As a fan of .44 Special (not sure why, just am) and a Smith collector, I've had my eye out for a 3" stainless 696 for a while yet none have come up for sale locally(they can't be shipped to CA without a hassle these days). The other day, this 396NG caught my eye at the local shop and after checking it out, I decided to go for it. I had never considered any of the the Night Guard series before so I didn't even know this model existed.

I had it out at the range yesterday and I have to say, this thing is pretty sweet! It shoots roughly 1" high from POA at 7 yards with my handloads and groups much tighter than I was expecting considering it had a heavy main spring and I was shooting double action. Recoil was noticeable but definitely not bad at all. I have a Charter Arms Bulldog that is smaller than this but the steel frame seems to soak up a bit more recoil. I'll have to shoot them side by side though.

Once I got it home and pulled it all the way apart to clean it up inside and out, I found myself shocked at how light the bare frame is. All the weight (and it's not that much) is in the cylinder. My 2.5" 686 felt like a tank next to it!

What's the word on longevity of these scandium frames? Do these fall into the carry a lot, shoot a little category or will they hold up to regular use? To be fair, "regular use" for my guns like this one is about 50-100 rounds every few months as I rotate through my collection so I doubt I have to be too concerned.

Good looking gun. Of all the Night Guard revolvers, the 396 is the one that makes me think I might want one. This model is out of production now -- never was very popular -- but I have an eye out for one at my LGS. They have the odd NG from time to time.

I like the L-frame .44s. I already hava a 696 and 296, so this would sort of bridge the gap.

Congratulations on the score. And yes, the empty frame on a scandium gun almost floats away. I put a steel cylinder in my 296 to give it a couple more ounces of weight.

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David Wilson

I did a double take when i first saw it as I was shocked both that there was a .44 Special L frame for sale in my area AND at a reasonable price(considering it was in SoCal). I'm surprised it's still on "the list" given that it's out of production.

I'll definitely add a 696 to my collection if I come across one. I'm glad I found this one first as I really like it and probably wouldn't have thought twice about it if I had a 696 already.

That's a beauty, I picked up the 386ng at a good price and love the way it shoots. I'd take one of the 396's if I come across a deal..

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Jack C

Nice score.

I picked mine up last year when Buds knocked them down to $650 because they had been discontinued.

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Watch & Pray

I consider any Aluminium or Scandium framed gun a light duty shooter, but a great carry gun.

Nothing wrong with that IMHO, it is what they were made for.

I have a 325 NG and really like it.

Excellent! That's pretty close to what I paid as well, which was a surprise here in SoCal. Mine was used, but barely. I made up that the original owner bought it, shot it a few times and realized the cost of .44 Special was too high. Worked out for me!

Yeah, I assumed this wouldn't stand up to heavy use over time. I tend not to shoot any gun all that much through the year so I'm sure this one will last forever.

The 325 is the only one of the Night Guards I have ever even looked at before. Seems like a nice gun. It's a larger frame than the 396 with a compatible round, so I imagine it's a nice shooter. I need to get a 625 before I even consider a 325 again!

Well, since you are a 44 Special freek, I would suggest you look hard and long till you fine the right 696 for you.

That way you have a steel gun and a lightweight gun in the same calibre, and in the same size. Same holsters, same speedloaders etc...

Use the steel gun for the "primary shooter", and the Scandium gun for the "primary carrier".
Each one backs up the other.

I have been doing this since @1971/1972, with steel and airweight Bodyguards and Centennials.
A great plan, IMHO.

The last original 396, the last of the 696/296/396 trio to be offered and canned, I saw locally languished in the case at $569 new. It was lighter than the NG version - it had, like the 296, a Ti cylinder. Like the 696, it had an adjustable rear sight and 3" barrel. Of course, the NG version languished there - almost in the same spot - at nearly $300 more! It may still be there! BTW, after nearly nine years of ownership of a 296 & 696, I will agree re the carry a lot/shoot infrequently life of the 296 - mine has 2,400 - 2,600 rounds thru it - mostly 200gr Gold Dots. The 696 likes lead.

Now the info nobody asked about. My 696 was/is fun - but it's less than six ounces lighter than my 4" 629, which carries six, has a larger hammer and trigger, longer barrel, a real forcing cone (The L-frames fc's are thin edged.), and will chamber and fire Keith-level .44 S&W Specials (... and .44 Magnums!). A new 4" 629-6, SKU #163603, will likely be less than a nice 696, too.

I bought my '325NG - equivalent' for $300+ less than the best local sale price of a 325NG. Same moonclips, although it also came with a few x2 clips. Same Al/Sc frame construction, tritium front Night Sight, fixed rear, and, even with it's longer black SS cylinder, it only weighs 1.8 oz more. I bought a Governor! For my confused days, it'll also chamber & fire .45 Schofield and Colts - and, if I am into remodelling/urban renewal, 2.5" .410's.

Actually, shows how much I know, I thought the 396NG was the ultimate offering in the NG series - and it was out for the shortest time. Of course, I have always been fond of the .44 S&W Special, a round not desired by the masses - ever! I finally accepted reality - bought a couple of 629's, a 4" & 6", and they are my main '.44 S&W Special' revolvers. My 296 in a R. Mika pocket holster - still gets some carry. It's like my 642... just a bit bigger!

Congrats on the 396NG find!

Stainz

I got one last year for fall/winter carry. While the DA trigger is still pretty stiff (but clean), the SA pull is perfect. I just need to shoot it more. Nice find, they are great guns with regards to weight, caliber, and power.

The .44 Special has caught my attention also and as you say I'm not sure why either.

Anyhow, I have only owned a few guns but currently I own two scandium framed revolvers, a 340 M&P and a 329 PD. Using wholly unscientific reasoning, if the 340 M&P and 329 PD can both hold up to .357 and .44 Magnums respectively then I would have complete faith in shooting .44 Specials from the 396 Nightguard for as long as I live. That is of course my opinion. I have not had any issues with magnums, or specials for that matter, in either of my two scandium guns. That being said I don't shoot too many through either. The 329 PD is my woods gun and I load it with 255 grain Keith rounds. I do inspect them both regularly to look for cracks and other issues, a practice I would not perform as often with an all steel revolver.

On Friday I discovered that my local gun shop has a NIB 396 Nightguard that just might go on layway today . They also have a 10mm Nightguard, which I must admit is tempting... I digress. Anyhow, I knew about the gun but I hadn't bothered to look around the local shops because they are discontinued. I have actually had my eye out for a 396 Mountain Lite or a 296 but I think I'm going to pick up the Nightguard instead. I also toyed with the idea of the 329 Nightguard for the extra round and the option for magnums but it wouldn't be much harder to conceal my 329 PD with a pair of smaller grips.

For those who like the .44 Special cartridge without knowing why, let me explain it. You appreciate the .44 Special, because you are a man of high intelligence and good taste.

As someone who lives under the oppression of the People's Republic of California, I also had a problem getting my 696. It took me 6 months to find one for sale, and I was lucky. A dealer could not sell one because it was not on the appproved list, but I could buy it from a private individual. As I said, it took 6 months to find someone with a 696 no dash who wanted to sell it. Now that I have it, I would not sell it for any amount of money.

I have an idea, but I don't know how legal it is. My friend has a son who is attending college in Texas. He has a Texas drivers license, but he maintains his legal and voting residence at the family home in California. Can he buy an off-list gun in Texas, then bring it home and sell it to me?

Haha, well I've always thought so

I hear ya, the stupid "list" has to go! Headway is being made in that area, but slowly.
I'd definitely love to have a 696 no dash. I may start my search for one in the new year. My problem is that some other "must have item" always shows up and depletes my funds. I lack discipline in this area.

I would guess and say no, that won't work. He can buy the guns in Texas with his Texas license(I assume) but to sell them here as a list-exempt PPT, he'd have to register them with CA as a new CA resident and I think they only give you a one-time pass to do that when you move into the state. I don't think you can use the "new resident" form every time you take a trip to another state like that. Who knows, I could be wrong and there might be a way to make it work.

I see you have the LEO badge next to your name. If you are a LEO, the list doesn't apply to you and you could just buy whatever you want yourself.

I bought a 396NG and carried and shot it almost every day this last Summer. With replacement Ahrends boot grips it weighs in at 23oz and it is a delight to carry in a Simply Rugged pancake OWB. I have just ordered a Lobo IWB for it. I have found the 396NG to be surprizingly accurate with 240gr LSWCs at approx 850 fps. Recoil is not bad at all. I don't like the tritium night site, however. I find it too hard to get the hold just right for elevation with that big white dot. I'm having the front sight replace with a red fiber optic which works better for my eyes. I intend for the 396NG to be my EDC. For serious deep woods carry and for range work, I take my M624 4".

Some department heads are not happy that some peace officers have used their credentials to bring off-list firearms into California for either personal use or for private party sale to their friends. Some agencies see this as subverting California law and have instituted penalties for this. I had my 696 from a private party transfer for over a year before I was given permission to use it as an alternate duty weapon. People's Republic of California; what do you expect?

I bought one today, I couldn't resist . I was tempted to get a 386, seven rounds of .357 was hard to resist.

By the way, how do you all carry your 396's?

Right on! I bet it was a hard call between the 386 and 396. Of course, the 386 will probably be available in greater numbers so if you ever decide to get one, they'll be available.

Alas, I live in Los Angeles County, so I carry mine unloaded and locked in a container to and from the range
Mine is currently just part of my growing S&W collection and a range toy. Who knows though, it's possible that things might go our way regarding CCW in the next few years.

Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake for mine, no complaints.

Great, I just ordered one yesterday. I have a few for some other guns.

My thought exactly!

Love mine. It is my backpacking, mountain bike, and canoe gun.

Has been very quick and accurate on 6in steel plates at 7-15 yards. I have not shot it much for groups on paper.

I have had good results with 240gr LSWC's at 850fps and 200gr LFP at 850-900(gold dot duplicate practice load).

240gr LSWC at 950 seem to do well but I have not shot them enough yet.

If you are shooting .44 S&W Special you should order Handloader issue #236. It really is invaluable.

I just got back from the range with mine for the first time. In 100 rounds I had three light primer strikes. Two of the rounds fired on the next try, the third didn't fire after three tries. I don't think the last FTF round ever got a good strike but it is hard to tell after repeated strikes. The next round I tried and all the remaining rounds worked fine. I was shooting Georgia Arms ammo. Half of it was their 200 grain Gold Dot rounds and half was their 200 grain round nose cowboy loads. Two of the light strikes were with the cowboy load and the other with the Gold Dots.

I think I remember reading that light primer strikes was an issue with these guns. What do I do, send it in now or run more ammo through it?

I do like the gun a lot.

First thing I did when I got mine was add the longer FP from C&S. Not one problem.

http://www.brownells.com/mobile/aspx....aspx?pid=5483

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Watch & Pray

If the purchasers intent is to resell, this could be interpreted as a "straw purchase", which would likely land a bunch of jail time if prosecuted. Straw purchases are only allowed if you work for the Fed and plan on sending the guns to Mexico.

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Even older, even crankier....

I did the same thing, sort of, I got the one from Apex Tactical. I added it before I even shot a round. For the money it's good insurance from ftf.

I sent mine in for service. S&W says they replaced the firing pin. Well today I ran 100 rounds through it with no problems, I guess it is fixed.