My understanding from S&W is that the 696 no dash production began in December 1996 and ended sometime in 1997. My serial number on my personal 696 no dash is CBP3668. My revolver didn't come with a factory case, so I don't know the special order code on the label.
I was told by S&W customer service that my revolver was mfg. in December 1996 and was one of the last revolvers produced in that year. I asked if they (S&W) had the last serial number for that year but wasn't told.
Does anyone have a 696 no dash with a later serial number than mine? If you do, I would love to know the special order code/approx serial number to determine when my revolver was mfg. Thank you. Craig

Craig,
My no dash has a S/N CBP97XX. It was reportedly shipped late 1996. I don't have the box for spec order #. If you find out the information post it as other members may be interested.

I have a no dash with CBT7724. The T in that makes it a later production than yours?
I should have pictures of the box somewhere but gave up on finding it. (sold the box)

My box lists 6332 as the special order code. Ser. no. CBP80XX. Dean

I have CBR6236. The date code on the label is 6361--the 361st day of 1996, or December 27. I can't imagine too many more of this model were made in the next three days.

ADDENDUM: I see the 27th was a Friday, so there were really only two more work days in 1996 (assuming the factory kept a regular calendar and didn't close the doors for a long pre-New Year's weekend).

This thread should really be in the 1980-present forum, where it might catch some more views and replies.

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David Wilson

Thanks to those who read and answered my thread.

41 fan-
I've learned that CBP 3500-3600 range is approx. Nov 1996 (sp. order #'s such as 6327). Your revolver, CBP 80XX with a sp. order # 6332, most likely mfg. the first week of Dec 1996. Our respective serial numbers are miles apart. Or S&W made a bunch of 696's in the first days of Dec 1996. Perhaps S&W assigned other guns in same serial # range(?). Or a bunch of revolvers
shipped at the same time. Interesting.

DCWilson-
Your 696 with serial # CBR6236 with sp. order code # 6361, surely looks like on of the last guns out the door in 1996.

I guess I got my answer to my original question. My 696 was most likely mfg in the beginning of Dec 1996 and not at the end. I know this is a guess as guns don't go out the door in sequencial order. Craig

I would hook on with an other, relating question.
Were the first 696 delivered with the old style thump piece or all with the newer one?
Mine came this way.

My 696, no dash came with the newer thumb latch. The rubber grips have talcom powdwer on them to help with the grip. My hands sweat in Florida sun. :-)

Attached Images

	696 .44 special 005.jpg (88.4 KB, 107 views)
	DSCF3122.jpg (161.2 KB, 102 views)

__________________
JIM
NRA Pistol Instr

Serial number CBU1673 bears a special order number of 7050. It has the "new style" cylinder release.

Ed

I think that most probably mine was switched by the previous owner.
Which I don't mind, I changed a lot too.

The one I mentioned in post no. 5 has the new style of cylinder release.

__________________
David Wilson

I have 696 no dash # CBT 44xx, bought new 6 April 1997. later style thumb latch.

As a side note, I did not like the rather thin O.D. of the barrel forcing cone. Looked like it could easily be damaged.

So, I made up a SS collar to interference fit over the O.D.

Perhaps this is why this model had been discontinued....at least in .44 Spl...

Pappy1911, could you post a good picture of that collar? And how did you mount that, tight fitting?

Took the revolver out into the sunshine to get a good photo, only to discover that at some point the collar had cracked and fallen off.

What I had done originally was to measure the O.D. of forcing cone and lathe made a SS ring that was a few thou under that measurement. The collar was thick enough that I had to file the top of it to clear the top strap.

Perhaps I should have made the O.D. and I.D. the same. dunno.

I had made it originally to give me more insurance on the thin forcing cone.

Need to re-think about whether to made a new one or stick to mild loads.

Sorry, my friend...

I just saw this. The serial number of my 696 is CBS64XX, and the code on the box is 7015.

I bought my M-696 January 2, 1997, so we know it was made prior to that. Spec Ord number is 6297, or October 24, 1996. S/N is CBH96xx.

Seems to mebbe throw a little wrench into things, or they were making them pretty fast or jumping round with the serial numbers and making a lot of other L frames, or other revolvers, at the same time.

I purchased my 696 in late 1997. The Serial No. CBW05xx is later than the others in this post. Special Order #7071 puts it in March. The box also shows an additional tag, printed, not hand written with a bar code matching Smith's. This tag shows Sep/1997 and $399.95. I assume it is the retailer's but I don't recall where I bought this gun, only that it was new and I specifically ordered it.

Interesting that the manufacture date and the stock/sales date are 6 months apart. Apparently demand was not heavy for these little gems in 1997. I, however, had to have it, love it, and will never part with it. I have said this before in the past, but I believe the 44 Special is arguably the finest do it all big bore revolver cartridge available and in this, all steel, relatively compact version, the 696 is perhaps the best gun for the caliber. Keep light to mid-range rounds in the chambers, 800-900 fps, and you can handle nearly any issue you may encounter.......without a forcing cone issue. JMHO

I pulled mine out of the box. Receipt from my dealer says 8 April, 1997. (My Birthday present to myself). Paid $408.10 in case you were interested.
Serial number is CBP7XXX.

Glad I wanted one back then, this is a keeper.
Jim