S&W L-Frame 5-Shot .44mag

[roo_ster]

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-69.htm

Probably discussed here before, but I have not seen any "actually shot the thing" reviews.

FTR, review is from Gunblast, who never post bad reviews.  So take the review with a grain of salt.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_827559_-1_757769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

The revolver in the review has a 4" bbl.  I would be inclined toward a 2" or 2.5" bbl snubby to complement my 4" bbl 629.



I do like the partial underlug vs the full underlug on most other L-frames.

GB even tested it with full-power loads in the ~300gr range.  Ouch.  I don't like those in my 629.  I would be inclined toward 240gr LSWC or LSWC-HP in the 1000fps range.  Or the Buffalo Bore .44mag 180gr LSWCHP counterpart tot he "deer grenade" load.  LSWC vs LSCWHP to be determined if I was in town or toting in the brush.

Nice to see S&W produce new & innovative stuff. 

[gunsmith]

looks like a great gun to me

[Brad Johnson]

With full house loads they can be a real pain in the... wrist.  With light loads they are a joy, especially if the action has been smoothed a bit and you've taken the time to get a grip that really fits your hand.

Brad

[Kingcreek]

That looks real interesting.
I like shooting my 5" 629 w full underlug but its just so darn BIG and HEAVY in a holster. Even with a good gun belt I have trouble keeping my pants up.

[BobR]

That would be a sweet carry gun with a 3" barrel and shooting 44 special loads out of it.

bob

[lee n. field]

That would be a sweet carry gun with a 3" barrel and shooting 44 special loads out of it.

bob

so I'm not the only one to think that

[Hutch]

so I'm not the only one to think that

That would be the late 696, of which S&W sold dozens and dozens before they were disco'd.

I have a couple of 629's in 3-inch, one a Magna-ported Trail Boss.  They're a handful with full-tilt-and-boogie ammo.  As horsepower decreases, they become a real pleasure to shoot.  One of them is what I tote when I want to make a political statement when carrying openly.

[rcnixon]

That looks real interesting.
I like shooting my 5" 629 w full underlug but its just so darn BIG and HEAVY in a holster. Even with a good gun belt I have trouble keeping my pants up.

One word: suspenders.

Russ

[French G.]

Waiting patiently for the 3- series scandium. No really, i'd be all over it.