I bought a nice 44 Spec at an auction a week or so ago and am trying to get some info. I haven't been following the new S&Ws all that well. The gun is marked as a Model 696 stainless of course with a 3 inch bbl. As new in the box with papers etc. It is a pre lock at the least with the firing pin on the hammer. Round butt with rubber grips(gag). I assume it is built on an L frame as it is a 5 shooter. Any additional info is appreciated. I like the 44 spec and couldn't help myself. It is a bit smaller than my M-24 with a heavier bbl. I got it for what I consider a fair price of 425. Any others here have any experience with this gun? Love to here your comments. I also got 4 boxes of older Winchester 44 spec ammo at the auction for 5 bucks a box..so I know I did good on that...Thanks in advance.. I do have some other questions I will address in another thread on a Lew Horton gun

You did very well at that price. There have been other 696 threads recently, mostly about what loads to use. I'm sure you'll get lots of replies. Congratulations!

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

WOW! You just did what I call hitting a bases loaded home-run on that deal! And what a deal on that ammo! The 696 came with rubber grips. And you got the first issue run if there is no lock and firing pin is on hammer. I have seen these going for $700-$750. Once in a while you get one! GOOD FOR YOU!!!

I'm surprised that I did that good. I really like S&W revolvers. Most of the few I have are pre 1975..heck most are pre 1960. Most of my guns are pre 1960. Some I no longer shoot. Just worth to much. I just have a liking for the 44 Spec so I bought the darn thing. As far as the ammo. I bought a Coleman cooler full of factory ammo for 200 bucks. I ended up with 54 boxes of various calibers. Had 5 boxes of 45 Colt. I kept a box and sold the rest of it as I very seldom shoot the 45 Colt and I have lots of ammo for it loaded up and on the shelf. Was the 696 built on the L frame??

Yes, the 696 is an L-Frame. You got a smokin' deal on that one. Did good on the ammo too. I bought the first one in my area in 1997 and I paid just slightly less than you did, and mine was new. I think you'll really enjoy that revolver. I've carried mine quite a bit concealed. It's not hard if you dress around it and get a quality holster. Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

I haven't followed S&Ws for a few years so I wasn't sure what frame they used...although I figured it must have been the L..If I carry I usually carry a Wilson Combat 45..Mainly because I've carried one since The late lamented nastiness in Southeast Asia. I have carried othersincluding a M-19 in the 4 inch persuasion. Carrying a gun is a PITA so living in Wy as I do now I very seldom carry. Every body else around me has one so they'll probably save me I may actually carry this one though. As you said..dressing around it really doesn't look too hard to do. Thanks for the info Now I think I gotta get that 3 inch 657 I'm lookin at.

Stick with factory or mid-range reloads and it will shoot forever. Big bore, small (relatively) package...the perfect packing large caliber revolver. Mine shoots very well and is capable of great accuracy with the right ammo and if I do my part. Repeating what was said here, a terrific price for a quality piece!

Congratulations on the purchase of a great S&W revolver and at great price.

You will love how it handles and shoots!
I got one for the same price a few months back!
You DID FANTASTIC!

__________________
Need 1/2 moon Chiefs special

You did well.

Mine is a dash 1 696 and the fireing pin is in the frame. Also, I read an article posted on another thread that alluded to polygonal rifling, so I looked at mine and my gun has conventional rifling.

At this point, I am not sure whether the article was in error, or if indeed some of the 696s did have polygonal rifling.

I would be interested in reports by other 696 owners.

Here is the link to the article that I referred to above....
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44SpecialRevisited.htm

You got a great deal !!!!!!!!! I thought I did good getting the same gun at $650.00

..and will check my 696 for the rifling in question. I do have one thing to say about the article though. I do not consider the 696 as "dainty". Almost the perfect size in my opinion.. Will post a pic of the one I obtained in the next day or so. Hopefully with the 3" 657.. wooo hooo

I agree with you on the dainty part.

The L frame was designed to withstand continous shooting in the 357 Mg. at 35K. Therefore, it (the frame)will stand continous shooting in a 44 Sp. at ~ 25K.

Now it is also important to note that the forcing cone in .44 Caliber is a little on the thin side, so with that in mind, I would keep the loads to about 20K which is all anyone wants in this 3" gun anyway.

It is definately a +P capable gun.

Can't address the pistol issues since I have never even seen one of that model. But I love that .44 Special caliber. In my opinion it is one of the sweetest and most accurate calibers in a hand gun.

__________________
Freedom is not Free!
Charlie