I have M69s in both barrel lengths (4 ¼” and 2 ¾”). Have shot them quite a bit – around 12,000 rnds thru several guns.
Current favorite is the 2 ¾” version. Compact, accurate, easier to shoot than might be imagined and recoil handling qualities always surprise favorably. It fits comfortably in the right hip pocket of my Carharts – don’t even notice it.
This is my carry load – shot at 50yds rested on my range bag and verified on another day to make sure it wasn’t a fluke.
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One of my favorite practice loads, 265gr SWCGC (Lyman Thompson 429244) deep seated and crimped over the front drive band on top of 17.5gr 2400, – 25 yds rested on carpet squares.
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Light load – 5.0gr WST under 250gr Keith (429421) deep seated and crimped over the front drive band. 25 yds rested on carpet squares
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I use the Hogue Tamers (S&W 500 X Frame grips) – here’s a set modified by removing the finger groves and rounding the butt – used a Dremel drum sander and sanding block.
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I have no experience with the Ruger GP100 .44 special, so can’t make any comparison.
The L Frame M69 is just works for me and is one of my favorite Double Action platforms.
We are all different, so it’s difficult to recommend a specific gun for someone else. Good luck with your quest.
FWIW,
Paul