I have gotta say I love it. The little bit of extra weight sure tames the snap. And while it isn't that much smaller then the 329, my previous go to, it feels so much better in my hand.
I just blasted a box of reloads that i had laying around for my 329, 300gr at 1000fps. It was shooting a little high, but I was just shooting at a can so I will try and get it sighted in later this week.
I can't wait as I think it's a true keeper.
They are nice feeling handguns. Enjoy!
Fired one last week and absolutely love it. For me, much better choice than the 329 I used to own because for some reason in my hands the 69 seems to recoil less than my 629 6 inch. While the 329 was absolutely brutal with a vicious snap when firing full power loads.
Opinions vary but mine is this is the perfect 44 mag to carry.
I just gotta say this one will officially replace my smith 329. I am so have a 686+ that may stay in the rotation. I just can't get over how nice the L frame sits in my hand compared to the N frame.
I sold a my 329's after I bought a #69....I think they are going to last longer, although my top strap is cutting...hopefully it'll stop at some point before self-destruct.
If they make one of these in .41 Mag I might just go back to church!
I am going to have to look closely at a model 69 soon. To date, I have been pretty happy with my various 329PD's, on my fourth one right now.
If any of you are moving a 329PD Hunter 6 inch, please PM me.
I would imagine the model 69's sit a little tighter into one's belt and possibly conceal a bit better. Sometimes when I am in a big bore mood or the weight of my usual gun is making my back or hip hurt, I concealed carry my 329PD instead of my 1911 10mm. Both in custom Pancake style rigs.
Clapp had a writeup on the 69 and the new 66 in the NRA mag this month. Interesting enough, his comment was the trigger pulls on both single and double action were quite heavy.
I just came in from shooting my 69 and it's true, the trigger is heavy. Between 5 and 6 pounds in single action.
I've been eyeing these closely. Thinking of getting a 69 for myself and a 67 for the wife.
I have to agree that it could use a trigger job. It is fairly smooth but a little heavier then I'd prefer.
I was just given a no dash 66 as well. Now I'm a little overwhelmed. In a good way though.