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10-31-2012, 01:41 AM
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Location: The free state of PA
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Just joined the 696 club ...
Well it took a while, searching high and low, but I finally obtained a 696 no dash. A very dirty, sufficiently fired model came into my LGS this morning. I was late getting in, so a friend had purchased it before I got there. After a bit of discussion, the 696 was traded straight up for an unfired USFA SA in .357 that had attained safe queen status several years ago. We both went away happy. The 696 looked to have been shot and never cleaned, so after a steady hour's time, a copper brush, a healthy dose of Gun Scrubber and BreakFree, and a bag of patches, the little .44 Special looks ready to proudly hit the range once again. The forcing cone seems to be in good shape (with no sign of cracks), and despite the layers of powder and grime, there was no flame cutting underneath. I have some high quality factory hollow points to run through it once the weather clears.
#1 on the wish list can now be checked off. Next is a suitable holster. Photos to follow.
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10-31-2012, 02:41 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southwestern Virginia
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I had a 696 no dash LNIB about 4 years ago I regret selling. Actually one of the Smiths I regret selling the most because I love 44 special and do not like 44 magnum anymore. I did pick up about a 98% 5 screw pre-24 in the original box/original grips, that took some of the pain/regret away. Congrats on your find, that no dash is definetly the one to have imo. Great hard to find gun!
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10-31-2012, 03:35 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Germany
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welcome to the club. don't magnumize your 696 and enjoy your membership 
regards from Germany
Ulrich
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10-31-2012, 01:13 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: nj
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welcome to the club!
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10-31-2012, 01:43 PM
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US Veteran
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: up-state SC
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I had the hots for a 696 for a couple of years. I wanted the gun as a EDC because I see the 44 special as one of the very best calibers for personal defense. A 240 grain lead slug with a large meplat at 850 to 1000 fps is still fairly easy to control and will get the job done in spades.
I finally gave up because of the inflated prices and difficulty in finding one. I still have my radar on, but doubt if I will luck into one at a decent price.
If I had one I would order a great IWB holster and start loading some 429421 lead semi-wad cutters. Away to the range I would go.
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10-31-2012, 05:10 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
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Welcome to the club and congrats. I use a little lighter weight Magnus 215 gr. cast SWC behind 6.5 grs Unique. A pleasure to shoot. You will love it.
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10-31-2012, 06:12 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: nj
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I stumbled upon mine in an out of the way small Gun Shop. My luck.added Ahrens grips. This was factory engraved.
Last edited by 1563621; 11-01-2012 at 09:49 AM.
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10-31-2012, 06:24 PM
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I don't understand why S&W does not offer the 696 as a current model.
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10-31-2012, 07:58 PM
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This thread is worthless with no pic's!!!!
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11-13-2012, 02:39 AM
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Not the greatest photos, but it's been cleaned up and taken to the range. I was surprised at how nice it was to shoot ... recoil was not an issue with the stock grips, and it was dead on accurate at 15 paces. I fired a few cylinders of factory CCIs into a 3" group, and was very pleased with the results. Now I know what the 696 club members have been raving about all this time. Next up is a Threepersons rig from Lobo, and the 696 will have a holster that befits its status as one of my most cherished revolvers.
One question for anyone who might know ... the third photo shows the original box's label. What does the Special Order # denote? The 696 looks stock to me in all respects.
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11-13-2012, 02:45 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Oct 2012
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Jealous! Congrats on your purchase sir!
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11-13-2012, 03:08 AM
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Very Nice grab.
You lucky Dog....
Good things come to he who...has a good trading pardner.
Chuck
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11-13-2012, 08:55 AM
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One question for anyone who might know ... the third photo shows the original box's label. What does the Special Order # denote? The 696 looks stock to me in all respects.[/QUOTE]
MC5AW,
Nice looking piece. One of the more knowledgeable here on the Forum have stated that the spec order # is a Julian date of birth. It translates to 327th day of 1996. Welcome to the club. The 696 is my favorite of all.
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11-13-2012, 09:01 AM
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About time  ...................seriously Adam, nice score. Welcome 
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