Anyone have a Smith Model 69?

[sigstroker]

Even thought I hate the idea of the Hillary Hole, it looks pretty cool.

https://grabagun.com/smith-and-wesson-mod-69-44mag-4-ss.html?gundeals

Although with a 4 1/4 inch barrel, it looks like it would have very impressive recoil.

[DrewN]

I bought one when they first dropped. Smith screwed up the barrel install and boogered the frame so it had to go back. They made it right immediately and sent me a new one the same day. Threw some X Frame grips on it is all. I shoot 90% .44 Specials but I put a couple boxes of green box magnum through it. Not too bad, but I think I'll stay away from warm loads in this gun. I basically consider it a Special and I bought it to shoot Special. Lives in my nightstand with Buffalo Bore Heavy Special in it.

[splithoof]

I have the 3” version. So far it has done very well, and perfectly fits in my leather holsters that my other “L” frames use. The stock grip feels comfortable, and does a good job when lighting off loads made for a SRH. Mostly we use heavy .44 Specials, or equivalent loads in magnum brass. I can live with the hole in the side, it hasn’t caused any issue, yet.

[GunDog]

Got the one with the 2.75" bbl. Easy enough to carry in a Rob Leahy Simply Rugged Pancake holster. Like the others, mainly shoot .44 Specials through it. Just for fun, I've put a few .44 Russians through it as well.

[flyer898]

I looked at the 69 when it first came out. If it had been available with a 5" barrel, I would have one today, despite my antipathy for the safety lock.
However, I think S&W is missing a bet by not offering this revolver in .41 Magnum as either a five or six shot gun.

[DrewN]

I looked at the 69 when it first came out. If it had been available with a 5" barrel, I would have one today, despite my antipathy for the safety lock.
However, I think S&W is missing a bet by not offering this revolver in .41 Magnum as either a five or six shot gun.

Since I just finished up loading a bunch of Matt's wadcutters in factory .41 Special brass I wholeheartedly agree!

[DanGunner]

I have Model 69 with snub barrel and it's a hoot to shoot, with either mags or specials. (sorry for upside down pic)

[splithoof]

Since I just finished up loading a bunch of Matt's wadcutters in factory .41 Special brass I wholeheartedly agree!

[DrewN]

Variety is the spice of life after all. I'd love a 3" LCR (not LCRx) in either. Or both.

[sigstroker]

Is there such a thing as .41 Special?

I had a Model 57 for a time when 29's were unfindable. I never shot it because ammo was absurdly expensive. Even just finding .41 bullets to load was nearly impossible. Eventually I found a 29 and quickly offloaded the 57.

I used to mostly shoot ammo downloaded to .44 Special specs in my 29, but part of the appeal of the Model 69 is to have it in case of critters, with critter loads. The grips look like they're better for recoil, but such a light gun must still have stout recoil.

[DrewN]

Is there such a thing as .41 Special?

Depends. Factory loads? A couple of small batch cowboy ones maybe. But Starline makes .41 brass in Special length with a .41 Special headstamp.