It’s a keeper!
The Model 69 Smith 44 magnum 5 shot is actually more pleasant to shoot with the special and moderate magnum (1000 fps 240 gr semi wadcutter) loads than my Security Six is with full magnum loads (158 gr Blazer) with side by side comparison, both my son and me. Wasn’t doing my best shooting due to my eye issues but considering, did ok. Ironically my best was with the light magnum loads - they were dead on too. Didn’t help that I grabbed an orange silhouette target and it has an orange front sight. IT’S A KEEPER!
It’s a keeper!
by Cherokee 
, Medina, Ohio, Saturday, February 15, 2020, 17:45 (1522 days ago) @ stonewalrus
Great it worked out for you.
Thank you for impressions.
44/45 debates are hair splitting exercises depending on gun, powder, power levels desired, etc, and no L-frame .45s being made as far as I know. I wanted to know what it was like to shoot one, and you answered that one perfectly, so thank you again, and congratulations. It may be my first newer style S&W.
Thank you for impressions.
by bj , Sunday, February 16, 2020, 19:06 (1521 days ago) @ guest
Look at how thin the cylinder walls are in the 69 and 696 and you'll understand why it would be difficult to chamber in .45.
OTOH if the cylinder walls seem a bit thin, it should make a good candidate for .41mag.
Did not say they could, would or should make a .45.
.44 is plenty in that size gun and point being in that size DA gun, .45s are few and far between.
Did not say they could, would or should make a .45.
by bj , Sunday, February 16, 2020, 19:56 (1521 days ago) @ guest
I think a standard N-frame is a good size for .45 Colt. Taurus has made some revolvers in .45 and I've wondered how they compare size-wise but have not had a chance to do comparisons. There aren't very many DA revolvers in .45ACP or Colt, S&W and Taurus are the ones most likely to be smaller. Ruger has made different versions of the Redhawk in .45Colt and I've had interest in the 4" model, but it is not small or light. OTOH if you want to shoot 300+ grain bullets in it, you don't really want light. I believe Dan Wesson made revolvers in .45Colt but I have not seen any of those and they are likely to not be light either.
Did not say they could, would or should make a .45.
by Slow Hand 
, Indiana, Sunday, February 16, 2020, 20:41 (1521 days ago) @ bj
All of the smaller Taurus .45’s I have seen have been short barreled five shots. The barrels also have porting on them. I wish they would make them with an un-ported 3-4” barrel in either .45 acp or Colt. I’d be happy either way! I’m guessing they are comparable to an L frame Smith size-wise.
Take a look at the Charter Arms 45
Snub nosed 45 Colt or 45 ACP.
Take a look at the Charter Arms 45
by Slow Hand , Indiana, Monday, February 17, 2020, 08:17 (1520 days ago) @ Frank S
Oh yeah! I forgot about them. I was interested when they were first announced but never saw one in the flesh.
Frank, my copy was loose and weak, I traded it off quickly
by Rob Leahy , Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 18:04 (1517 days ago) @ Frank S
I was not favorably impressed. My 30+ year old 3" 44 Bulldog is a smoother gun and it came to after being carried and shot a lot. The .45 Colt was NIB... Best in class in my experience is the Bridgeport made Stainless Bulldogs... Ruger's 3" GP100 in their 5x.44 format is a nice gun as well. If a fella wanted a small packin .45 a Ruger New Vaquero Montado is hard to beat. Smaller than the Charter Arms 45 and 6 rounds. My old Italian SA's in .45 colt were much better put together.![[image]](images/uploaded/202002202353015e4f1bdd269fb.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202002210003205e4f1e484fe6f.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/202002210004175e4f1e81596d0.jpg)
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Of the Troops & For the Troops
I have an old Bulldog .44 Special and it is WAY
by Hobie , Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 18:45 (1517 days ago) @ Rob Leahy
better than the current Charter Pitbull .45 ACP, the trigger of which is poorly laid out and finished such that it is hard to avoid catching the tip with your trigger finger AND that sucker is SHARP. Actually peeled a bit of epidermis!
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Sincerely,
Hobie
The ported barrel killed it for me with Taurus
Nm
Taurus revolvers jamming kills Taurus for me.
Have owned 4, several friends have owned them, and all save one (of mine) have jammed when shooting DA at a good clip, and the one of mine which did not jam was never attempted at good clip DA, as it was a .410.
Not very encouraging. Which is a shame as I would prefer their simpler lockwork over a Smith and Wesson, otherwise.
I have a Bulldog, but seeking something made a bit nicer and of likely better durability/reliability/comfort. Your new gun is welcome news.
Taurus Yeah... NO.
by Rob Leahy , Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 18:07 (1517 days ago) @ guest
I had a steel version and one of their vaunted Titanium 45 colts... Not reliable plinkers let alone field or self defense guns...
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Of the Troops & For the Troops