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05-11-2008, 05:52 AM
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I`ve had a hankerin` for a 44 spec. Did S&W make an earlier one with a light weight frame. I`m not talkin` about anything airlite just a lighter belt carry frame maybe like an "L" or something under an "N" frame ? Also, what kind of accuracy do the 44spec`s get and what barrel length works best.
Burch
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05-11-2008, 05:52 AM
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I`ve had a hankerin` for a 44 spec. Did S&W make an earlier one with a light weight frame. I`m not talkin` about anything airlite just a lighter belt carry frame maybe like an "L" or something under an "N" frame ? Also, what kind of accuracy do the 44spec`s get and what barrel length works best.
Burch
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05-11-2008, 06:08 AM
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The 696 is an L frame stainless five shot .44Spec. 3", but it is not much lighter than the N frames.
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Dick
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05-11-2008, 06:33 AM
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as diamondback said, the 696 was a 5 shot L fram 44 special... seemed to be a sleeper model when in production, but now they are highly sought after and a premium will usually have to be paid for one... I found mine just over a month ago and it is one of my favorites... extremely accurate.
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05-11-2008, 08:25 AM
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That`s a nice looking revolver. Did they just come with a 3" barrel or maybe a 4" ?
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05-11-2008, 08:38 AM
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If you are fortunate enough to "stumble" upon an "early" Charter Arms Bulldog (1991 or earlier) with a 3" barrel, you just bay get your wish. My stainless steel 1991 example has fired many rounds, and has yet to exhibit problems.
I prefer the precision of their earlier models than the later examples, but my wife's 2006 Bulldog shoots very well too. I prefer the 3" barrel over the 2-2 1/2" tubes.
Good luck in your search!
Scott
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05-11-2008, 08:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by burch:
Did they just come with a 3" barrel or maybe a 4" ?
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They just came with a 3" barrel but accuracy is not a problem. This target is 50 shots at 15 yards. They are super revolvers and carry as well as a 686 snubbie.
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AL
Pax Per Potens
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05-11-2008, 10:09 AM
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So what year or years did they run and which one is the best.
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05-11-2008, 01:30 PM
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I dont have my SCSW in front of me but I believe the production started in 1996-1997... this model was the 696 no dash and is the most desirable. still had the hammer mounted firing pin, no MIM and no lock. I think sometime in 1997 the 696-1 was introduced with the MIM parts and frame mounted pin. stayed unchanged until 01 or 02 when the lock was introduced which made it a 696-2. was discontinued shortly after. I cant say that one functions any better than the other, but the no dash holds a premium over the -1 as the -1 does over the -2.
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05-11-2008, 04:01 PM
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The only one I ever saw was post MIM which turned me off of it since it was for carry. I eventually got a Taurus 445 which I didn't care for either but it was a lot cheaper and a lot lighter. I couldn't find decent grips for it so I gave that up and carried a variety of 3" N framed 629s, 657s and a 24. They were all 6 shooters and felt a little lighter than the 696 to me.
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05-11-2008, 07:09 PM
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Below see my 3" 696 and 4" 629 - with S&W (Hogue) .500 Magnum grips. The 5-shot L-frame, due to the thin front of the frame, has a dimunitive forcing cone. Often, the barrels were over-tightened, leaving a ring viewable in the barrel (Not mine.). Not really what you want to launch Keith level loads from. It weighs 35.5 oz.
Now the basic, everyday, 4" 629 (SKU # 163603): First, it's a sixshooter - a .44 Magnum. It has a larger hammer & trigger - and a 4" barrel. Mine sports those S&W Accessories grips for recoil absorption. It weighs 6 oz more - 41.5 oz - and, if bought new, will likely cost you less than a good used 696 these edays - it has a cult following! You want a great 4" .44 Special? Get a 4" 629 - or, if you can find it, get the 629 Mountain Gun - it only weighs four ounces more than the 696!
My 696 has a home - but the 4" 629 will be here when it is gone.
Stainz
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05-12-2008, 03:33 PM
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S&W also made the 296, an aluminum "L" frame hammerless 5-shot in 44 special. I believe that S&W is also introducing a 396 "NightGuard" model currently, or is about to introduce this gun. Ask at your local gunshop about it, everything else is going to be hard to find.
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05-12-2008, 05:03 PM
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The 624's even on an N-frame are not as heavy as the 629's due in part to the shorter cylinder, and standard or tapered barrel, plus you get 6 shots and the N-frame will hadle stouter loads than the L-frame.
[IMG:top] [/IMG]
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05-12-2008, 07:28 PM
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The only light weight 44 Special I'm aware of is the 396. Its a 5 shot L frame, just like the 696.
The difference being that its made from aluminum alloy and titanium instead of stainless steel.
Or if you prefer, you can buy a 329 44 Magnum and shoot Specials thru it. Either way you get a lighter gun than a steel gun of the same frame size.
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Dick Burg
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05-13-2008, 04:24 AM
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Here, for perspective, is my 296 and my 642:
The new 396 'Night Guard' has a steel cylinder - weighs 24 oz - and has night sights - and an MSRP of $1,011 - GADS!!
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05-13-2008, 05:37 AM
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Stainz-
Do you carry your 296? If so, can you tell me your carry method, holster, etc.
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05-13-2008, 05:49 AM
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I also carry a 296. I have a soft, moisture/heat proof Barsony IWB holster that I bought on ebay. Un-like stiff leather it feels great against the skin. Made a decent off and bought 5 of them for different frame sizes. They work great here in Florida. George
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05-13-2008, 08:48 AM
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I got Robert Mika to make me a 296 holster - it fits ~80% of my britches front pockets - the 642 fits the rest. Great product!
Stainz
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12-15-2008, 06:01 PM
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YEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWW !!!!!!!!!!!!
I`m on a line for a 696 no dash. Will keep ya`ll posted. If this works out it`ll be my third S&W. The guy ( which I know as a mutual friend/buisness aquaintence )has tons of guns in his safe and never shoots `em anymore or shows any interest in shooting `em again. He even let me take it home for a test run and said keep it as long as ya want. It has some light scratches on it from him moving it around his safe but nothing that can`t be polished out i`m sure. The bore and cylinder throats are excellent. The lock up is very tight which leads me to believe it hasn`t even been shot much. Call the Law, i`ve commited a crime.
Burch
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Tags
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44 magnum, 624, 629, 642, 686, 696, airlite, hammerless, hogue, l frame, leather, lock, mountain gun, n-frame, nightguard, scsw, taurus, titanium |
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