I don't know why but I have a sudden interest in the 696. I know they are L-frame, 5 shot 44 special.
I have seen some in 3"
Unfortunately the search function does not work on just "696"

I would like to know:
When produced
Witch barrel lengths are made?
Problems?
Are they made with unfluted cylinders?
And of course I would like to see some pictures!

I would love to have one, a 4, 5 or 6" best with unfluted cylinder.
That is somewhat difficult since they are not around in Europe and in Holland, my country, a sport shooter may own 5 guns max. And that I have. (of course)
But where a will is there must be a way.

Nice medium sized 44 Special which was only offered in the 3" barrel configuration. Produced from around 1996 to something like 1998 or maybe as late as 2000. Thanks to S&W stopping production the price of these has skyrocketed to where I'm not willing to pay for one. Owned one in the past and like so many other guns that have gone through my hands, wish I had kept it.

Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Mine is a 696, no dash, first year production (1996-7 I think); I believe they were as follows; L-frame, .44 S&W Special, 5-shot, 3-inch barrel, red ramp front sight, white outline rear; some were ported and some had non fluted cylinders. Also there may have neen a few in 2001 with the internal lock.

From my reserch, there were no IL 696s manufactured. Also, I have not seen any with non fluted cylinders although there may have been some PC guns with porting and unfluted cylinders. I bought mine several months ago for $425+tax at a local gun shop and smiled all the way home.

696 is a great handgun...I have a no dash that ain't for sale...I got mine 200 rds ammo, two holsters, three sets stocks, box for 850, and I don't regret a penny of it

That I forgot, the price. I see on GB prices well over $1000,-
Torakan bought one for $425,-

What is a realistic price for a good used one?
And for a like new one?

Still would like to know about barrel lengts and are there realy unfluted ones?
Wanted: a pic of a 4" till 6" fluted and unfluted one

I only know of them in 3 inch....fluted...never have heard of, or seen another version....

They were only made in 3", no other lengths were ever made. And none were ever made with unfluted cylinders to my knowledge.

__________________
Dick

Made only in the L-frame, which is larger cylinder but K-frame size grip frame. Will withstand at least 25,000 psi pressure according to Brian Pearce of HANDLOADER magazine, Wolfe Publications.
Can safely use 307 gr Dry Creek cast SWC at 1057 fps, if you run into something pretty big, according (again) to Brian Pearce. However, my normal load is Skeeter load, 240gr, 7.5 gr Unique, 950 fps.
It is my favorite revolver. This model was made in no-dash, dash-1 (some MIM parts) and dash-2 (in-frame firing pin). Adjustable sights, stainless. If you can find one on Gunbroker.com, it will not come cheaply. Will likely pay up to $900 for one in as new condition.
Here is a pix of mine with Barami Hip Grip, which allows a IWB-carry by using a hook over the belt or the waist-line.



Do a search on this model. We've had good threads on this forum and on alternate forum (Rugerforum.net) within the last year.

Here's the IWB carry. Note that images are reversed (mirror used).



Probably my favorite handgun of all time.
Sonnytoo

The -2 had an internal lock.

That's right, of course. Only 3", only fluted.

Jerry

__________________
.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

The S&W 696 is one of my favorite revolvers.

__________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I traded for one this week. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but it sure has a nice action. It should make a good mate to my 3" Mdl. 65.

I have a 696-1, paid over $900 by the time it got here.
Now it's getting a 4" barrel as soon as the 686 barrel gets back from reboring.
May not be the smartest thing I've ever done but that list is long.

The only thing I can tell you about them is I want a no dash bad!!!! Found a few here in North Dakota for sale from dealers but the prices are ridicules. I would love to find one with a un-fluted cylinder.

I have a no dash and it is the most fun of any of my guns to shoot or just to have around. All 696s were built in 3". But My 686, also in 3", would actually be the one I'd grab in an emergency, with it's 7 shot cylinder. If I had to give one of them up it would be the 686.

The configurations you're talking about only come on certain runs of N frame revolvers (29, 629, 624) and no L frame 696's. The 696 was only produced for a short time and to my knowledge that (3" barrel and fluted cylinder) was the only configuration made.

My 696 'no dash' -

Well, they are all looking very nice. It's not that unfluted is a must. If I see one in Europe, prefered the no dash, I now wat to do!

How did this unfluted cylinder thing get started? Geez!

__________________
Dick

Simply, I asked if they were made with them.

The Rossi 720 (think "narrow" M696) came with fluted and unfluted cylinders. Mine came with the fluted cylinder and weighs 6oz less than my 696-1 (30oz vs. 36oz). I don't think the M696 ever came from the factory with the unfluted cylinder, but where S&W is concerned it's foolhardy to say "never"...

My 696 no dash. I had the front sight replaced and it's now DAO. Wouldn't trade it for anything.




I paid $399 brand new in June 1997.

My dash 2, yes it has the lock, no I don't care, I was thrilled to find one. I got off of the forum here a few years ago for $400, no, it's not for sale.

Uuughh!! another bobbed hammer....
When are people going to realize that if the revolver did get hung up while being drawn from the pocket or whatever, that it'd more likely be the rear sight that would hang up and not the hammer spur?

In this instance, there's no reason to limit one's self to DAO.

I had a 696 about five years back (when I could buy Blazer 200 gr Gold Dots for $12.96/50 rounds).

It was one of three .44 Spls I had at the time; the other two were a Taurus 441 (blued 3") and an S&W 396 (Sc/Ti 3").

The 696 was the best shooter of the three, the 396 was the best to carry but not pleasant to shoot.

The Taurus is still owned by a good friend a few states over. I occasionally borrow it when I visit him. The other two are long gone.

IMHO, 5-shot .44 Spls are great in theory (unique and desireable) but come up short in practical application. My impressions are seriously biased towards carry guns. If you cannot carry, my impressions/opinions are null and void.

Enjoy, Rich

Love to have one of those little 41's to CCW, but would rather have a 44 mag that size and down load some 240gr or 300 gr rounds for CCW.

But for now I'll stick with my 10mm's, and my G29 CCW or my M-61-3 pocket gun when necessary. Just kidding about the 61, not sure I could ever feel good about carrying a rim-fire.

__________________
Cranky Old Retired USN Guy

It's called personal preference. We still have that liberty in America, contrary to popular opinion.

one pic of my 696 wearing bananas...I have other stocks for it, including goodyear's, however, I like the way these look

I wanted a 696 but was not going to pay what they were asking for them So I bought a 396 Night Guard. I really like it.

Attached Images

DSC00089.jpg (59.7 KB, 55 views)

Oh...is that what it's called?
Oh, what the hell...you got me.... You got me pegged! I'm a Tree-hugging, Left-wing Democrap!! And I don't believe anyone has a Right to any opinion that doesn't match mine.

Please...gimme a break! I was merely pointing out that some people bob their hammers to avoid getting hung up, but then overlook the rear sight - which is even more likely to hang up. That's all....

Believe me...if you knew me personally, you'd know that I respect everyone's right to their own opinion.

Good night, and enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend.

I got tired of banging my elbow on the damned thing. And yes, the sights will probably be the next thing to go. I do not feel "limited" by DAO, all of my carry revolvers are that way, It's just personal preference.

Sorry, I don't get it. You would rather have a 44 magnum that size then download? I own 10 to 1 the number of 44 mags to 44 specials, but if you had a size perfect 44 special, why would you rather have a 44 magnum and then down load to 44 special specifications? Seems like the 696 is what you want by your description, but perhaps I am missing something. Yes, currently you can purchase a 44 mag for considerably less and if that is your logic, then you are making a practical decision. Good luck on your ventures.

Scarce ,stainless ,in a caliber beginning with a 4.
Nothing here not to like.

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

A 696 with fixed sights and a bobbed hammer, now there's an idea!

Its even a good idea, but for now, I think mine will remain original. Except I did put Pachy's on it, but that's easily reversible. Come to think of it, the spurless hammer is fairly easily reversible.

Seems to work for me. I didn't use quotes - http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchr...696&sa=Go#1289

__________________
Dave

I guess I didn't explain it too clear, sorry. It has to due with the option to have a wider range of loads available is all. But the 696 is great because it's L frame SS and still makes a good CCW, but none of the SS N frames really fill that bill. The closest being the Nightguard and as light as that is I would need 44spl loads for average smuck I bet. Besides I'm not real found of the wonder alloy guns. I had a 360SC that killed on both ends because it was only about 15 oz when loaded. Sold it to a member here, who dearly loves the gun for trail carry.

__________________
Cranky Old Retired USN Guy

I've always thought that these are one of the most attractive revolvers around. This article has some interesting opinions on "the dainty little S&W 696":

The .44 Special Revisited

__________________
Mark

Thanks!
The picture of Allen-frame and link of MS have convinced me. Such a 696 would be very nice for me.
I don't daily Cary since that is absolute not allowed in Holland as most European country's. I do sport shooting and we normally shoot 5 rounds on each target. So the 696 fit's 100%!

Yes, the SS 696 was made in a wide range of barrel lengths.... okay, just 3" only! Some 696-1, which is the model I have, were aftermarket fitted with compensation. The one my dealer replaced mine with in the display case was comped - and sat for a while. Actually, when I bought mine, 1/2003, it's yellow '$439' price tag was faded by the flurescent lights. I also bought a new 296, the AirLite-Ti 2.5" hammerless Al/Ti version, for $349 - less another $10 because I bought both - my biggest S&W purchase day until my PC627 UDR in April of this year.

They made the 696 initially, followed by the MIM hammer/trigger & frame-mounted fp 696-1, and then, in late 2001-2002, the IL-equipped 696-2 - which may be the rarest. All - as well as the 296 & 396 models - have a dimunitive forcing cone. Be careful of 'hot' loads - this is not an 'Elmer Keith' level .44 Special revolver. At it's 35.5 oz level, you only need to add another 6 oz to get a really capable .44 Special - one that will obviously take 'Keith' level .44 Specials - it's a 4" 629 - a true .44 Magnum!



I'll sell my 3" 696 long before the 4" 629, actually, a current production 629-6 SKU #163603. You gain another inch of barrel, another hole in the cylinder, and larger hammer and trigger, not to mention the higher energy level capability. I've seen new 4" 629's for less than the used 696 prices, too. Something else to consider.... and, you gain another caliber - .44 Russian, Special, and Magnum!

Stainz

PS I know, the 696 is cute... but the 4" 629 is practical.

i want these on my 696...and I will have soon
http://www.dlsports.com/sandw_kln_frame_sights.html

I've had my 696 for years. I paid about $400, if I remember correctly. I love it. Years ago I called S&W to see if they could make a custom 4" barrel; no chance. I am amazed by the razor-edge accuracy of this revolver. I handload both .44 Russian and .44 Special for practice, and use Winchester Silver Tips for carrying. And it is my primary carry gun. The youngsters here refer to it as a blunderbuss, but this revolver is part of my personality. A .44 Special makes a statement that a 9mm can't.

Here is a close up of the Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty rear sight on my S&W 696.
LINK: Extreme Duty Fixed Rear Sight without Dots for K-L-N Frame Revolver

__________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Hi jag312....
Have you done any expansion tests on those Silver Tips? I haven't, personally, but I've heard bad results with no expansion. That particular bullet needs more velocity (only 900 fps. out of a 6.5" bbl.) Imagine what you're getting out of the 3-inch.

I'd hate to think that you'd be carrying something that might not expand when needed.

whitecoyote, those C&S sights really look good on that 696..perfect addition for carry

Mine clocked almost 1300fps out of my Dan Wesson with 4" barrel installed, and it would been a real handfull if it had been a smaller N frame Smith, and N fram probably would rattle loose with the load . Now I will say that my B/C gap is kept at .002/.003 inch unless target plinking so as not to need frequent front of cylinder cleaning to prevent binding.

Bet those suckers would really whizz out of my Marlin 1894P even though it's just a 16" ported barrel.

__________________
Cranky Old Retired USN Guy

900 fps. out of 6.5" bbl.

Attached Images

257335.jpg (45.0 KB, 32 views)

Sorry I did not mention I roll my own, I have very few factory rounds in any centerfire, rifle or handgun ammo on hand. I have hand loaded Winchester Silvertips for 44 and 10mm on hand, never looked to see if they even make them for 357 for some reason. Been useing Silvertip Winchester in 257 Roberts over 50 years both factory and hand loads.

__________________
Cranky Old Retired USN Guy

I have never chronographed Silver Tips or fired them into a gelatin block to see how they expand. If anyone has any suggestions of any other factory loads, I am listening. I am very willing to upgrade to better ammunition.

As I remember, Winchester 200gr Silver Tips chronoed very poorly out of my M696 (like 750 fps). This was several years ago, so they might be better now.

On the other hand, the CCI Blazer load (using Speer's 200gr Gold Dot Hollow Point bullets) chronographs right at 900 fps. For carry, I use the Blazers...

I guess I'll just have to struggle on with my 624:



Of course, a good gun deserves good ammo:



Dale53