The 69 should feel about the same as a 696. both are L frames, both are 5 shot. The 69 has 1/4 inch shorter barrel but because of the new style lock-up still is able to have a full length ejector . The 69 also has the ability to be not attempting to load 44 special to the max because all loading can dabble into a 44 mag range or all the way to full 44 mag power. Same size package without the power limits. I would only buy a 696 as a safe queen since the introduction of the 69. The 69 should make the 696 into a more collectable item. So if you wish to only fire reasonable 44 specials {not push the limit} there would be no real reason to buy a 69 other than to save the 696 as an investment if you have a mint one.

My 696 has only seen the Skeeter loads and does just fine with them. It is nice to carry on mountain trails but I need to find a better holster (suggestions welcome). I do shoot N-frames more but no concerns after about 400 rounds with the 696. I'll report back after about 4000 rounds.

I enjoy seeing old posts re-activated. It gives perspective on evolving opinion.
Scott

I'm one of those posting on here that cc a 4 inch barrel 44 sp. Although I did play linebacker in my early days, only weighed 180 and now 170, I have no trouble cc in any season.

I may get this one.

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The 696 is the most accurate revolver I’ve ever shot.

Oh wait a minute, they’re garbage.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/135716823-post16.html

I recently bought a 696 no dash. The gun met all my expectations. It is pleasant to shoot, very accurate and carries easily for hiking or ranch work.
It shoots 200 gr. hard casts at around 850 fps very well.
I always viewed the 696 as a great platform for launching relatively heavy projectiles at moderate velocity out of a compact gun.
I have a 60-10 and find the 696 to be for the 44 spcl, what the 60-10 is for the 357 mag. Smaller easier to carry and very capable as long as you are not trying to make a grenade launcher out of it.

Back when I seen them on the shelves, I should have bought 3 or 4 of them but was ore into Cz collecting (Founder, CZ forum.com) then
concentrating on my .44 Specials (Charter, 624) and .44 Mags.

The 696 offered a heavier gun than the Bulldog, and not too much
more money thand a Charter Arms,.before S&W jumped in price.

It was cool, but not the DA .44 Special that I dreamed about to go with my other Ruger DA and Single-actions.

Now that we have had the GP44 for a couple years, I think that Smith
should bring back the 696.

I'm out of reloading for good, and the only .44 Special I can find locally is
Speer 200 grain Gold Dot, but still know where awe some carry ammo is:



So, the practice ammo issue leaves the GP44, Bulldogs
and any new or used 696 revolvers off the table for me.

So enjoy them all.

The 696 has a little better trigger but both are equal down range.

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A 696 is on my bucket list when my finances will afford it.

Til then I have had to settle for my Rossi M720 that though similar to the 696, just isn't quite the same. But I can feel more comfortable CCing the 720 because it isn't as highly valued as the 696.

44 Special has become my favorite caliber to reload and shoot.

Found practice ammo locally.


GP44 is pretty sweet shooting!



Might even prompt me back into reloading.

I have a 24-3 3" and a 24-4 6 1/2" and no 696 But... My 2 3/4" model 69 is close enough!

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!

Here's my 686 with Keith Brown Combat Roper grips.

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