Smith & Wesson Model 469

Smith & Wesson Model 469
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Specifications
Weight	26oz.
Cartridge	9×19mm
Action	DA/SA
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	12-round double column, detachable box magazine
Sights	fixed Iron sights, optional adjustable

The Smith & Wesson Model 469 is a semi-automatic pistol, chambered for the 9mm cartridge.

History and design

The Model 469 is an early model in Smith & Wesson's well-regarded 59-series, envisioned as pistols that could be easily concealed, but possessed sufficient firepower to serve as service weapons as well. It was a traditional double-action weapon with a 3.5-inch barrel, equipped with a slide-mounted safety/decocker. Magazine capacity is 12 rounds.^[1]

When Smith & Wesson introduced its "third-generation" series of semiautomatics, several similar pistols succeeded the Model 469. These included the Model 6904, which had an alloy frame with black finish, the Model 6906, which was the same pistol in a stainless steel finish, both operating in double-action/single-action mode. The Model 6946 was similar to the 6906 but operated in double-action-only mode.^[1]

Although the 69-series of pistol is no longer produced, the polymer-framed Smith & Wesson M&P compact possesses similar dimensions, and the same barrel length and magazine capacity (in 9mm). The 469 is often referred to as the 'little brother' of the 459 and will even accept the 14-round magazine of the 459. Some other features of the gun is the 'no fire' without a magazine and the 'safe' half cock mode (if you pull the trigger lightly, the hammer will go half way back and lock) and de-cocking lever/safety on the slide.

References

1. Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 319–320. ISBN 0-89689-293-X.