Bring back the original 696 with the hammer mounted firing pin. That's my wish and I'm stickin' to it.

With or with out the Hillary hole?

I second Eminence's suggestion. What could be better than a large caliber concealable revolver with the S&W logo on the side and a firing pin on the hammer. I have always loved the looks of the 2-1/2" and 3" 686, but don't like the piercing blast of the 357magnum (especially out of a short barreled revolver). The 696 has the looks, plus a darn big hole in the business end. And you get to keep your eardrums and nightvision as well. What could be better, except a 45colt version, but I digress.

__________________
Hastings

..what I got in mind, but a smilar model with the heavy barrel, the standard shrouded ejectorrod and if it's possible... the absence of THE LOCK.
Internal or hammer-mounted firingpin..I don't care.

The recoil of the .44 Special is tamed with this setup. Maybe it would be enough weight with the 3" pencil-barrel, but the gun would not look
right in combination with the L-frame.

BUT BRING THAT BABY IN BLUED STEEL!!!!!!!! (i'm a oldfashioned fart, period)


Swissman

Hummm, a "596"- 3" 44 Special L-Frame. I think you're on to something Swissman. I'd buy one!

__________________
195th Session FBINA

I had a 696 and foolishly let someone talk me out of it... I know, I know!

I'd buy another!

I would like one!

Aloha,

One, yes, 2 maybe.....

If the Wife shoots it and likes it, 3

I would buy one immediately!

I have a 696 my wife bought for me Christmas, 1996. I would also like to see a "596"!

Are you listening S&W?

i just made a deal for a 696 no dash, hammer mounted firing pin here in Georgia. That 5 shot .44 has a lot going for it, and I am satisfied that if Smith really marketed them, they would sell all they could make....
I am going to qualify with my new wheelgun this year, just to show the young kids how it is really done

I'd like to see one with a 3" "Mountain Gun" barrel.

Great site you guys have hear!!!

For me the best possible Smith would be pretty simple:
Blued L Frame
Round Butt
44 spec.
4" barrel ala the 581
Fixed sights

I'd need 2.

Perfect! I'd take two. Must be pre-MIM and No Lock and with the hammer-mounted firing pin.

I'm not wishing any longer. I finally got one new in the box, no dash, no lock. Paid more than some but less than some others. I talked to a Smith rep at the SHOT Show and he was adamant that they would not make another run of 696's. His take was that they would have to produce at least 500 units and they would not be able to sell anything near that number. Bummer for those still looking. Hang in there.