Here is a tired comparison, my 4" 629, SKU 163603, weight 41.5 oz vs my 696-1 - weight 35.5 oz:



Of course, if the 6 extra ounces are too much, you can always get a 629MG - it's only 4 ounces heavier. I had one - prefer the production 629 - it has a larger hammer & trigger, OR front & w/o rear sight - vs blk/blk on the MG, and the added 2 oz is partially out front in a non-tapered barrel.

Still - what a bargain - a new production 4" 629 will take Herr Keith's most nightmarish .44 Special loads - and even Magnums. It has a real forcing cone - an additional hole in the cylinder - and - an extra inch of barrel. It probably will run you less new than a used 696, too.

I have shot the stew out of my 696 - with my mild .44 Specials - and downright wimpy Russians. I have two 629's (4" & 6"), should I want to make more noise - or further damage my wrists (I shot a 7.5" .454 SRH for years!). Today at the range, I shot mediocre .44 Specials - and poof load Russians - from that 4" 629. The 240gr LSWC probably barely broke 700 fps - literally, a poof load. Of course, it makes major power factor - and drops the steel plates very nicely. I can clean those chambers - and install my Hogue .500 Magnum monogrips in place of the Ahrends wood shown - and instant .44 Magnum. Spend your bucks on a 3" or 4" 629 - and thank me later.

Stainz

PS It's been nearly eight years since I bought my regular price 696 ($439) and closeout price 296 ($359 - got $10 more off for buying it with the 696!), both new. I think I could recover my investment...