Several years ago I traded a friend a 686 Mtn Gun for a 696 no dash with box. I had it for many years and never shot it. Another friend wanted it, he thought and traded me a NIB 5" 27-2 that I thought I really wanted.He has been bugging me ever since to trade him back. I didn't like the fact that his a27-2 was NIB. I like hight condition shooters. We traded back and this time I am shooting the 696. I really like .44sp.