I recently purchased a S&W 396 NG. I love the way the gun feels and shoots. The problem has been the cylinder timng has been off. I sent it back three time in the last few months with less than 100 rounds through it since new, S&W dsaid had a problem with that model and wanted to refund my money or give me a different model gun. I told them I wanted the 396 NG. If I wanted anothe rgun, i would have opurchased another gun. They himmed around a few days and finally send it back. I will get back in a few days and see how it goes. I told the Smith rep it has a lifetime warranrty on it and i can send it back every week if I need to. I think three returns for the same problem in less than 100 fired rounds is not a good sign.