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

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

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

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.

That`s a nice looking revolver. Did they just come with a 3" barrel or maybe a 4" ?

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

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

So what year or years did they run and which one is the best.

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.

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.

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

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.

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]

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

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!!

Stainz-

Do you carry your 296? If so, can you tell me your carry method, holster, etc.

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

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

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