.44 Special - Model 696-1 - Actions by "T" / Teddy Jacobson

[Apples]

.
I purchased this S&W Model 696-1 from a seller on the east coast. While reading some Taffin, I learned of gunsmith Teddy Jacobson in Sugar Land, Texas, who had done some work on John's .44 Special 696.

I wanted the gun looked over and any issues corrected. I also needed the gun temporarily rendered single-action-only for transfer to my California FFL since this model is no longer on the California DOJ's "Safe" Handguns Roster.

I won't have a chance to take it to the range for another two weeks. Meanwhile, I have these cellphone pictures I took after staring the paperwork and the California-mandated 10-day waiting period.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Apples]

I'll give this post one bump, then let it slip back down into the archives...

 

[jpage]

Nice popper ! Amazing what We have to do to exercise Our 2A rights in the PRK

 

[CajunBass]

That's a nice one. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[75Vette]

Nice one! I have a dash one too and is a great shooter. I've never seen the cylinder jewelled like that before. What else did you have done besides the single action only?

 

[Derosa]

Tell us what the 'smith did and how it performs...pictures rule the range, sir.

 

[Apples]

.
Thanks, fellas!

In addition to the modification to SAO (and, again, only for transfer), and although these guns were known to have a pretty smooth action from the factory, I wanted a good 'smith to simply look it over and correct any issues, if necessary.

During his check of the trigger pull weight he discovered a ridiculously-light DA and SA pull of 5-1/2 and 1-3/4 lbs respectively... He installed a Wolff power-rib main spring and return spring and an Allen-type strain screw (and included the wrench). After a complete action job the trigger pull weights are now 8-1/2 lbs DA and 3-1/2 lbs SA... that sounds better. I won't know how that feels in this gun for another week and a half...

Teddy also recut the muzzle crown with a 45-degree chamfer.. contoured, polished and re-blued the trigger, jeweled many internal parts (at n/c), corrected some slight cylinder end shake, modified the hand and all internals (at n/c) polished the bore using diamond compound and sent an extra DA sear spring in case I muff the installation... That's about it. I'll grab some pics of his internal work when I remove the side plate. He likes to jewel stuff. I like it, too. I suppose I'll have to bump this thread again with those photos.

 

[kraynky]

My 696 is a no dash, and fairly new to me. I'ts on it's way back to S&W to correct the ratchet that is getting chewed up a bit. I installed my own Wolf springs and it made a huge difference in smoothness of the trigger. I like the looks of the jeweled cylinder too. May have to copy that. LOL! Nice grips too!

 

[surfj40]

Apples, what was the turn around time on the job with Teddy?

Glad to hear he is still working; would like to keep my money local. I have a recently acquired 625-8 that I'd like to get the muzzle crown, forcing cone, cylinder chamfer and action "done".

Im north of houston not far from the 99 so getting to Sugarland is not a problem.

 

[Apples]

kraynky, go ahead! I love that stuff.

what was the turn around time on the job with Teddy?

Little over three weeks, but both LEO and then local customers have priority.

Give him a call!