I'm an "N" and "J" frame nut... I'm kicking myself for not picking up a 696 when I had the chance. I instead opted for a vintage Lew Horton 3" M29... Of which has become my favorite handgun/revolver because well... it's pretty great & I love the .44Special round. I carry hot Keith Hard Casts running 950+ out of that 3" barrel for my woods load. I don't think that's too hot for a 696 though. 1050fps is pushing it for sure. The 696 just might be the perfect sized revolver. I'm happy with my 3" M29 and M629 but I'm going to start looking for a 696 especially now since I'm into hand loading I can tailor a hard cast .44Special that will still put the big hurt on anything in Appalachia all the while with the comfort of an "L" frame...