I get some different grips? When was this thing made?

I was looking for a Bulgarian Makarov, but there wasn't one there (shockingly enough). I picked this thing up, it was only little over my budget (ok more then 50% more then my budget). But the guy offered me a good deal on my trade in. I love the way it feels, it has everything I was looking for.

Thanks for any info!

Delta

 

[USAF_Vet]

I own a S&W 469, and it's a sweet gun. It's a 2nd generation autoloader, made in the early 80's to middle/ late 80's. It shares mags with the 5906 3rd gen. Sadly, as far as I can tell, the mags are S&W proprietary to the 2nd and 3rd gen auto loaders. Sadly, new M&P mags won't fit. If you do find new old stock mags, prepare for sticker shock, the ones I've found are in the $45 + range. I got a pair of Pro-mags though, and they work great.

Mind if i ask what you paid for it? I paid $250 for mine, and I think it was a great deal.

There are some after market grips, but nothing special. look on ebay, i found some there going for pretty cheap. I want some custom wood ones made for mine.

 

[orionengnr]

I owned one back when they first came out (mid-80s). Sold it at one point. A few years ago, I saw another one and bought it. Sold it too...not sure why except I'm not a big fan of DA/SA.

However, I've been eyeballing them again recently...wouldn't be surprised if I ended up buying another one.

It is a nice size/weight/capacity combination.

 

[amd6547]

I impulse bought one two years ago. It was a pistol I had wanted when they were new.
Mine was very disappointing. Trigger in SA was like a staple gun. Accuracy was terrible.
Sold it off fairly quickly.

 

[Seven For Sure]

I've seen new mags for 3rd Gen S&W auto's for sale on CDNN. I bought three for a Shorty Forty I have and they were newer production than the two that came with my gun bought new in 2010. It's the most expensive gun of any kind I own and I paid probably 2 1/2 times what they cost new but it was new and I got to pick from six of them, all NIB. I have somewhat of a rare S&W .40 collection going and being the .40 is my all around favorite round, it made sense. Not financial sense as my GF will gladly tell you... These older S&W auto's have the best DA triggers I've shot, very smooth and light. At least my PC Shorty 40 does.

Hogue sells two rubber grips and a bunch of wood and metal grips for these guns. Many, including mine were undersprung from the factory. Good and sufficient lube and a new (preferably aftermarket) recoil spring will extend the life of your 469. The newer mags have blue followers and stronger springs. The older ones have yellow followers and weaker springs (even new).

 

[gotboostvr]

I bought one for my very first handgun. They're boringly reliable SW 59 series magazines are plentiful. Mine is accurate enough for a compact auto.

Fun fact, Kel-Tec's nice little sub-2000 will accept the same magazines in certain configurations.

They're great pistols.

 

[Storm]

I had a 469 and have a 669 (stainless slide version). I traded my 469 away and immediately regretted it. I went back to buy it back and it was gone.

As it turns out my 669 is every bit as good, if not a tad better. The gun is 100% reliable and is a very smooth shooter. The trigger on mine is very good in double action and downright sweet in single action. I don't know if it's just mine but it has one of the very best single action triggers for a traditional DA/SA that I have experienced in over thirty years of shooting many, many guns. The gun was quite a surprise to me. At fifteen yards the ten ring is gone emptying a full mag at a rather quick pace. Accuracy is surprisingly good. The gun is one the chunky side but not so much so as to be a big detraction. When I put it next to my 3913 I have to consider finding a new home for the 3913.

I think the 469/669 has been below the radar for many. The 3rd Gen Smiths have gained great popularity and I think many are finding out that 2nd Gen guns are just as underrated, if not more so. When I see a Smith with a Phillips head screw holding on the safety it immedaitely gets my undivided attention.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I bought one for my very first handgun. They're boringly reliable SW 59 series magazines are plentiful. Mine is accurate enough for a compact auto.

Fun fact, Kel-Tec's nice little sub-2000 will accept the same magazines in certain configurations.

They're great pistols.

Interesting to know the Sub-2k uses the 59 series mags. I heard, and this could be 'net rumor, that they will fit the Keltec P11 as well.

Mine was very disappointing. Trigger in SA was like a staple gun. Accuracy was terrible.
Sold it off fairly quickly.

That's too bad, my SA trigger pull breaks like glass. I haven't tested the weight of pull yet, but I know SA pull is very light. DA pull is the opposite. Almost needs a mule team to fire it in DA. Which is a feature I actually like.