696 Questions

[PetersCustomLeather]

I just noticed the 696's! Since these are 5 shot guns, are these made on a smaller frame than an N? Are they one the same frame as a 686 or 586 or what are they? The are sure interesting! I love the 44 Special round, and one of these in 3" would be real sweet to pack!

Any info and pics are most welcome!

Where these ever made in Blue?

 

[N_itis]

Yes, L frame, same as the M686. Only stainless. M396 was the lightweight alloy version. Nice guns. A little heavy. Some argue that they are not much different than a six shot N frame (M24) when it comes to carry. No dash guns without the infernal lock or MIM parts usually command a premium. Not all that difficult to come by if you a willing to part with eight bills.

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

Yes, L frame, same as the M686. Only stainless. M396 was the lightweight alloy version. Nice guns. A little heavy. Some argue that they are not much different than a six shot N frame (M24) when it comes to carry. No dash guns without the infernal lock or MIM parts usually command a premium. Not all that difficult to come by if you a willing to part with eight bills.

Didn't Smith recall one of these or is that another model that I'm thinking about?

The weight isn't a big issue since i'd use an OWB holster. What I am not sure I'd like about an N frame is the bigger cylinder, but in reality, it's probably not much bigger around. Would a 3' N frame be less $$?

 

[Sportsterguy]

Didn't Smith recall one of these or is that another model that I'm thinking about?

"The weight isn't a big issue since i'd use an OWB holster. What I am not sure I'd like about an N frame is the bigger cylinder, but in reality, it's probably not much bigger around. Would a 3' N frame be less $$?"

N_itis answered your Q on the frame size. If weight was an issue I'd still go with the magnum. One more round and a more versatile revolver/round IMO. Can shoot mild .44's through it and the extra weight keeps recoil down. Prices are close and maybe a little lower on the magnums. All the 3" revolvers keep going up in price. They are handy, handsome and very accurate for a snubbie.

I'd like to have a 3" prelock 696 for the collection but am afraid it wouldn't get shot much as I would have another round to load for as ammo is not readily available and not cheap unless you plan on reloading.

As far as the diameter size of the cylinder goes I can hide a 3" 657 all day undetected with no problem, both OWB and IWB. Just need a good holster and a really good belt, plus a good Coulmbia Guide shirt to cover it up.

 

[Dashriprock]

Didn't Smith recall one of these or is that another model that I'm thinking about?

You may be thinking of the Model 624 Lew Horton Specials that were recalled. IIRC, some 500 of them had cylinder metal that wasn't up to par.

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

You may be thinking of the Model 624 Lew Horton Specials that were recalled. IIRC, some 500 of them had cylinder metal that wasn't up to par.

Maybe I'm thinking of the 396? It was one of the light ones and just recently I think.

 

[JNewell]

Maybe I'm thinking of the 396? It was one of the light ones and just recently I think.

The 396 was never recalled.

I have 629s, 629MGs and a 696 and 396. The weight difference between the 629MG and the 696 is not that great, but in the hand and on the belt there is a very noticeable difference, IMO. I love the L-frame .44s but they are, ehhhm, somewhat overpriced as a result of high demand and finite quantity.

 

[Dave T]

I sold the 696 I had a number of years ago. Also sold the 3" 24-3 as it just didn't appeal to me. Been longing for a shorter barreled 44 Special (shorter than 4" which I have) but the prices of the 696s just turns me off.

Sometimes luck is better than being smart. Got a chance to buy this from a member here and couldn't be happier.

It's a 624 that started life as a 4" and for reasons unknown to me was cut down to 3.5" and at the same time round butted. I've always preferred the Model 27s 3.5" barrel over the M28s 4" tube so this seems better balanced to me than either it's original length or the Lew Horton version 3".

And about being lucky...it's got a delightful DA pull that sets off both Rem 2-1/2 and WLP primers and it shoots my general, all purpose handload to point of aim at my sight in distance of 20 yards. Didn't have to move the rear sight even one click. (smile)

Dave

 

[GDubya]

Recently picked up a 396-NG, 2-1/2" barrel 24-oz scandium L-frame with great XS Std Dot front and C&S U-notched combat rear sights. They dropped this model for 2010 but you might still be able to find under-appreciated old stock sitting at larger dealers who buy entire model line batches; lucked into mine for $735 OTD. The 5-shot cylinder still allows it to be impromptu but easily stuffed into a front pocket of loose fit jeans, which you just can't do with an N-frame. The oversized and poorly fitting Pachmyar rubber atrocities beg for slimmer 2-1/2 finger-groove wooden versions of UM Bantam grips. You can still buy .44-SPL Speer 200-gr GDHP for $28.99/box of 20 from MidwayUSA and they are indeed imposing looking from the business end. A very nice shooter too, without the flash and bang of .357.
But I'm still jonesing a 696!
Until they make my dream: a 5-shot moonied .45ACP K-frame.

 

[625smith]

I bought this one new when they first came out. It was the first gun that I owned at the same time it was on the cover of Shooting Times.

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

Dang.... I WANT!!

5 shots is plenty...... I like 44 Specials and this one is sweeeeeet!

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

Being that this baby has such thick Cylinder walls..... can these be loaded a tiny bit warmer than normal specials?? Like..... a Keith load?

 

[shotguntom]

Being that this baby has such thick Cylinder walls..... can these be loaded a tiny bit warmer than normal specials?? Like..... a Keith load?

This was discussed recently on this forum. Some say yes others say no. I'm one of the nay sayers, but not because of the cylinder. Thats plenty hefty enough. The 696 has a very thin forcing cone, which has, on some guns, cracked. These guns are too nice to damage in my opinion.
Just one 696 owners opinion, worth what you paid for it.

TJ

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

This was discussed recently on this forum. Some say yes others say no. I'm one of the nay sayers, but not because of the cylinder. Thats plenty hefty enough. The 696 has a very thin forcing cone, which has, on some guns, cracked. These guns are too nice to damage in my opinion.
Just one 696 owners opinion, worth what you paid for it.

TJ

Thanks! That's good to know. I guess really there is no need for a hot load. A mild 44 special load with a hard cast lead bullet should shoot through pretty much anything a snubby is made for.

 

[DCWilson]

There may be extra meat between the charge holes of the five-shot cylinders, but the chamber wall thickness at the outer surface of the cylinder is about the same as the thickness of the forcing cone. Best to leave hot loads to the N-frame guns that truly have extra steel in them at crucial points. The L-frame .44s run best with standard loads.

I have a 696 and a 296, the lightweight DA only version with the shrouded hammer. They are both fine revolvers.

 

[IkenI]

a favorite of mine

My preferred carry is .44 Special or .45 ACP. That said, I'm almost always carrying one of my .44's. The L-frame, for me, is better suited to a shorter barrel. I also have two N-frame .45 ACP's, but prefer a 4" barrel with them.

My 696 and 396 NG just seem perfect for CCW. I can carry either IWB under a t-shirt with no problem. The N frame is a little more difficult. I carried a .44 Mag Mtn Gun for years in the woods. It was replaced by a 4" Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt which is a more robust revolver.

Here is my preferred carry pieces.....

 

[crsides]

I've had my 696 for a couple months and really like it. I'm trying a bobbed hammer on it now, really makes for a nice carry piece with the 200 gold dots. big ole hole up front.

I loaded a few Skeeter Skelton loads 7.5 unique over 250g LSWC to try in it, but have not fired them yet. There are some articles on loading for it you should google, they have more information on the strength of the 696 - mostly positive.

With Pach Compac Prof (open backstrap) it rides comfortably in the hip pocket of my jeans.


Charlie

 

[JNewell]

Alternatively, the 200 grain Gold Dot loads are extremely good performers, too.

Thanks! That's good to know. I guess really there is no need for a hot load. A mild 44 special load with a hard cast lead bullet should shoot through pretty much anything a snubby is made for.

 

[RidgwayCO]

My M696-1 and M691 are my favorite S&W revolvers. The 3" barrel is great, but the 4" just seems to balance better for me. Add a set of Crimson Trace Hoghunter grips, and they're ridiculously easy to hit with, single or double action. (Sorry, I really need to take some new pics.)