I have an extra k,l, n frame pachmayr grip that will be in your po box next week. Best grip for. "Combat" or carry IMHO. Give it a review. Has more undercut than other rubberized grips. The corrosion you pointed out should only be fouling, clean it liberally. It gets in some funny places on a snubby big bore. Also on revolvers when he projectile leaves the cylinder it jumps the gap into the forcing cone. At this time some micro shaving of the copper jacket can spawl and stick to stainless in a superheated state. Copper plating the stainless for a lack of a better term. But, you are correct in stating the adverse corrosion effects of our moist/salty air. Making corrosion on anything eminent. Protection from the elements is always a battle. Thanks again James. I said moist.

Smith - "We need a new concealable carry gun". Random executive - "But what if there's a bear"

Imagine using this thing in a home defense situation at the middle of the night in near total darkness. Fire off one round, every window in a 500 yrd radius is shattered, everyone inside the house goes deaf, furniture is knocked over by the concussion, massive fireball trips off the fire alarms and sets the burglar on fire, round transfixes him and goes through 9 houses before stopping. All in all a great experience, would do it again.

I watched this review a dozen times... Bought the gun.. Still keep coming back and watching. That’s how excellent this review is.

That fireball alone would kill a bad guy.

This is my carry gun and I use 44 spl ammo. Just about nothing in recoil using special ammo. Love the grip and the trigger pull. Good video.

On the bright side. If you miss your target at close range. You will just incinerate it.

We took my friends to an indoor range. When we started shooting it, all lanes stopped to see if we were launching mortars downrange.

"This sucks. Sucks balls" This is the kind of review I came here for

9 out of 10 commenters have slim ejector rods.

I shot that beast when I was 14, first shot my hand got cramps instantly, it has an INSANE recoil. Every time you fire round, fire is everywhere: in the gaps between bullet and barrel, and outside the barrel. Loved that beast

"Youre not gonna just walk out of here" "Says who sucka?!" "Smith, and wesson, and me!"

I have this weapon and can honestly say it’s by for the most manly gun I own. An absolute beast.

This gun is a lot more fun if you think of it as a .44 Special that has the capability to fire .44 Magnums in a pinch. With a .44 Special "Cowboy Action" load with a 240 grain bullet doing 900 fps, the Model 69 is pleasant to shoot with a very satisfying recoil impulse and highly accurate. I think this gun is better as a recreational and outdoorsman's handgun than as a primary carry choice. Now if only .44 Special ammo didn't cost so damned much!

¨Street Price¨ ... that shifty guy who hangs out round back of the shorts store ;)

Seems like a great open carry for those of us that are out and about...paired up with a Lever .44. One ammo to rule them all :)

Back when I had the dough to own .44 revolvers and shoot factory .44 Special in them, I used to *really* dig Buffalo Bore’s heavy “Keith Load” 255 gr hard cast SWC .44 Spl, at 1000 FPS from a Ruger Blackhawk. I bet that load would absolutely rock in this little guy.

The Stranger: Sit on your hand or just shoot a full cylinder out of a S&W Model 69 Combat before doing the deed.

Yeah, I'm 5 years late to the game for this review buuuut, I really enjoyed this review. Your methods of analysis are close to my own so I am little biased. I've been shooting for 45 years and found this very refreshing compared to a lot of other reviewers. Thank you for the honest analysis. This model 69 would be a nice winter weather concealed carry piece. Thank you again!

I love this gun. My neighbors at the indoor range packed their shit and left after the first magnum round 😂 I may have unintentionally yelled woo.

Good to see millenials appreciate the simplicity, reliability and power of the revolver.It is a viable survival weapon. Great backpack carry and no need to worry about magazines.

I had the opportunity to try the 4.25 inch barrel version that somebody owned at the range. He had a set of Altamont wood grips on the handgun and it was great to shoot. The recoil was not as bad as you claim. Fired both 44 spc, 44 mag.

My first comment was removed, so I will be a little more sensitive. Don't let this review scare you. The pistol is not that bad! I shot 140 rounds through it my first time out and it was a blast to shoot! Oh and no gloves. Loose fitting t shirt and blue jeans. I don't shave my forearms either. Maybe that's the difference?

Yeah buddy! I got into magnums about a year ago with a G20. Then I bought a 629 5" last month. Full power 10mm is a nice change of pace, .44 magnum is a revelation...

The perfectly round fireball in the slomo is awesome!

I have a model 329PD 44 magnum. Six-rounds and I use an X-frame sorbethane padded Hogue grip. The titanium cylinder was replaced with a Smith and Wesson brand stainless steel six-shot cylinder. Weighs about 30 ounces so easy to carry. Stainless cylinder adds the 4 ounces from 26 ounce beginning weight.

I would love one of these magna ported ! would make a great companion piece to my 5 inch 629. awesome review bro, love your honesty and rating system

HOLY SHIT! Talk about literal fireballs!!! I love that other guy's HADOUKEN comment HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Love the humor you throw in. Way to handle the recoil!

I EDC one of these and I shoot it regularly with .44 mag ammo. Here's my recommendation. If you're going to carry the hot and heavy stuff, you have three options. Either you suck it up and deal with it, you put on a slightly wider grip (which helps a lot), or you skip the 240 and go to a 180gr load. PMC makes a Bronze series load that's a 180gr SJHP. Very aggressive load profile. Out of this gun it clocks 1350FPS. THat's a snub-nosed gun making 15% more power than a duty-sized 10mm auto shooting the hot stuff. It's also noticeably less recoil than a 240gr full-house magnum load at slightly less muzzle energy and is stupidly flat shooting. With the 2-3/4" barrel I can make hits at 100 yards most of the time on a 12" gong in single action. But if you're smart, you'll carry .44 Special +P whenever you're anticipating two-legged threats. Cost is about the same, power levels are around .40S&W. Do I prefer it over my CZ75 compact? No. Do I want to risk carrying my CZ75 Compact after Illinois just passed a law that could get all my guns taken away if I accidentally have a removable baseplate on one of my carry magazines? No. I'll take the revolver.

Every person who I know, who owns the .44 magnum revolver have one thing in common. They never take them to the Range. Great lever action rifle round. Thank you for your honesty and great video.

If James flexed, his shirt would literally explode.

I hope that TFB have a playlist of just James's video so I can binge watch them when I hit da gym

I love my my model 69. I use federal 44 specials.

James is great. Period. Maximally educational AND entertaining.

i bought a model 69. i actually swapped out the grip with the grip that comes on the .500 magnum. fits and works very well.

that thing shoots a fireball like as if your playing dragon ball Z

My local shop has one and I’ve been looking, but I think your review just saved me some money! I’ll be content with my 10 year old Alaskan.

Thanks for including the weight in your review. Considering that my base weight for backpacking is under 10 lbs including bear spray, adding a 2 lbs gun as a backup is a big consideration. To get my pack that light is very expensive considering the advanced materials and design necessary for ultralight gear. But then again, I live in grizzly territory so we're not talking about skittish black bears, so that's motivation to increase my pack weight 20%. It seems like the 329PDs are hard to find, so this 69 combat might be a good alternative.

I conceal carry for bear when I hike and you helped me make up my mind to buy this gun thanks!

That’s no gun it’s a flamethrower. Those fireballs are something else, man. 😊

James you the man. Good honest review!

Push through the pain....... I have a Ruger Little Cute Revolver LCR in 357 I call it the punisher. I know I can run 38 range amo in it but I bought the 357 to carry in 357 so that's what I train with.

I’ve had this S&W for a little over a year now. Finish is holding up beautifully. I’m thinking of porting it.

Pretty cool seeing him hit the targets on the top left target. Nice quality cameras you guys have.

I thought it was funny when you said you could feel it in your sinuses. I have a Dan Wesson 44 mag with 4 inch barrel and I noticed the same thing. I can even feel it in my teeth if my mouth is open lol. Great video btw, you are good at talking on camera.

I have been having dreams. And now these shorts are back on James ;)

I hereby motion that James draws hazard pay for the lightweight 44 magnum carry revolver review.

Been interested in these for awhile. I would probably get a 4" one though. I also like the idea of the Redhawk snubby- some heft to it but lighter than the SRH Alaskan. Hard to go wrong either way. The Redhawk also comes in 41 Mag and a 357 Mag 8 shot, which is intriguing.

Had my name on the hot sheets to get one as soon as I learned of them from shot show (allready had the 4.25 inch barreled one), finnaly got one in early may, love the gun and carry it everyday since as my CCW, carry it loaded with either my handloaded 200 grain nosler or 240 grain XTP bullets, had a chance to chronograph at least the 200 grain loads and was pleased to see 1150 fps, my lowest in a string of 10 tested was 1144 the highest was 1177, with 12 grains of unique powder, not bad for first load tested from such a short barrel and I have a feeling that the 240 grain XTP loads are getting about the same maybe better velocity from it because they are loaded pretty darn warm with 23.5 grains of H110, I have loaded them at that for years for my ruger 44 carbine, but they are VERY nice shooting albeit stout and VERY accurate from both my model 69's, at 15-20 yards either of my model 69's will put all shots into the area of a baseball without any trouble, the 200 grain nosler's do maybe even better and offer more than enough for my use of deffence against two legged vermin with less recoil, if I head to the woods where four legged bad things live I just switch over to the 240 grainers, gotta love that versitility, looks like you just need to man up and stop being a whimp about the recoil and maybe you will shoot yours better LOL, just kidding, I have been torturing my hands a wrists for a bunch of years so it doesn't bother me in the least especialy after my experience with the 500 S&W with the big 700 grain thumpers after that nothing has any recoil LOL.

I currently carry a Taurus 85 but have been watching to go to something with a bit more oompf. I might actually get one of these and let my wife carry the 85. Thanks for the review James

James, enjoy your reviews. Having owned a 3" 629, I know the definition of recoil & muzzle blast! Exhilarating, but not what you would call "fun"; .44 Mag in a 2.75" L-frame? I appreciated your reluctance to fire-off this "Bad Boy"! Last note, rust on a stainless-steel firearm? Not the S&W I knew in the '70's, '80's & '90's; Too bad the American gun industries have sold-out to foreign companies.

Real men shoot revolvers double action (in tighter shirts and shorter shorts)

The just over 4 inch barrel version of the model 69 would be my pick as it could also be used for hunting. And the 500 S&W magnum Hogue sorbethane padded rubber grip fits the L frame grip frame.

I have the 629-1 8 3/8, the extra barrel length helps a lot. Still lots of boom and buck. But still al lot of fun. Sholder rig definitely.

we will never forget the cardinal sin you commited against the P7

I checked out Ventura Munitions, they have pretty good prices and great variety. Thanks for the tip.

Love the fire coming out. And awesome review TY for sharing

I really wish smith and Wesson would come out with a 10mm in this frame and barrel length I think they would be a big seller

Great review James. Glad to see you didn’t whimp out cause you had no .44 special! LOL Well done!!

At 5:35, how can you say this gun is not made to make you feel comfortable? What's more comforting than to know you only need one round on your target to neutralize it? Also, that's an awesome ring of fire. I'd be tempted to buy one for that reason alone.

If you magnaport that and bob the hammer it is almost the carbon copy that I had years ago. Mine was a mdl 29 cut to 2'' and bobbed hammer. The frame was milled from n frame to k frame and pacmeyer grouved grips put on it.Double action only and I could hit a pop can at 50 yards after you discovered when it was going to go off. Sweet gun!!

Marine tuff glide cdlp by Sentry works wonders on my carry guns. Leaves a nice grippy coating that repels moisture and acids from sweat. Won’t come off if applied correctly.

I love this new model from S&W and have been looking for one at a good price for a couple of months now. I own it's big brother the 4" model 69 and have been known to carry that one on occasion but it is a little large unless your open carrying or it's winter.

I've had mine for a couple of years now and swapped out the rubber stocks for wooden checkered service stocks because they fit my hand best. the most accurate ammo I have found is HSM .44 magnum cowboy loads, which are somewhere between a Skeeter and a Kieth special Load with a 200 grain flat nose bullet. I'm working up a load with a 240 grain semi-wad cutter in special cases. A lot of us with .44s hand load. It did prove heavy and bulky for EDC so I got a .44 special bulldog to carry around everywhere I don't think I need to be armed, If I think I'll need a gun I carry the S&W too.

Jeeze good gun! Great video! Amazing comments! TFB has some funny subscribers!

I have one and I find it shoots Magtec .44 special 240 grain cowboy so softly that it's almost boring, although they are good for sighting in. I shoot WW 240 grain semi jacketed soft point magnums which are are on the very low end of the power spectrum. They are sharper to be sure but not so much that they aren't fun. You can tell they smack harder than the specials. I changed the stock rubber/plastic stocks for wood service stocks because they fit my hand better, are more concealable and I don't like squishy oversize stocks. Also the checkered wood is much better looking. This is my only modern center fire handgun. I call it my "town and country" because it is powerful enough for the country and compact enough for town.

Outstanding review

imagine ripping off 5 round of that inside your home with no ear pro on. I'd rather stand on the deck of the USS Missouri while she fires

I bought this gun about a year ago. Very easy shooing with Fiocci 200gr. SJHP 44 mags. Does a number on water jogs.

I always click on a tfb TV video when I see James is doing it.

Awesome slo-mo shots

There is one category you missed, cool factor. 44 magnum gets 7.5 point for coolness (thank you Elmer Keith). I know there are more powerful revolvers but there is just something about the .44 magnum. I have come to the conclusion that James does not clean his guns properly. James, if you don't clean your guns they will rust ;) I have the 4" M69 and it's my favorite gun that I own. If they ever put the 2" on the California DOJ Roster might own two M69s.

Yeah, .44 Special ammo can be tough to find sometimes. If you ever get your hands on some, I'd like to see you shoot a few through this gun, and get your impressions on it.

I have a Ruger Redhawk with a 4 inch barrel and hogue rubber grips. Shooting slow fire single action it is a pleasure to shoot. Fire 6 rounds double action fast where you don't have time to readjust your grip between shots and it becomes uncomfortable to shoot. The Smith can only be more uncomfortable because of weight and barrel length.

I have the four and a quarter barrel of that gun and honestly I love it. Just put new wood grips on it so we'll see how it shoots with the new grip

"You can feel it in your sinuses."

That thing creates a ring of fire like a howitzer. Gotta get one.

I have the 4" version. With full power 240grain ammunition, one cylinder is all I'd ever care to shoot. Cowboy loads in .44 mag, .44 special and light handloads of 180grain jhp are much more comfortable. ( obviously ) The original barrel circumference fractured and had to be replaced.

You just convinced me that I need one...going to Cabella's tomorrow! Awesome video!

I didn't know Rob Lowe did gun reviews..

If you are worried about carrying it despite that it's a real hand stinger, might as well get the 329PD that's even lighter. 🤷‍♂️

Your're HILARIOUS! At 3:35 in the video I felt exactly that when I shot my 500 S&W for the first time. :)

Great review!

Remington UMC 44 Mag is my “go to” fun range blaster ammo!

44mag ain't no joke. Great video.

Now I really want to see you fire my S&W 329. My pref would be for them to make a titanium version of the 5 shot Model 69. It’d be nice to get down to around 21oz. The best gun to have in a gunfight is the one you happen to actually be carrying.

I just purchased this gun last month and I love t

Possibly getting one Friday... Must also buy box of that Green box 180gr. I imagine that everyone at the range will stop and stare at the fireworks display. I already know that it will be going to MagnaPort I live just a short drive from their shop.

This is the happiest he's been.

Awesome gun. Need some magna grips on it and it would look tight. I don't like new guns, but that one I'd definitely buy.

Holy hell that thing shoots fireballs!

I have a Taurus Tracker which is the same size but has a ported barrel. I love that gun

Easy to shoot with specials, definitely a handful with Magnum. I shot 300 gr bear loads - doable but it will wear your hand out quick.

The price differential between this and the Ruger Alaskan is odd, I just checked a few minutes ago and Smith and Wesson says this has an MSRP of $914, but the Ruger Alaskan has an MSRP of $1459. I always assumed that Smith and Wesson revolvers tend to have a higher price tag than Ruger, but whatever- a quarter inch longer barrel and lighter to carry for a couple hundred bucks less. More recoil but I think I'll get one of these. And then down the road a Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull.

My girlfriend is about to be like "Did you buy another gun?!?"

I've seen on a couple other videos where these guys put on the hogue name brand rubber grips called the tamer grips I've also put them on one of my guns and it works pretty good it sticks out a little more on the conceal and carry but it eats up The recoil quite a bit better just saying

I had the N frame mountain gun with a 21/2". Sweet gun, and I regret selling it.

This gun is awesome to shoot! It does not kick that bad. It is heavy but I carry it at 3 o’clock position OWB in a 1791 leather holster.

dude i put on the xframe grip from the 500 smith and wesson it fits on this and really really helps on recoil it soaks it up i can blast hornady 300 grain xtp no problem