SMITH & WESSON 69 COMBAT MAGNUM
Posted May 19, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum is one of the most iconic guns in the firearms world, and for good reason. This gun is incredibly powerful and has a wide variety of uses, making it the perfect addition to any shooter’s arsenal. This review will cover the gun’s features, its performance, and its overall positive and negative attributes.
Features
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum is a powerful semi-automatic handgun chambered in .44 Magnum that has become popular in large revolver rounds. It is a large, imposing firearm with a matte black finish, full polymer grip, and four-inch barrel. The gun is equipped with an ambidextrous safety switch, fixed sights, and a 12-round magazine.
Performance
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum is one of the most powerful handguns on the market today. It is designed with the goal of providing shooters with an intimidating handgun that has the power to take down nearly any assailant. The gun produces remarkably strong recoil, allowing for accurate follow-up shots and dynamic shooting styles. The sights are fixed, and this gun isn’t designed for accurate long range shooting. It is best used at short to mid-range distances.
The gun is incredibly reliable and extremely accurate for a handgun of its size. That combined with its impressive power make it an ideal choice for home defense, as well as for hunting medium sized game. The four-inch barrel also makes it a great option for shooters who are looking for a concealed carry unloaded option.
Pros
There are several advantages to the Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum. First, the gun is incredibly powerful and reliable. It has been designed with the goal of providing shooters with a handgun that can take down most assailants with one or two shots. Its impressive power, combined with its accuracy, makes it an ideal choice for home defense and for hunting smaller game. Additionally, the four-inch barrel makes it a great choice for concealed carry unloaded options.
Second, the gun is extremely ergonomic. The full polymer grip of the gun makes it comfortable to hold and easy to draw and fire. Additionally, the ambidextrous safety switch allows both left-handed and right-handed shooters to easily operate the gun, increasing its versatility.
Third, the 69 Combat Magnum is an attractive gun. Its matte black finish and full polymer grip give it a sleek, modern look that appeals to many shooters. Additionally, the gun’s size and weight, 18.5 inches long and 4.5 lbs, make it well-balanced and easy to handle.
Cons
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum does have a few drawbacks. First, as with any powerful gun, it has a significant recoil that can affect accuracy and significantly increase shooter fatigue. Additionally, the sights are fixed, so it isn’t designed for accurate long-range shooting. Finally, while the gun itself is relatively lightweight at 4.5 lbs, the 12-round magazine it comes with is heavy and can be cumbersome to some shooters.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum is an impressive handgun that offers a wide range of advantages to shooters of all abilities. From its impressive power to its attractive design, the gun is a powerful and accurate semi-automatic handgun that is perfect for a wide variety of uses. However, its large size and heavy magazine can be uncomfortable for some shooters, and the felt recoil can significantly affect accuracy. Despite its drawbacks, this is a fantastic gun that has earned a place in the hearts of many avid shooters.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact Design: Compact design makes the 69 Combat Magnum ideal for concealed carry and self-defense applications.
- High Capacity: The magazine capacity of the 69 Combat Magnum is 15 rounds, making it an effective weapon for home or self-defense.
- Reliable Firepower: The 69 Combat Magnum is a reliable firearm with a cast stainless steel slide assembly and lightweight aluminum alloy frame, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
- Low Recoil: The 69 Combat Magnum features significant recoil reduction, allowing for greater accuracy when shooting.
Cons:
- Expensive: The SMITH & WESSON 69 Combat Magnum is expensive compared to other self-defense handguns.
- Large Size: The 69 Combat Magnum has a full-size frame, making it difficult to conceal.
- Not the Lightest Option: The 69 Combat Magnum is relatively heavy at 40oz. This can be uncomfortable and tiring to carry.
- Limited Ammunition Selection: The 69 Combat Magnum is chambered in .45ACP, limiting your ammunition selection.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally allowed to own a firearm should be able to buy the Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum. It is a powerful, high-capacity pistol that is designed for use in combat or defensive situations. However, due to its size and power, it may not be suitable for those with limited experience in firearm handling and safety. Anyone purchasing this gun should ensure they have received proper instruction and training before handling it.
Comparisons
| Gun | Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Magazine Capacity | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum | 69 Combat Magnum | .44 Magnum | 4.25 Inches | 6 Rounds | $849 |
| Ruger Super Redhawk | Super Redhawk | .44 Magnum | 5.50 Inches | 7 Rounds | $1,279 |
| Taurus Raging Bull | Raging Bull | .454 Casull | 6.50 Inches | 5 Rounds | $1,099 |
| Chiappa Rhino | Rhino | .357 Magnum | 2 Inches | 6 Rounds | $899 |
Features / Specs
• Modern production revolver
• Calibrer: .44 Magnum / .44 Special
• Action: Double/Single Action
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Barrel length: 4”
• Overall Length: 10.5”
• Weight: 46.4 ounces
• Frame/Grip material: Stainless Steel/Synthetic
• Finish: Matte Stainless
Popular Accessories
REVOLVERS?
Some of the most popular accessories for Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum revolvers include:
- Holsters
- Speed loaders
- Handguards
- Laser sights
- Extended barrel length
- Grips
- Magazine extensions
- Flashlights
- Night sights
- Mounts
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum is renowned for its accuracy and effectiveness. It is equipped with a 6-inch vent-rib barrel, adjustable sights and a target trigger that combined make it an accurate and precise shooter. Its smooth and light trigger pull makes it easier to control and shoot with accuracy as well. The 69 Combat Magnum is a great choice for competitive shooting events and self-defense, and its accuracy makes it a reliable weapon in stress shooting environments. Some users have reported achieving groups at 100 yards with the 69 Combat Magnum, even with the factory sights. Overall, it is a very accurate handgun, suitable for both home defense and competitive shooting.
