#SundayGunday: Smith & Wesson Model 69

by
posted on February 12, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

This week on #SundayGunday we’ll take a look at the Smith & Wesson Model 69, chambered for the mighty .44 Magnum.

The .44 Magnum is one of the largest cartridges commonly chambered in revolvers. The upside is it delivers plenty of power to take deer and even larger game with a handgun. It’s a good cartridge for defense against black bears, mountain lions and other things that might try to ruin your day—or night—in the woods. The downside: The cartridge is typically offered in large-frame revolvers, which are generally pretty heavy and somewhat bulky to carry around all day on the trail. The Model 69 addresses this size issue by packing the wallop of the .44 Magnum into a smaller frame. Learn more about this handy revolver with the video embedded above.

Technical Specifications

Type: double-action revolver
Caliber: .44 Mag.
Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel: 4.25"; 5 grooves, 1:18.75" RH twist
Trigger Pull Weight: 4.19 lbs. single-action, 11.25 lbs. double-action
Sights: adjustable rear notch with white outline, fixed front ramp with orange insert
Grips: rubber
Metal Finish: bead-blasted stainless steel
Overall Length: 9.75"
Weight: 37.2 ozs.
MSRP: $849

Looking for more #SundayGunday? We've got you covered.

• #SundayGunday: Savage Arms A22 Magnum
#SundayGunday: Winchester SX4
• #SundayGunday: Benelli Ethos 28-Gauge
• #SundayGunday: Kimber Model 84M Hunter

Latest

Praxis Frame Pack LEDE
Praxis Frame Pack LEDE

New for 2026: Latitude Outdoors Whitetail Frame Packs

Mobile whitetail hunters have long faced a familiar compromise: carry a lightweight pack for the hunt, or haul a frame pack for the pack out. Latitude Outdoors has released a pack to solve that problem, with a frame system built from the ground up for the mobile whitetail hunter.

The Problem with Pressures: A +Peak Revolution?

The history of the projectile, and of the centerfire cartridge, is fascinating, and it seems as though we are ready to take the next step forward. Or are we? Let's take a look at how pressures have affected cartridges throughout history, and the evolution that seems to be currently starting.

More than $1.3 Billion Raised by Duck Stamp Sales

On June 26 the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, aka Duck Stamp, went on sale. The fact it raises about $40 million for conservation annually gets the headlines, but there are underpublicized benefits for making the $25 purchase—even non-hunters.

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.