696 worries... real or no problem?

[dogdoc]

Part of the appeal of a 44 spl is the ability to significantly improve on factory ballistics with handloads. A 44 special with factory loads is horribly anemic in my opinion. With that in mind, I do not understand the infatuation with the 696 as you are restricted to factory level loads. Earlier this year I passed on one for 700 or 800 hundred.A model 69 is the ultimate in versatility . Load heavy, light, whatever you want. My 3 inch 624 ain’t bad either.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

It's special because it's a Special.

I can't see a crack there.

No crack, just over illustrated.

I've shot quit a few rounds thru it in the 22K psi range & some near 25K psi using Power Pistol & LongShot. All jacketed bullets, mainly 180gr & 200gr Hornady XTPs. In fact, I've never shot a standard pressure handload in it.

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I agree the M69 snubby is a far more versatile revolver, albeit heavier (34oz vs 24oz), but you can pound away on it & not have any worries.

The M396NG is just a cool fun gun & I'd never think about getting rid of it. It's special because it's a Special.

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