Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns New snub-nosed S&W model 69

For a while now my S&W model 69 with a 4.25" barrel has been one of my all-time favorite guns. On another thread recently Paul105 said how much he likes his version with the 2.75" barrel. So I decided to get one. I found out they're pretty hard to get right now, but I waited until there was one on gunbroker that was priced semi-reasonably and I got it. Took it to the range this morning for the first time and chronographed some hand loads and compared the results for the same loads fired from the 4.25" barrel. I thought you might be interested in the results. For a 3 round average:

240 grn CheyCast HiTek bullets with 14.2 grns Blue Dot
2.75" 1154 fps
4.25" - 1273 fps

260 grn Cast Performance LBT Style with 17.5 grns 2400
2.75" - 1081 fps
4.25" - 1123 fps

So the loss in velocity for the shorter barrel isn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. I didn't notice much difference in recoil although the muzzle flash from the shorter barrel was noticeably brighter. I didn't shoot as well as with my 4.25" model but hopefully it's because I'm not as used to it.

The one issue I noticed is that the ejector rod isn't quite long enough to cleanly discharge the spent brass. I had to manually pull them out but I guess that's an issue with any snub-nosed revolver. Overall, I think I'm going to like it.

Can't remember if I posted this before or not -- anyway here goes.

Chronoed these from the 2.75” M69. Three rounds at 5 Long paces from muzzle and 68 deg F (Some muzzle vel from Labradar as noted). Larger sample could change the results a bit. Largest ES was 42 fps. All in new Starline cases and CCI 350 primers.

225gr Barnes XFB with 18.1 gr A#9 avg (1,214 fps (muzzle vel from Labradar)
240gr Cutting Edge Flat Point Mono – 22.6 H110 1,218 fps (1,247 fr 2.5” 329 Alaska Backpacker) Muzzle vel from Labradar
240gr Zero JSP with 24.0gr H110 avg 1,126 fps
240gr JHP Fed Factory avg 1,125 fps (bought at an estate sale “44a 1981 production” – 1,375 fps from 7 ½” RSBH)
260gr WFNGC w/23.0gr H110 avg 1,125 fps
265gr CSWCGC (Lyman Thompson) with 17.5gr A2400 (Deep Seat – crimped over front drive band) 1,119 fps avg
265gr SWCGC (429244) 23.5gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases ---------- 1,162 fps

310gr FNGCDC (Lee) with 20.0gr H110 avg 1,100 fps
325gr WLNGC (BTB) with 22.0gr H110 avg 1,104 fps


The 4 ¼” gun gives 40 to 100 fps additional velocity.

I Was curious, so I bought some 305gr Buffalo Bore and Underwood ammo – here are chrono results.

Buffalo Bore, 305 LBT LFN HC rated 1,325 fps
Underwood, 305 LFNGC Plated (HiTech?) rated 1,325 fps
LabRadar muzzle velocity at 33 deg F

S&W M69 2.75" ===> BB 1,195 fps ===> Under 1,147fps
S&W M69 4.25" ===> BB 1,276 fps ===> Under 1,248 fps
Ruger SRH 7.5" ===> BB 1,395 fps ===> Under 1,315 fps


One of my favorite hanguns - the L Frame just works for me.

Paul

Good chrono data and thanks for going to the trouble. Those BB & UW 305s will still penetrate a looong way at 1150-1200 fps.

Those stubby 69s are tempting me pretty bad. Guess I could gut the lock and cork the hole.

My Model 69 4 1/4" is my favorite hand gun. I've ordered 3500 of these coated 240 bullets over the past few Months. Looks like they are out of stock at the moment but they should have more soon

http://www.acmebullet.com/44-CAL-Lead-Cast-Bullets?product_id=437

They limit order size to 500, so I've placed 7 orders.... I had never heard of Acme Bullet company till recently. They shoot great for me.

I also placed an order for this holster cut out for a red dot. They said the wait will be a few Months

https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/collections/holsters/products/alaska-hunter-hip-holster

The guy at the local gun shop will text me when a 2 3/4" M 69 shows up at any of the distributers he uses. IIRC Paul said he bought a second 4 1/4" gun incase he wears out the first one. I might do the same.