S&W 669

[Dnizzle80]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum and to the firearms world. I have an opportunity to buy a S&W 669 in near mint condition from a co-worker. I don't know much about this pistol and was wondering what your thoughts are on it, things I should be aware of and how much I should be paying for it. It includes 2 high cap mags and rose wood grips although it currently has a Hogue Grip installed. Thanks and I look forward to your responses.

 

[GunGrey]

3-400$ if it's in mint condition

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also to add these are great guns i used to have a 6906 and loved it but i traded it away.

they are still a bargain in the gun world and are highly under estimated. id offer him 300$ if i were you it's towards the low end and see what he says, i wouldn't pay over 400$ for it though.

 

[Gammon]

The 5900-6900 series S&Ws are underrated. Out of the box, I consider them to be superior to the SIG 9mms.

 

[Wadcutter]

I just sold my 6906 (gen 3 version of the 669) for $350 (NRA excellent). I'd say pay maybe as high as $400 for the 669 if it's really near mint. There isn't really a collectors market for these so mint is not going to double or triple the value like it might on some guns.

The 6906 was a great quality gun and nice little shooter at the range. I'm just not a fan of the DA/SA trigger on any gun.

 

[TUGINSTRUCTOR]

I had a 669 that I bought new during the 2 years they were made by S&W. I had custom grips put on the pistol with silver inlays. I NEVER had a problem with that gun long as I was using the original mags. Used an after market cheepy in it once and it stove piped on me a few times. I am kicking myself to this day for selling it, never should have.

The only negative to the gun is it can be a bit heavy for CC. but, a good holster and belt will deal with that problem.

I'd agree with early posts, in the $400.00 range for a good condition. I would imagine these will go up in price over the years as they where only made for 2 years, in stainless.

 

[mark056]

Closer to three than four, I'm thinking. These are Second Gen guns not 3rd Gen but are decent pistols. The stainless version of the first compact 9mm compact mini-gun. Inspired by Theodore Paris and the legendary modified M39 Asp, these guns sold like hot cakes back in the day right before Glock changed everything.

Scoop it up. A good durable shooter with most definite pre-ban 12 rd mags, also takes 459 15 rd mags.

 

[Dnizzle80]

Thanks for your replies. I checked with him this morning and he said he'd take $300 for it. I'm going to take it to the range this weekend and shoot some rounds through it. Thanks again!

 

[7.62x39]

I have one in blue (469) that I bought when they first came out back in the early 80s. It was my everyday carry piece for many years. Never gave me any problems and seemed to run well with whatever I fed it. It doesn't get out of the safe much anymore, a G-30 is my EDC piece now, but I know it will run like a top if I ever need it.

 

[chris_1001]

I had a 669, I miss it!!! Was one of my first handguns. Get it. It's not the be all end all, but a worthy gun. Back in the day it was on my very short list.

If I stumble across one myself, I will get another.

Agree $300-$400 depending on condition and how many mags etc you get.

 

[Hwy Htr]

I bought one(669) for $300 2 years ago and have put over 1k through it with no malfunctions. Only problem encountered was while training after about 700 the decocker lever came loose. Red loctite, screwed back in and good to go. It is a bit large and heavy by today's standards for a compact but as previously stated a good holster and belt will do you well. I do like the 12 round mags as it gives you that little extra if needed.

 

[Gammon]

Closer to three than four, I'm thinking. These are Second Gen guns not 3rd Gen but are decent pistols. The stainless version of the first compact 9mm compact mini-gun. Inspired by Theodore Paris and the legendary modified M39 Asp, these guns sold like hot cakes back in the day right before Glock changed everything.

Scoop it up. A good durable shooter with most definite pre-ban 12 rd mags, also takes 459 15 rd mags.

I believe that the miniature S&W 9mms were inspired by Charlie Kelsey's Devel Conversions. This is what my friends at S&W told me.

 

[mark056]

I believe that the miniature S&W 9mms were inspired by Charlie Kelsey's Devel Conversions. This is what my friends at S&W told me.

The Devel pistols were supposedly improved versions of the Asp. Kelsey was a Cleveland gunsmith who as the story goes, failing to obtain an ASP from Theodore decided to make an improved version. Supposedly he sent a sample to S&W but they were never able to quite reach an agreement but S&W liked Kelsey double stack compact design, took the ball and ran with it. The main difference between the Asp and the Devel, at least from my perspective was that Kelsey used the Model 59 for his conversion. If you look at a 469 and a Devel, they appear quite similar. If you look at an Asp and a Devel, they look similar except one has a single stack and one a double stack. It has never been clear to me what the internal differences were. I'm not quite sure why S&W went with the double stack from a concealability stand-point except DA high cap 'wonder nines" were beginning to be all the rage and 469/669 could be carried both on and off duty by police officers. I've heard that Kelsey never got much money or any royalties out of S&W for his concept. Apparently he was assisted by Ken Hackathorn who has some fame as an instructor and gun writer. I'll still give the original concept credit to Theodore and the Asp regardless in terms of concept though who am I to contradict the folks down at Springfield?

 

[Gammon]

The Devel pistols were supposedly improved versions of the Asp. Kelsey was a Cleveland gunsmith who as the story goes, failing to obtain an ASP from Theodore decided to make an improved version. Supposedly he sent a sample to S&W but they were never able to quite reach an agreement but S&W liked Kelsey double stack compact design, took the ball and ran with it. The main difference between the Asp and the Devel, at least from my perspective was that Kelsey used the Model 59 for his conversion. If you look at a 469 and a Devel, they appear quite similar. If you look at an Asp and a Devel, they look similar except one has a single stack and one a double stack. It has never been clear to me what the internal differences were. I'm not quite sure why S&W went with the double stack from a concealability stand-point except DA high cap 'wonder nines" were beginning to be all the rage and 469/669 could be carried both on and off duty by police officers. I've heard that Kelsey never got much money or any royalties out of S&W for his concept. Apparently he was assisted by Ken Hackathorn who has some fame as an instructor and gun writer. I'll still give the original concept credit to Theodore and the Asp regardless in terms of concept though who am I to contradict the folks down at Springfield?

I may be wrong, but I remember Kelsey's conversions on the market before the appearance of the Asp. The original Devel conversions were built on Model 39 single stack pistols. As I said, my friends at S&W gave Kelsey the credit for S&W's inspiration. It is true that Charlie never got a penny from S&W. They took note of the popularity of the cut down semi autos and simply built their own.

Charlie Kelsey was a master gunsmith, or perhaps an artist. I have one of the 12 twelve custom 1911 match guns (Gammons) that he built. This pistol is truly a work of art. Mickey Fowler used the first one to win the original Bianchi Cup match. For a real look at the work of a master, go to Wayne Novak's web site. He has a sort of Devel museum there.

Charlie was a great gunsmith, but a horrible businessman. His Devel 8 round mags should have made him rich, but were a disaster because of a problem with the tubes. Other problems pretty much put him out of business. He was murdered and his body found burned in a ditch in Texas. A sad ending for genuine nice guy and a master gunsmith and innovator.