I think there is now a cool factor to the 696 but, when it came out, I had a couple .44 magnums and I think my L- frame .357 revolvers are much more practical and so while I did think the 696 was kinda cool with it’s 3” bbl, I just couldn’t, wouldn’t go after one. And especially today that they bring such a remarkable fee, I think I would lean into one of the short model 610 revolvers but, they too seem less practical to me than the .357 and, I have a Glock 20 which to me, is more practical than two model 610s’. Flame away lol!