696 forcing cone ?

[BruMatt]

Since the forcing cone seems to be the issue with the 696, what happens if it develops a crack? Can it be repaired? Can the barrel be replaced?

 

[dfariswheel]

The barrel "can" be easily replaced by S&W, BUT.... only if a barrel is available.
I strongly doubt any barrels are available.

Repairs of the forcing cone are not really something that can be done, although some people have used various methods to try. These are expensive and often fail.
This is one of those things that can be done if you have plenty of money and can get a really high end custom gunsmith to do.
Often the "repair" is to install a straight barrel and turn the original barrel into a shroud that fits over the actual barrel, something like the Dan Wesson and current S&W two piece barrels.

Best advice if you have one, is to just shoot mild loads and enjoy it. You probably won't have any trouble.
I suspect that the people who cracked a 696 were shooting hot ammo.

 

[Drail]

As long as you don't shoot any +P extra power high velocity ammunition it will not crack. I have been shooting a 696 since 1996 and the forcing cone is just fine. Many thousands of rounds. Too many people buy into the whole "+P" nonsense. +P loads do nothing but accelerate wear and tear on a gun.