S&w 69

[crabo]

Anyone shooting a 69? (5 shot L frame 44 mag) I love 44s and the only one I have now is a PC model with a red dot and 7.5 barrel. It's great for shooting, but not for packing.

The 69 seems like it would be a great addition to the fold.

[boatswainsmate]

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-69.htm

[Paul105]

I have two M69s. I have a little over 2,900 rnds thru one and right at 900 thru the other without a hitch in either. I've shot everything from 240s at 750fps to 320gr WLNGCs at a chronoed 1,182 fps. Probably 20% were mid range to full house .44 Mags, the rest 240gr Laser cast at 880 fps. If you like the L-Frame Smiths and the .44 Mag (which I do), this is a great combo.

I put the Hogue 500 S&W grips on mine due to a problem with the bone at base of my thumb and can shoot full house .44 Mags without any pain. For enjoyment, I shoot 240gr with 6.5gr HP38 for an honest 880 fps -- usually finish up with several cylinders of 265gr SWCGCs over 17.0gr of 2400 for a chroned 1,140 fps. My carry load is a 260gr WFNGC over enough H110 to give me 1,220 fps.

A while back, I took the 329, 629 Mtn Gun and the M69 to the range. Ammo was Federal Factory .44 Mag 240gr JHP (No. 44A). My perception was that recoil of the 329 is definitely snappier/faster, and the Mtn Gun has a bit more muzzle rise vs. the M69. Only thing I can think of is that the barrel is skinnier and the bore to grip relationship is higher on the 629 vs. the M69 (which rides lower in the hand and has a bit more weight forward). Could also just be my imagination. As should be expected, the Mtn Gun feels a bit bulky compared to the M69 – subtle, but noticeable to me.


If it helps, I chronographed the following in one of my guns:

Load Data for REFERENCE ONLY -- NOT A RECOMMENDATION.

Federal Factory 240gr JHP (No. 44A) Vel: 1,217 fps
(We chroned this load at 1,375 fps from a 7 1/2" Bisley Hunter

240gr Horn JHP XTP at 1,323 fps (Hodgdon says 1,522 fps from 8.275” Bbl)

260gr LBT WFNGC at 1,224 fps

240gr lasercast CSWCs at 880 fps.

265gr SWCGC at 1,142 fps

270gr Speer JSP at 1,153 fps (My 6” 629 gives 1,207 fps -- Hodgdon says 1,421 fps from 8.275” Bbl)

300gr WFNPB 1.651" OAL - LBT type - source unknown.
20.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com (http://Scharch.com)).
1,102 fps avg, 37 fps ES

310gr RNFPGC DC 1.605" OAL (top crimp grove) - LEE mold.
20.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com (http://Scharch.com)).
1,141 fps avg, 23 fps ES

325gr WLNGC 1.711" OAL - Beartooth Bullets.
22.0gr H110.
Fed 155 (Mag)
New Top Brass (Scharch.com (http://Scharch.com)).
1,182 fps avg, 13 fps ES (3 shots only)

Load Data for REFERENCE ONLY -- NOT A RECOMMENDATION.

I really like the M69.

FWIW,

Paul

[Shuz]

Paul--I just knew you'd have one of these....but 2/ea WOW! I've never even seen one of these at a local Spokane store or gun show. Thanks for the info. By the way, it doesn't look like there is any top strap shield on these guns, right? How's your top strap shields holding up on your 329PD's? I've recently re J-B Welded mine again. Holds up great for at least 1000 rounds.

[Shuz]

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-69.htm
Thanks for the article--Very interesting, now I gots to find me one!

[Paul105]

Paul--I just knew you'd have one of these....but 2/ea WOW! I've never even seen one of these at a local Spokane store or gun show. Thanks for the info. By the way, it doesn't look like there is any top strap shield on these guns, right? How's your top strap shields holding up on your 329PD's? I've recently re J-B Welded mine again. Holds up great for at least 1000 rounds.

No "blast shield" on the M69s. Don't shoot the 329s much anymore -- just carry one while bow hunting elk here in Montana.

FWIW, I really like the M69 -- turning into one of my favorites.

Paul

[crabo]

This is what I was afraid of... I am going to have to get one. 12 grains of HS6 pushing an H&G 503 is my favorite plinking load in my PC gun. Should work out well.

[theperfessor]

I checked the specs and noted that it has a two piece barrel. How does this affect having the barrel ported? Does anyone have one of the S&W models with the two piece barrel that has been ported? Especially as it concerns using cast bullets.

[BruMatt]

My current favorite shooter.

[Petrol & Powder]

The concept of a L-framed, 5 shot 44 mag is interesting to me. It's sort of a stronger S&W made version of Charter Arms Bulldog with a 4" barrel that can shoot 44 mag instead of just 44 Special. I'm not sure if the reduction in size/weight would be dramatic enough to replace a 6 shot N-framed Mountain Gun but the L-frame may be a bit more "packable".