Impulse buy: S&W 69 Combat Magnum
- Thread starter eldon519
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Probably a good Idea I was just saying theres plenty on nice L and K frame holsters out there and most off the shelf holsters have plenty of room for an extra 1/4 inch even closed toed holster. Heck I'll bet if you go out and measure a few 4" L frames you find them to vary in length by quite a bit.
Yes they won't line up so if it's going to bother you then look for one of the many manufactures that don't bone in the features. I use a Blackhawk like this for my 696 5 shot of course I have a Desantis that has the boned in feature for my unfluted 610
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
But it is 4.2" -- why? Well, as it happens 105 mm is the minimum barrel length for handguns that most Canadians are allowed to buy.
Apparently S&W has read a lot of bear threads and knows what Canadians need most!
BSA1
member
Mag-Na-Port sounds like a good option to help tame the Magnum loads.
tomrkba
Member
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- 2,370
It seems to me that this gun is a 44 Magnum -P (240 grain bullet @1000-1200 FPS) and 44 Special gun.
The primary problem is the 4 1/4" barrel. The five shot cylinder will be fine since you can tell them your gun has no fluting, but that extra 1/4" guarantees everyone will either use holsters for L Frames with 5" barrels or get a custom made holster. Stupid S&W!
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My lord, S&W can't catch a break these days. If it isn't one thing to complain about, it's another. They probably should just close their doors since no one would ever want their stupid products.
I'm not sure if you can Magna Port a 2-piece barrel, but I don't think it needs it. Recoil is certainly present, but the L-frame size keeps the bore axis reasonably low, so it really wasn't very "flippy".
I'm not sure if you can Magna Port a 2-piece barrel, but I don't think it needs it. Recoil is certainly present, but the L-frame size keeps the bore axis reasonably low, so it really wasn't very "flippy".
Well, I’ve had mine for close to a month now. Have put close to 700 rounds thru it. About 70% of those were .44 Special level loads (240-260gr w/5.5 to 6.5gr HP38) and the rest have been mid-range to full house .44 Mags.
So, everything from 240s at 750fps to 325gr LWNGCs at a chronographed 1,182 fps. Yesterday, I finished up chronographing all loads that I might use in this gun (240gr Horn JHP XTPs at 1,323 fps, 270gr Speer JSPs at 1,153 fps, 240gr lasercast CSWCs at 880 fps) and some 200gr Horn JHP XTPs at 1,236 fps. I had previously chronographed some older Federal 240gr JHP factory ammo at 1,212 fps. The above hand loads do not exceed those published by recent Speer or Hodgdon load data.
For general use, I will use the 6.5gr HP38 load. It is accurate and comfortable to shoot in quantity.
Recoil in my experience mimics eldon519s – this gun’s (mine’s equipped w/Hogue 500 XFrame grips) felt recoil (to me) is less than my 629 Mountain Gun. The M69 sits lower in the hand and has a bit more weight forward (recoil is less “flippy” as observed by eldon) vs. Mtn Gun.
The more I shoot the m69, the better I like it – it just works for me – YMMV. In fact, I like it so much, I have a backup on order.
FWIW,
Paul
So, everything from 240s at 750fps to 325gr LWNGCs at a chronographed 1,182 fps. Yesterday, I finished up chronographing all loads that I might use in this gun (240gr Horn JHP XTPs at 1,323 fps, 270gr Speer JSPs at 1,153 fps, 240gr lasercast CSWCs at 880 fps) and some 200gr Horn JHP XTPs at 1,236 fps. I had previously chronographed some older Federal 240gr JHP factory ammo at 1,212 fps. The above hand loads do not exceed those published by recent Speer or Hodgdon load data.
For general use, I will use the 6.5gr HP38 load. It is accurate and comfortable to shoot in quantity.
Recoil in my experience mimics eldon519s – this gun’s (mine’s equipped w/Hogue 500 XFrame grips) felt recoil (to me) is less than my 629 Mountain Gun. The M69 sits lower in the hand and has a bit more weight forward (recoil is less “flippy” as observed by eldon) vs. Mtn Gun.
The more I shoot the m69, the better I like it – it just works for me – YMMV. In fact, I like it so much, I have a backup on order.
FWIW,
Paul
BSA1
member
tomrkba,
??? What is a 44 Magnum -P???? Is there published data and brass head stamped for it?
??? What is a 44 Magnum -P???? Is there published data and brass head stamped for it?
BSA1
member
Paul105,
I imagine the K-Frame grip has a lot to do with it being more comfortable to shoot. Sure sounds like a nice concept.
I imagine the K-Frame grip has a lot to do with it being more comfortable to shoot. Sure sounds like a nice concept.
greenmtnguy
Member
Dang, I want one even more now. I'll have to start checking my LGS..
I think he is just joking as in "+P" loads for normal guns, a lighter loaded 44 magnums and 44 specials might be better diet for this lighter frame.
S&W is doing their best to keep a supply of revolvers coming and folks complain.
S&W caters to the Canadian customers and folks complain.
S&W does it's best to keep US holster makers in business and folks complain.
S&W builds a decent revolver and folks complain.
Some peolpe just like to complain.
S&W caters to the Canadian customers and folks complain.
S&W does it's best to keep US holster makers in business and folks complain.
S&W builds a decent revolver and folks complain.
Some peolpe just like to complain.
Lucky Derby
Member
I have a 3" full lug L frame .44.
M696.
M696.
horsemen61
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 6,755
I have one at the lgs on layaway and I love the way it feels in my hands
dickydalton
Member
I loaded some 44 mag - P once using 2400 powder. they kinda chugged out the barrel, like a delayed reaction. I switched back to the Unique right away!
"-P" ? This is a joke, right? Lucky Derby, I also have a 696 and it makes me smile too. Big heavy slugs @ 900 fps from a small compact heavy L frame - it's like shooting a black powder revolver. It's really too bad that the .44 Spl. has been reduced to basically a handloader's cartridge. I love to shoot pins and steel plates with it and watch people walk up and say "What the heck is that?" Lots of usable controllable power in a small package. I think S&W really should have offered the new 69 in a choice of 3 in., 4 in., and 5 in. barrel lengths. (with or without a full lug) A 3 in. 69 would make a GREAT CCW revolver. But I wouldn't trade my 696 for one.
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farm23
Member
I would think if the 69 is a success there will be a 3" & 6". And from what I see it will be a success. I now carry a 3" 629 but a lighter/smaller 3" 69 would get my attention. I know Charter Arms and others offer a snub but I like the idea of a 69 it seems like a good comprise.
revolversrbetter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2010
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- 84
Looks like the perfect trail gun. I'd love to see one in .45 Colt capable of +P loads; .44 mag energy, but lower pressure and less noise.
Not sure if there is enough cylinder to cut the larger chambers. But you are right, a 45 long Colt would be interesting. Even with the original ballistics.
pittspilot
Member
Shot my 69 for the first time today. Just 25 rounds. Like the others, I find felt recoil to be less than my 629-3 4" and maybe less than my 29-3 6". At least on par with the 6 inch gun. Initial observed accuracy was very good. Was using HPR 240 Gr. Will work up a hand load for it, but likely not a fire breather.
I am well pleased with the finish of the gun. The trigger could use some lightening, but I will see where it ends up after a couple thousand rounds. The gun also fits nicely into a galco holster for a 4 inch l frame with the barrel crown well protected.
The gun will serve nicely as a hiking arm.
I am well pleased with the finish of the gun. The trigger could use some lightening, but I will see where it ends up after a couple thousand rounds. The gun also fits nicely into a galco holster for a 4 inch l frame with the barrel crown well protected.
The gun will serve nicely as a hiking arm.
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