I received quite a bit of feedback on the 'single-actions board so I picked up the model 69 yesterday. I went with the 4" version. I also bought several boxes of different factory ammo, different weights, velocities etc. for testing.

jeff460 - I handled a 329 PD yesterday. S&W found a hokie solution for the flame cutting issue. There is now a thin strip of stainless(?) inside the cylinder window from the bottom of the top strap and the top of the forcing cone. It is held in place by the front screw of the rear sight mount.
Thanks for the replies.