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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 12-01-2010, 02:35 PM
CT Smith Fan CT Smith Fan is offline
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Question S&W model 696 .44 spl

I saw my first L frame model 696 the other day.Any thoughts about this model,It looks like a pretty thin barrel root .But I like the size and the caliber.
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Old 12-01-2010, 03:40 PM
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.44 SPL is a low pressure round. I think the L frame is more than adequate.
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Old 12-01-2010, 05:21 PM
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The 696 is one of the most sought after S&W revolves out there. I wish I had never sold mine.
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Old 12-01-2010, 05:48 PM
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Hi,

my wife owns a 696 for some months now. After she got accustomed to the hiviz front sight, she groups 5 rounds at 25 meters on a square not much larger than a postcard (with mild handloads). Keith-level handloads are quite stout in this gun, but don't consider it a snubby - this is a 2 pound handgun, large and accurate enough to even do bullseye shooting.

regards
Ulrich
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Old 12-01-2010, 06:17 PM
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I want one real bad, but want a full lugged 3" 657 more.

That 696 is one great revolver. Would love that L frame.
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Old 12-01-2010, 10:03 PM
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One thing I like about the .44 SPL is that it doesn't have to go fast to do the job. I carry mild (180gr over 7.5gr Unique) loads in a Charter Bulldog (~ K-frame) and feel well armed.
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:30 PM
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Just snagged one of the last discontinued 396-NG this past week. But I'm certainly still jonesin' a 696!
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:45 PM
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There seems to be lots of second-hand anecdotal info on the interwebs about 696s suffering split forcing cones. Anyone have FHE with this?
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:59 PM
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I picked one up off this forum a few months ago. I put a bobbed hammer on it and it makes a nice size package. Loaded a few Sheeter Skelton 44 spls last night - 7.5g Unique behind a 250g cast SWC. I shot some factory Cowboy loads and some Blazers loaded with 200g Gold dots, and it shot well.

I love it.


Charlie
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Old 12-02-2010, 10:42 AM
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CT.
I consider myself more of a shooter than collector. From that perspective.
I had one and sold it within a month. I have a serious dislike for the gun.
It is a poorly thought out engineering disaster.
It has one positive quality and that is, it shoots the .44 Special. Plus 1
It has a thin walled L frame barrel bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 1
It has a reduced capacity L Frame cylinder bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 2
It has a round butt K frame grip on it. Minus 2
It has an over inflated price on it. Minus 1
If you add up the plus and the minus count, it is not a good gun for a shooter.
When that gun came out , stores could not sell them to shooters. They quit making them because no one was buying them. They were a marketing Dud. Now that they are scarce, Collectors have started a price war over them, but only for their collectors value.
As a shooting gun, it is funny. It starts out with a big hole in the muzzle and as you move to the rear the gun keeps getting smaller. You end up with grips that are more appropriate on a 38 snubbie.
It is factory Bubbatized Frankengun.
You can buy a 4 inch 624 for 60-75% of the price of 696. A 624 is N frame from the front to the rear. Wonderful engineering.
There are many folks that like them. That is good. I am one of a few that does not. This is AMERICA, I get a choice.
I consider the 696 to be a good ladies purse gun, if it is not loaded with hot ammo.
Bill@Yuma
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Old 12-02-2010, 10:53 AM
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Bill, I've seen your rant before, but no matter what you may think about this gun you can't make it go away.
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Old 12-02-2010, 10:56 AM
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Following along with Bill's comments, I have never figured out why S&W can't build a 44 Special on an L-frame and have a thick enough forcing cone when Charter Arms manages it in what is essentially a D-frame (Dick Special) Colt size revolver. Charter is still building them but S&W insists they can't manage a K-frame, 5-shot 44 Special. Baffling!

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Old 12-02-2010, 11:38 AM
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Once upon a time, my better half saw me looking at a gun mag that had a picture of a 696 on the cover. I mumbled something like, "That looks cool!" or whatever.

Lo and behold she really shocked me that Christmas with a brand new 696, no dash, first year of production! (too bad I wasn't looking at a CS-1)

A friend of mine and I put 600 roundnose cartridges through it, then I put it away.

My friend was a .44 geek at the time and loaded up three different loads which we both fired from a sand bag. We agreed on the best load for my gun and he loaded 500 rounds for me. (Some of them are still in the safe; 246 gr. SWC the rest of the data is on the boxes!)

That 44. L-frame is a tack-driving fool and is still "cool." I'll probably shoot it again this month because I'm thinking about it now. I maybe have 750 rounds through it, including some 165gr. Cor-bons and some 200gr. Silvertips. There is no evidence of forcing cone damage, or any other issues.

Sometimes I wish it was a 3-inch 686 though! BUT, I'll probably never sell it because, well, you know the reason!
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Old 12-02-2010, 11:40 AM
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I am no expert on anything.
I do have two Model 696's. One is a ported Lew Horton. I bought them both new about 10+ years ago. I have shot the ported one perhaps 1500 rounds of mostly factory Blazer 200 gr gold dots. The revolver fits my hand just right and have no problems at all with it. I do not see any wear on the frame, forcing cone, or the top strap.
I also have a 624 4" and a 24 3" and being N-frame's, I dont think it is fair to compare them to the 696's.
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Old 12-02-2010, 06:40 PM
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I really like 4" N frames and sometimes carry one IWB concealed. However, I find them best suited to sturdy OWB belt holsters. Just a couple of days ago I was at the range shooting a 22-4, a 625, a 696, and a 396NG. They all shot equally well (with the correct grips.) Earlier today, after reading Bill's rant, I grabbed an N frame to carry instead of my normal L frame .44. I was going to meet a former coworker and friend for lunch later. Before I left the house about an hour later I put it back in the safe and instead carried a 696 no dash I bought new years ago. For ME it is just a better handgun for normal use. Since I retired I no longer strap on heavy duty gear but instead, opt for a shooter that is easy to carry. I have had no problem with the forcing cone over the years and expect none in my lifetime. I admit I had to search for grips that fit me and the gun. When I finally found the ones I like it balanced the 3" full lug L frame perfectly.
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Old 12-02-2010, 07:10 PM
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I love my 696-1 and if anyone cares to dispose of their burdensome pre-lock 696's give me a shout. Factor the negatives into the price, too.
I'd trade my 98-99% 4 inch 24-3 for two of them no-dash 696's if someone is looking to empty the trash.
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Old 12-02-2010, 07:34 PM
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I'm looking for another 696 no-dash if anyones one for you 696 hater want to sell cheap. Pick one up two month ago for a friend and he love his too.






Love my 696
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Old 12-02-2010, 08:36 PM
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Come on Bill. Tell us what you really think.


Charlie
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Old 12-02-2010, 09:43 PM
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Quote:
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Come on Bill. Tell us what you really think.


Charlie
Sir.
I prefer a gun with a handle on it that is proportional to my hand size, something like this.



From my perspective, the 696 is a bit small and lacks ergonomics.

Bill@Yuma
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Old 12-02-2010, 10:17 PM
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Nice .45.

I am not totally in agreement with RdrBill, since I think the M696 (I have one) does balance and point well with the proper grips.

But...it is a bit of a "strange concept". I think it is too large to carry in normal concealed circumstances, except for maybe offensive linemen in the NFL. It might work if a normal to bigger sized person goes about with a coat or jacket on. Or carries it in a purse, with little room for anything else.

For outdoors use, it's great if you don't have any real big animals about like maybe black bear of some size or bigger. It is a .44 Special but I think it is prudent to load it with mostly lead bullets at 800 fps or slower. If loaded with 240 grain bullets at 800 to 850 fps it will generate some recoil and (although few admit it) a lot of folks would not like the recoil. If it is loaded with lighter bullet at the slower velocities it may lack power for, again, the larger animals.

On people targets it should do well. But if you're in agreement with my thoughts, you won't be carrying it in concealment as much as carrying it walking around the woods.

Therefore, if I was going hiking in my territory I might carry it and I might not. If I was really concerned about bears and such I'd be carrying my full size .41, .44, or .45 handguns loaded up stout.

I will admit to having never heard of (mostly read here) about one ever cracking a forcing cone but that cone is very thin! I would not push it.

I guess what I am implying is that it is a specialized handgun with a narrow range of use.

And no, You folks are not getting mine yet. I intend to enjoy it for a few years before I turn it over to someone else!

I'm thinkin' I might load some of the Hornady 240 grain swaged lead SWC hollow points to about 800 fps. That'd be a people-stopper I think and fun to shoot.
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Old 12-02-2010, 11:24 PM
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Quote:
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Nice .45. ..... But...it is a bit of a "strange concept". I think it is too large to carry in normal concealed circumstances, except for maybe offensive linemen in the NFL. It might work if a normal to bigger sized person goes about with a coat or jacket on. ..... On people targets it should do well. But if you're in agreement with my thoughts, you won't be carrying it in concealment as much as carrying it walking around the woods. Therefore, if I was going hiking in my territory I might carry it and I might not.
I guess I don't much agree. I've carried mine concealed ever since I bought it new (I'm fairly large, 6'3" & 220, but certainly not the size of an NFL lineman.) I carry mine year round and rarely under a jacket. In the summer it conceals easily under a cotton t-shirt. I only carry it IWB in either a Sparks VM2 or a Concealco. Otherwise it prints pretty bad. The weight doesn't bother me either although I have to admit I sometimes carry my 396NG in the same holsters. I don't carry it in the woods at all. There, I either have an N frame (round or square), a .22, or my favorite, a 4" Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt. (I got lucky - it came with a trigger smooth as butter.)

The right grips and holsters make all the difference in CCW.
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Old 12-02-2010, 11:48 PM
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I like the n-frames, but my hands are small plus with stubby fingers. So my grip on them is hard to maintain. I have never seen or handled a 696.
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Old 12-03-2010, 12:44 AM
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IkenI,

At 6' 3" and 220 lbs you could be an NFL tight end or quarterback!!

I do understand your point. I agree that if one has the body type and the right gear he/she can conceal a M696 pretty well. I have heard here of a few posters who CCW with N-Frames and short barrels!

But I suspect most folks might go for something not quite so large in CCW.

I really like my M696, but I don't carry concealed. If I did I would probably carry a S&W .38 Special hammerless J-Frame.
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Old 12-03-2010, 12:53 AM
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I really like my M696, but I don't carry concealed. If I did I would probably carry a S&W .38 Special hammerless J-Frame.
As an old retired CIC/Fed that's my NY reload. I think it was Teddy that said walk softly, carry a big stick, and a pistol, or two. Maybe wasn't him...
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Old 12-03-2010, 10:06 AM
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I have one of the *very, very rare* (to use a potential Gunbroker description) 686-2 models with the IL. It is a great revolver even if it does have the lock.

I carried mine often as a woods walking and outdoors gun where it was just the right combination of power, weight and ease of carry. My standard woods load is a Speer 240 lswc at 1000fps. It is superbly accurate. The most dangerous critter, besides meth heads, I'm likely to encounter around here is a black bear and, although on the light side, it should work. The gun is a lot stronger than many give it credit for being. Pearce indicated in Handloader #236 that factory torture tests demonstrated the 696 easily endured pressures well beyond his published Level 3 loads at 25kpsi. If I need more than my standard load I can easily drive a Speer 200gr Gold Dot to around 1150fps at less than 22kpsi. With it's gaping deep hollow point cavity that would be a devastating SD load.


Even though there have been some concerns expressed about the thin forcing cone, I haven't seen any problems, but it is my belief that the barrel face is slightly thicker on the -2 models, at least by visual comparison of my gun to 2 of the earlier models. Maybe it is a different contour. Whether that it is significant or not could only be determined by actual measurements and I didn't have the means to do so at the time.

As much as I like my 696, I find myself carrying a Ruger Lipseys 44SP more often now. I don't know if it is that much lighter, and load levels are similar, but I just like the SA. No doubt about it, there is a certain cachet to the 696 that has driven prices to really high levels lately. Not that the IL model is going to ever be one of the more desireable. Eventhough it is the rarest! ;^)
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Old 12-03-2010, 12:20 PM
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I use a mild handload with the 245 gr. LSWC and Trail Boss powder in both my 696 and older Model 1950 Target. Surprisingly I can shoot the 696 about as accurately as the larger N-framed gun at 50 ft.
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Old 12-03-2010, 01:22 PM
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VAdoublegunner,

I too have a Ruger New Vaquero Lipsey's .44 Special in the stainless "Sheriff's" model.

What a great gun!! I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but with a 240 grain lead slug at about 900 fps it's got to be a great all around sixgun.

The balance and "feel" is superb, as well as the action.

I too was comparing it with my M696 the other day and realized that the Ruger will win over as the "woods" gun versus the M696.
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Old 12-03-2010, 02:27 PM
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I suggest a six ounce heavier answer - with another round capacity, an inch more barrel, larger hammer & trigger, BIG fc, and real Keith load capability - a 4" 629!



I bought my 696-1 new eight years ago - after watching the price tag ($439) fade for a year. I bought it - and added a new closeout-priced 296 for $349, less than half it's MSRP, plus s/t (5% then). It was to be a CCW. The 696 was to be - and remains to be - pure fun. It's especially fun with my wimpy 240gr LSWC over 3.5 gr Titegroup in a .44 Russian case - makes 692 fps - all day shooter - and makes major power factor! Ahrends square conversion grips are fine - for normal loads. The 'real' .44 Special, the one labelled '629' & '.44 Magnum, is fine with the Ahrends retro targets... plus, they look good! When I need serious .44 Specials, the 4" 629 is the grab. They are always in production... it's been a while since S&W plopped out a 624!

The 296 is a bit larger than my 642, which, in a Mika pocket holster fits all of my britches front pockets. The 296 in it's Mika holster fits ~3 of 4 of my pants front pockets.



I keep the AirWeight Ti stoked with the Speer 200gr Gold Dots loaded in new Starline brass by GA Arms - a better value at the same (or less) price as the Blazers. It's a woods carry, too - with a 240gr LSWC first, despite the 200gr Max caution due to bullet creep. Bit of a hand slapper.

Stainz
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Old 12-03-2010, 04:18 PM
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semperfi71,
If you don't have it already definately buy, borrow, beg or steal a copy of Handloader #260, June 2009, for Pearce's article on loading the 44SP in the new Blackhawk. Great info there. I have tested several of the loads and they are right on the money.

It really is a handy field gun. You've picked a good load for it. My favorite pet load is the Speer240 lswc, 8.0gr WSF and a WLP primer for about 1050fps (it does not seem particularly primer brand sensitive). Shooting offhand it will tear out the black center of a B8 target at 50 yards. What more can you ask for from a plinking/general purpose load? Yep, it is a gun that gets carried often. I may have to look for a SS one, both of mine are blued.
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  #30  
Old 12-03-2010, 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by VAdoublegunner View Post
As much as I like my 696, I find myself carrying a Ruger Lipseys 44SP more often now. I don't know if it is that much lighter, and load levels are similar, but I just like the SA.
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Originally Posted by semperfi71 View Post
I too have a Ruger New Vaquero Lipsey's .44 Special in the stainless "Sheriff's" model.

What a great gun!! I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but with a 240 grain lead slug at about 900 fps it's got to be a great all around sixgun.

The balance and "feel" is superb, as well as the action.
Me too! but I haven't carried it yet. The only holster I have for it is a nylon one with a safety strap that I have attached to the inside of my kayak. I've only shot it a little but it does feel great!. In the kayak it has a couple of snake shot backed up by GDHP.

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Originally Posted by Stainz View Post
I suggest a six ounce heavier answer - with another round capacity, an inch more barrel, larger hammer & trigger, BIG fc, and real Keith load capability - a 4" 629!

The 296 is a bit larger than my 642, which, in a Mika pocket holster fits all of my britches front pockets. The 296 in it's Mika holster fits ~3 of 4 of my pants front pockets...... Bit of a hand slapper.
Stainz
Nothing wrong with an N frame. I carried a 629 Mtn Gun for many years when I lived in Colorado. I have since moved on to .45 ACP in my N frames. They are a favorite.

Now that 296 I didn't like! It wouldn't fit in any pants pocket I had and it hurt my old arthritic hands worse than my little pocket rocket with .357 midloads. Got rid of it quick! Didn't care much for the cylinder either. I do have a NG (with stainless cylinder) that I carry and shoot lots. It doesn't hurt me near as bad as that 296 did.

As you can see.....I like .44 Specials.
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Old 12-03-2010, 08:56 PM
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Looks to me like there are only three words missing here..."opinion," "my" and "in." Not necessarily in that order, of course.

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Originally Posted by RdrBill View Post
CT.
I consider myself more of a shooter than collector. From that perspective.
I had one and sold it within a month. I have a serious dislike for the gun.
It is a poorly thought out engineering disaster.
It has one positive quality and that is, it shoots the .44 Special. Plus 1
It has a thin walled L frame barrel bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 1
It has a reduced capacity L Frame cylinder bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 2
It has a round butt K frame grip on it. Minus 2
It has an over inflated price on it. Minus 1
If you add up the plus and the minus count, it is not a good gun for a shooter.
When that gun came out , stores could not sell them to shooters. They quit making them because no one was buying them. They were a marketing Dud. Now that they are scarce, Collectors have started a price war over them, but only for their collectors value.
As a shooting gun, it is funny. It starts out with a big hole in the muzzle and as you move to the rear the gun keeps getting smaller. You end up with grips that are more appropriate on a 38 snubbie.
It is factory Bubbatized Frankengun.
You can buy a 4 inch 624 for 60-75% of the price of 696. A 624 is N frame from the front to the rear. Wonderful engineering.
There are many folks that like them. That is good. I am one of a few that does not. This is AMERICA, I get a choice.
I consider the 696 to be a good ladies purse gun, if it is not loaded with hot ammo.
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  #32  
Old 12-04-2010, 02:00 AM
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To All,

Yep, the Ruger NV .44 Special (Lipsey) in either 4 5/8 or 3 1/2 inch barrel I think is going to be another "collectible" very soon. Either blue or stainless. Unless Ruger decides to make them a regular item.

Check out Altamont Grips.

I put a pair of their Super Rosewood Fluer-di-Lis (spelling, I ain't French) grips on it. They're nifty looking and functional.

I have three Ruger Old Model Vaqueros in 4 5/8 (stainless), 5 1/2 (stainless), and 7 1/2 (blue). I load them with the Hornady 240 CL-SIL bullet (FMJ) to about 1,000 fps. I wanted a powerful load that would penetrate deep without the full recoil of a .44 magnum. They'll do it.

BUT. With the New Vaquero .44 Special one can easily load the same load (it might buck a little in the 3 1/2 inch barrel) and have a more "portable" gun.
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  #33  
Old 12-04-2010, 04:28 AM
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I have a 696 and like it very much
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Old 12-04-2010, 04:49 AM
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I'll have to start looking for one of those.

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  #35  
Old 12-04-2010, 09:05 AM
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"But...it is a bit of a "strange concept". I think it is too large to carry in normal concealed circumstances, except for maybe offensive linemen in the NFL. It might work if a normal to bigger sized person goes about with a coat or jacket on. Or carries it in a purse, with little room for anything else."

I have to disagree with that statement. With a quality holster, belt, the correct outergarmet and a larger waist size in the pants that 696 will dissapear and be quite comfortable to carry with a Inside the Waistband holster. Been legally packing a full size 1911 since 93 IWB and also pack a 3" 657 .41 mag OWB, and a few other S&W's and never has anyone ever noticed them. I'm 5' 7"'s and 167 lbs BTW.

My only complaint with the 696 is it's missing one hole, but makes up for that as its a potent round that shoots very well in a small package. Like many other Smiths I wish I would have bought a prelock when they first came out and prices were down on them. A 3" 686 is the better gun for SD but only when using magnums for the extra power and can be had for less money.

With that said I still want one!
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  #36  
Old 12-04-2010, 12:57 PM
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Some like a big V8 car and others a small diesel. Some like the big N-frame, for me the L-frame is already on the large side compared to my hands. I have had a N-frame, to big for me.
What disadvantages are for the one are the things to like for the other.

I have a 696 and I love it. Of course a 686 has advantages but......I have a 686 too.
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  #37  
Old 12-23-2010, 01:10 AM
CT Smith Fan CT Smith Fan is offline
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What are the 696 no dash guns going for these days?This is a like new gun with box and paperwork.Thanks!
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  #38  
Old 12-23-2010, 06:38 AM
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New 696 no dash NIB will go for $1000.00+
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  #39  
Old 12-23-2010, 09:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RdrBill View Post
Sir.
I prefer a gun with a handle on it that is proportional to my hand size,
Me too....

But I have medium-sized hands, so the K/L size grips are more proportional to my hands.
I even have a hard time getting my hands around the factory Hogues on my 686.
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  #40  
Old 12-23-2010, 10:11 PM
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i think i would have by anyones judgement a pretty aedequate collection of smith pistols, among others. In fact i just picked up another 57.
having said that the 696 is probably at the top of the list in terms of being fun to shoot, accurate, and it isn't a wimp round pushing with a handload a 250grain bullet or so at 1000fps.
I do understand the five round limitation which could be an issue in some situations, but if so one more ain't gonna do it.
I am a pretty big guy at 6ft2 and i aint gonna give the weight. Love the 696 and wouldn't give it up. I sometimes carry it loaded with golddots.
I haven't felt undergunned with it other than the exception of being in parts of the arizona desert these days which calls for hi cap magazines and the same with a rifle.
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  #41  
Old 12-24-2010, 10:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave T View Post
Following along with Bill's comments, I have never figured out why S&W can't build a 44 Special on an L-frame and have a thick enough forcing cone when Charter Arms manages it in what is essentially a D-frame (Dick Special) Colt size revolver. Charter is still building them but S&W insists they can't manage a K-frame, 5-shot 44 Special. Baffling!

Dave
I had a Charter .44, the forcing cone was almost non existent on that gun, one of the reason I sold it.

The 696 really was a dud as I remember looking at L frames when these came out. No one wanted them. I passed on it one and went with a 686+ instead. Every once in awhile I would come across a post where someone tried to feed the 696 a hot load and killed the forcing cone.

Stick to standard Spl loads and the 696 is a nice gun. Try to mimic Elmer Keith and you can kiss it goodbye.

I agree that the price of this model has been driven up by collectors. I've picked up a few 624's and 24's cheaper and have been happier with the savings.
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  #42  
Old 12-31-2010, 07:20 PM
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Here's a 696 and a 396 to whet your appetite for these great guns.
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File Type: jpg 696396a.jpg (49.1 KB, 255 views)
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  #43  
Old 12-31-2010, 10:58 PM
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I have a 696 and I use mild loads. I find it one my more enjoyable guns to shoot. We don't have concealed carry so it is a range queen, but a fun one.
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  #44  
Old 12-31-2010, 11:45 PM
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JNewell thanks for posting the pictures, which do you like shooting more? I am in the process of buying a 696 and thought hard about the 396.
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  #45  
Old 01-02-2011, 01:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peyton View Post
JNewell thanks for posting the pictures, which do you like shooting more? I am in the process of buying a 696 and thought hard about the 396.
Well, you could guess...even with "just" .44 Special loads, the 396 has pretty sharp, spike-like recoil. The 696 is easier shooting, the 396 is easier carrying. Pretty much the same as my M60/M342 pairs.
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  #46  
Old 11-14-2012, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrEarl View Post
There seems to be lots of second-hand anecdotal info on the interwebs about 696s suffering split forcing cones. Anyone have FHE with this?
I have a 696. I made up a SS collar for an interference fit over the O.D. of the forcing cone.

I'm pushing a 205 gr cast bullet at approx 1000 fps.

No problems yet, but then again I haven't shot it that much.
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  #47  
Old 11-14-2012, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 5532JWK View Post
I have a 696 and like it very much

Me too.............
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  #48  
Old 11-14-2012, 11:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RdrBill View Post
CT.
I consider myself more of a shooter than collector. From that perspective.
I had one and sold it within a month. I have a serious dislike for the gun.
It is a poorly thought out engineering disaster.
It has one positive quality and that is, it shoots the .44 Special. Plus 1
It has a thin walled L frame barrel bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 1
It has a reduced capacity L Frame cylinder bored out to .44 caliber. Minus 2
It has a round butt K frame grip on it. Minus 2
It has an over inflated price on it. Minus 1
If you add up the plus and the minus count, it is not a good gun for a shooter.
When that gun came out , stores could not sell them to shooters. They quit making them because no one was buying them. They were a marketing Dud. Now that they are scarce, Collectors have started a price war over them, but only for their collectors value.
As a shooting gun, it is funny. It starts out with a big hole in the muzzle and as you move to the rear the gun keeps getting smaller. You end up with grips that are more appropriate on a 38 snubbie.
It is factory Bubbatized Frankengun.
You can buy a 4 inch 624 for 60-75% of the price of 696. A 624 is N frame from the front to the rear. Wonderful engineering.
There are many folks that like them. That is good. I am one of a few that does not. This is AMERICA, I get a choice.
I consider the 696 to be a good ladies purse gun, if it is not loaded with hot ammo.
Bill@Yuma
Lol, I just spit coffee all over the screen of my computer. You should learn not to hold back, and speak your mind on a subject every now and then .
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  #49  
Old 11-15-2012, 12:11 AM
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I traded my 696 for a Colt Commander. I made sure I had more than one before I did that however. Jim
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  #50  
Old 11-15-2012, 01:11 AM
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Alot of people love the "N" frame, same amount love the "K/L" frame, Then the little "J" has just as many loving it. That is why they build 4 frame sizes. Myself if it is bigger than a "L" Frame I have no use for it, you take a model 27 and a 686 - the 27 weight is 2X that of the 686. Now to the meat of this mile long "BS" is that the 696 is a great gun and will be around for a long time, I have two 696-0 one is the Queen and the other is for the woods. The 696 is like a model 19 - not made for hot loads. You eather love them or hate them.
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