|
|
|
11-15-2012, 01:28 AM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 103
Liked 139 Times in 88 Posts
|
|
I know I have plenty of options, but still wanted one of these so badly I paid a premium for it. Now the issue is since I bought a nib example should I buy a used one, and keep the other a safe queen lol
Last edited by Chaosrob; 11-15-2012 at 01:33 AM.
|
11-15-2012, 01:30 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Central New Mexico
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 1,179
Liked 1,117 Times in 409 Posts
|
|
All the above and few pics, what's wrong with us?
As to the "five-shot-only" concerns...........here's one of the guns which "Won the west." It was-and-is carried as a "five-shooter".
__________________
Have guns...will shoot'em.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-15-2012, 10:01 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The free state of PA
Posts: 5,224
Likes: 5,721
Liked 8,584 Times in 2,782 Posts
|
|
If five rounds of .44 Special isn't enough to do the job, it's time to drop the revolver and find a rifle.
__________________
I'm with the banned ...
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-15-2012, 12:28 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 22
Liked 1,383 Times in 454 Posts
|
|
As a 696 owner I have to agree with Bills opinion. When S&W came out with these they were a poor seller and it seemed like they couldn't give them away. At the time, as Bill points out, there were many valid reasons for it's lack of popularity.
Look at the lowly Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Special, when it appeared it was hugely popular though nowhere near the quality of the 696. But that Charter Bulldog is to this day still selling well. It's a 5 shot, very small and very concealable option for those who like the calibre.
The 696, with it's short production run is now a very collectable revolver and it has a "cool to own" factor. I enjoy shooting my no dash from time to time and had I known what they'd be going for years later I would have bought several of them for an investment.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-15-2012, 12:48 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,013
Likes: 5,063
Liked 7,778 Times in 2,653 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by semperfi71
All the above and few pics, what's wrong with us?
|
OK, I'll play.
This came to me with the combats on it, but I have the original grips in the box.
I don't shoot this as much as I ought to.
__________________
David Wilson
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-15-2012, 02:46 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 31,721
Likes: 62,604
Liked 55,988 Times in 17,433 Posts
|
|
Count me in and I love the goodyears.
__________________
Just another brick in the wall
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-15-2012, 08:30 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Central New Mexico
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 1,179
Liked 1,117 Times in 409 Posts
|
|
I'm thinking I might go back to the "Goodyears".
Today I shot 105 rounds from the bench with my M696 utilizing the stocks pictured with it. Darn thing bit me in the web of my thumb!
__________________
Have guns...will shoot'em.
|
11-15-2012, 10:02 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 15,256
Liked 10,953 Times in 2,047 Posts
|
|
I sure do enjoy mine.........
only pic I have of it, with its 3 inch 66 cousin.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-25-2018, 09:55 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 98
Likes: 8
Liked 106 Times in 40 Posts
|
|
I love my 696 no dash. It is a very accurate gun.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-28-2018, 02:30 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 2,149
Liked 2,255 Times in 900 Posts
|
|
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...
|
07-28-2018, 12:03 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Posts: 444
Likes: 311
Liked 605 Times in 122 Posts
|
|
Hmmm. 6 year old thread.
|
07-28-2018, 09:09 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 527
Liked 3,817 Times in 1,244 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tipoc
Hmmm. 6 year old thread.
|
So true!
That said, the 696 is worth resurrecting a thread over.
I sure do like mine! Drove 4+ hours each way to get it from a guy in LA, he met me in Bakersfield, and as you know, here in California, you have to do FTF, then come back in 10 days, so I drove it twice.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-29-2018, 01:05 AM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Iberia, Louisiana
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 25,427
Liked 3,382 Times in 1,736 Posts
|
|
Since just about any of the 24-3 series and 624 series "N" framed 44 revolvers sell very well besides not being made for quite a few years now. I've always wondered why they never made any more 44 specials on the "N" frame??. Limited market? or too busy with their line of ar style rifles they have been making and selling for sometime?. My 624 with the 6.5" barrel shooting some winchester 200 grain silvertips has the recoil of about a 38 special. The 3" and 4" bbld 24-3 that I have also do not recoil all that much. My Ruger Redhawk in 44 magnum has been quietly reposing in the safe since I got those three 44 specials. And this from a shooter who shot 50-100 rounds out of the Redhawk at more than just a few range sessions. Frank
Last edited by Frank46; 07-29-2018 at 01:06 AM.
|
07-31-2018, 09:35 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Black Hills South Dakota
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 9,632
Liked 3,128 Times in 1,187 Posts
|
|
S&W Model 696-1 44Spl
Thread resurrection.
My New In Box Factory Fired S&W Model 696-1
44Spl 3"Bbl. Bought a few months ago.
__________________
All S.D. Vote NO on Ref Law 21
|
07-31-2018, 09:41 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 350
Likes: 20
Liked 481 Times in 142 Posts
|
|
Isn't the Model 69 an "improved" version of the 696? Same size but can handle .44 Special and Magnum?
When I say improved I mean a stronger platform for Magnum loads.
Last edited by fortyshooter; 07-31-2018 at 09:43 PM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-31-2018, 09:55 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: CNY
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 7,027
Liked 4,834 Times in 1,425 Posts
|
|
Had one. Sold it. I consider my 66-1 snubby to be better in every way.
__________________
'Merica!
|
07-31-2018, 10:08 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Upstate, SC
Posts: 171
Likes: 177
Liked 168 Times in 68 Posts
|
|
I'm happy with my 696 no-dash. Bought it when they first came out over 20 years ago. Not interested in the 69 after checking it out. One revolver in 44 Mag (a 629-1) is all I need. Can't get enough 44 Specials. Own 5 of them with another one on they way.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-01-2018, 10:13 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SE Pennsylvania
Posts: 171
Likes: 47
Liked 168 Times in 61 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bacon
I'm happy with my 696 no-dash. Bought it when they first came out over 20 years ago. Not interested in the 69 after checking it out. One revolver in 44 Mag (a 629-1) is all I need. Can't get enough 44 Specials. Own 5 of them with another one on they way.
|
I can't decide. I thoroughly enjoy my 696 no dash and would never consider selling it but I wonder about the forcing cone. I would like to feel I could use "Keith" loads in my 696 if need be and it seems the 69 resolves that. I would probably never shoot full magnum loads in a 69.
Maybe someday I will run in to someone at the range and get a chance to try one.
|
08-01-2018, 10:53 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 515
Liked 332 Times in 96 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrEarl
There seems to be lots of second-hand anecdotal info on the interwebs about 696s suffering split forcing cones. Anyone have FHE with this?
|
If you could provide a link or reference that would be much appreciated. I've never heard this about this particular gun... I would be very interested in this information...
|
08-01-2018, 10:56 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Wis
Posts: 439
Likes: 1,049
Liked 580 Times in 239 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rkrcpa
I can't decide. I thoroughly enjoy my 696 no dash and would never consider selling it but I wonder about the forcing cone. I would like to feel I could use "Keith" loads in my 696 if need be and it seems the 69 resolves that. I would probably never shoot full magnum loads in a 69.
Maybe someday I will run in to someone at the range and get a chance to try one.
|
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.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-01-2018, 10:59 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: N. New Mexico
Posts: 422
Likes: 1,715
Liked 632 Times in 205 Posts
|
|
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
|
08-01-2018, 02:26 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 23,907
Liked 4,750 Times in 1,621 Posts
|
|
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.
|
08-07-2018, 11:14 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 80
Liked 132 Times in 62 Posts
|
|
I may get this one.
Last edited by bigshep85; 08-07-2018 at 11:17 PM.
|
08-08-2018, 08:34 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 31,721
Likes: 62,604
Liked 55,988 Times in 17,433 Posts
|
|
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
Last edited by ladder13; 08-08-2018 at 08:36 AM.
|
08-08-2018, 09:44 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 1,302
Liked 4,380 Times in 1,375 Posts
|
|
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.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-08-2018, 06:39 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Clarkston, WA
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times in 17 Posts
|
|
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.
|
08-08-2018, 06:52 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: VA.
Posts: 221
Likes: 198
Liked 246 Times in 63 Posts
|
|
The 696 has a little better trigger but both are equal down range.
|
08-09-2018, 07:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 923
Likes: 1,115
Liked 1,836 Times in 604 Posts
|
|
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.
|
09-13-2018, 06:04 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Clarkston, WA
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times in 17 Posts
|
|
Found practice ammo locally.
GP44 is pretty sweet shooting!
Might even prompt me back into reloading.
|
09-13-2018, 10:10 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 2,149
Liked 2,255 Times in 900 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportsterguy
"But...it is a bit of a "strange concept". I think it is too large to carry in normal concealed circumstances, except for maybe offensive linemen in the NFL. It might work if a normal to bigger sized person goes about with a coat or jacket on. Or carries it in a purse, with little room for anything else."
I have to disagree with that statement. With a quality holster, belt, the correct outergarmet and a larger waist size in the pants that 696 will dissapear and be quite comfortable to carry with a Inside the Waistband holster. Been legally packing a full size 1911 since 93 IWB and also pack a 3" 657 .41 mag OWB, and a few other S&W's and never has anyone ever noticed them. I'm 5' 7"'s and 167 lbs BTW.
My only complaint with the 696 is it's missing one hole, but makes up for that as its a potent round that shoots very well in a small package. Like many other Smiths I wish I would have bought a prelock when they first came out and prices were down on them. A 3" 686 is the better gun for SD but only when using magnums for the extra power and can be had for less money.
With that said I still want one!
|
As to the emboldened.. I'm a big guy, ex athlete and I stay in shape. However, I got up to almost 270lbs in January; I looked good everywhere except the stomach. I've carried a 3" M629 for the last year, OWB Holster, with a Beltman Bullhide Belt. The revolver/rig still concealed/hid nicely and was comfortable to wear even driving my truck. However, since February I decided to get back to the weight I was when my wife met me as a promise to her. Since Feb, I've lost 35lbs.. 90% of it was in the gut "front butt", region. Oh, and I no longer have a double chin which is a plus too, hahaha! I went from a 40" waist to a 35" waist after a nice dinner! And the same gun/rig now fits and conceals even better on me @ 6'2" and weighing a comfortable 235lbs.
It's all about the holster and belt combo rig I certainly agree with you about that! Nobody has to be a ogre to OWB an "N" frame. My little brother is 6'1" and 185lbs. He carries a 625 I recently sold him, with a good belt and Azula holster that you have to look hard to see any kind print and 98.5% of the Sheeple will never think twice.
Pic of me a couple months ago of me with the Jerry Miculek M625 with a quality belt and aforementioned Azula Holster (I sold him the whole set-up.) This rig stayed so snug to my body that there was pretty much zero printing. In summation, I think a trimmed waist person can OWB an L or N frame 3" or 4" barreled Revolver better than someone with a bigger waist. This has been my experience
at least. YMMV..
Last edited by HamHands; 09-13-2018 at 10:19 PM.
Reason: Edited for Syntax and to add another pic
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-03-2023, 09:48 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 11,197
Likes: 19,152
Liked 26,816 Times in 7,447 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13
I love my 696-1 and if anyone cares to dispose of their burdensome pre-lock 696's give me a shout. Factor the negatives into the price, too.
I'd trade my 98-99% 4 inch 24-3 for two of them no-dash 696's if someone is looking to empty the trash.
|
I bet you would!
Been 13 years since you made this offer, anyone take you up on it!
I now have two 696 no dashes and wouldn’t trade them for a bunch of 4” 624s.
__________________
213th FBINA
Last edited by CH4; 09-03-2023 at 09:52 AM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-03-2023, 03:06 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cedaredge Co.
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 11
Liked 3,049 Times in 1,052 Posts
|
|
Had on, sold it and bought it back!
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.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-03-2023, 03:25 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 134
Likes: 262
Liked 118 Times in 56 Posts
|
|
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!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
09-03-2023, 04:14 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sorta Downeast
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 3,957
Liked 2,455 Times in 579 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JNewell
Looks to me like there are only three words missing here..."opinion," "my" and "in." Not necessarily in that order, of course.
|
I like it.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
09-03-2023, 04:30 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal/native Montanan
Posts: 583
Likes: 1,547
Liked 536 Times in 258 Posts
|
|
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!
|
09-03-2023, 05:32 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Death Valley, AZ
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 14,988
Liked 9,364 Times in 1,456 Posts
|
|
Here's my 686 with Keith Brown Combat Roper grips.
__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
|
|
Tags
|
1911, 624, 657, 686, 696, ccw, colt, concealed, hammerless, k frame, k-frame, l frame, lock, m60, model 60, model 625, n-frame, prelock, primer, redhawk, round butt, ruger, sig arms |
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|