S&W model 69 - 4.25" 5 shot 44 mag

plinker 777 said:
...hmm, I wonder how an L frame holds up if it's fed a steady diet of full house .44 mag? Smith's other .44's are N frames are they not? I thought an L frame was suited for .38/.357 mag {and they had issue with the .357 stretching that frame}
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Ya I wonder too. I saw a 696 (5 shot 44 spec) L frame stubby years ago and there was not a lot of metal on the outside of the cylinders (if that is even a rough proxy for frame strength). Given the N frame isnt up to steady diet of factory 44mag cant see the L frame handling that either. I have never heard of issues with 357 in the L frame though. What did you hear?
 
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plinker 777 said:
...hmm, I wonder how an L frame holds up if it's fed a steady diet of full house .44 mag? Smith's other .44's are N frames are they not? I thought an L frame was suited for .38/.357 mag {and they had issue with the .357 stretching that frame}
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I believe you are confusing the L frame with the K frame. The K frame (Model 19, 66, etc.) had durability issues that were addressed with the L frame series. Not so much with frame stretching, but from flame cutting and erosion in the top strap & forcing cone if memory serves.
 
357_fan said:
I believe you are confusing the L frame with the K frame. The K frame (Model 19, 66, etc.) had durability issues that were addressed with the L frame series. Not so much with frame stretching, but from flame cutting and erosion in the top strap & forcing cone if memory serves.
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Ah ha, you have jogged my memory.Thk, although I do recall expansion issues (frame stretch) as well as flame cutting on the K frame. Do N frames have an issue with Full house .44?
 
this is great stuff. Looks like my 629 will be on the chopping block and this will be the new carry gun.

I believe the 4.25" is for California, not us. We're just the beneficiaries (gag) of that change.

Maybe we'll see the 329PD's in scandium in 4.25" next, though I think the 69 will be better for its smaller bulk.
 
So this leaves me wondering what is the shortest barrel length available for purchase in California? I noticed a lot of new stuff coming out in 4.2" barrel length vs just 4".
 
These really are pretty nifty. Smith and Wesson is making lots of goodies for us these days.
I've never had an issue with full house 44 mag in an N-frame and I've owned a few N-frames, I have heard people talk about it but never as first hand information. Same with 357 mag in K-frames.
 
The model 19 and 66 had problems with the forcing cone cracking at the 6 oclock position where it is thinner.This happened when the owner put a lot of light-125gr 357 mags through it.
 
Well I thought I would never buy a New Smith, but I don't have a 44mag in the collection? Humm, will have a good look at it Shot in little over a week!
I also see they finally chambered the 9mm Luger in there performance line, one will have to be ordered when I get back !
Will right a blurb when I get back .
Cheers Dale Z!:)
 
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