There is a gentleman that is trying to trade a 696 for one of my other handguns. I do not know a lot about this model, so I would appreciate feedback from the experts on the board. I have read numerous stories regarding the cone, and would like to know if this is indeed a major issue. He says it has a 2.5" tube, but everything I read says they came with 3" pipes. If you could help me with the above questions, and value, etc I would be grateful. TIA
696
- Thread starter Chaosrob
- Start date
jackpearl
Member
No expert here but they will ask you if it is a 696 or 696 dash something, as the 696 no dash had the hammer mounted firing pin. This would make it more desirable to some.
mc5aw
Member
The 696 is becoming very desirable based on its L-frame + big bullet capacity. The forcing cone has had some cracking issues (based on its thinness) but should be fine if you don't run anything too hot through it. Quite a few of us are looking for them, so if you have the chance, get it. Make sure to check out the forcing cone though to ensure it hasn't been compromised by the previous owner. 696s are falling in the $800-900 range.
He said it was a no dash. Thank you for pointing this out
Thank you sir. I would also like to say thank you for the information on the holster the other day for the N Frame Smith's
I only have experience with the one 696 that I bought new years ago. It does have a relatively thin forcing cone, but I have had no problems with it. I shoot mostly mild reloads with 240 grain cast bullets at less than 900 fps or 200 grain gold dot factory loads. I find it very pleasant to shoot and quite accurate.
If you end up not liking the 696, I doubt that you would have much trouble selling it. It seems to be fairly desireable and I rarely see one for sale.
I'm sure others are much more knowledgable than me and could give you a better idea of retail value; I seldom see them listed for less than $700 if they are in good condition.
If you end up not liking the 696, I doubt that you would have much trouble selling it. It seems to be fairly desireable and I rarely see one for sale.
I'm sure others are much more knowledgable than me and could give you a better idea of retail value; I seldom see them listed for less than $700 if they are in good condition.
Thanks guys He is wanting to trade it for my .40 Colt 1911 that is nib. According to what you guys are saying, and what I see on the broker right now he would have to come up with some boot to make it worthwhile. I appreciate the feedback. Did they only come with 3" barrels?
jackpearl
Member
According to S&W 3rd edition, 3 inch barrel only.
mkk41
US Veteran
Many people wrongly measure the barrel length from the front edge of the frame. It should be measured from the front of the cylinder.
Those of us who own them aren't selling 
parsonbw
Member
Those of us who own them aren't selling
You got that right, it's one of my favorites.
Lenny_D
Member
I own one but would never sell it. There have been rumors of forcing cone issues. It is thin, that is a fact. I have not heard of any issues of people who own one having cracked forcing cones. I've never seen a photo of a 696 with a cracked forcing cone. I handload mine with SWC for fun and carry Critical Duty 165 gr. when using for self defense.
My take on the cracked forcing cone "issue" is that its mostly propagated by people who don't own one and have "heard" that it has problems. I'd like to see proof and numbers of guns that have had an issue.
If you like the gun I wouldn't waste too much time thinking about it.
Len
My take on the cracked forcing cone "issue" is that its mostly propagated by people who don't own one and have "heard" that it has problems. I'd like to see proof and numbers of guns that have had an issue.
If you like the gun I wouldn't waste too much time thinking about it.
Len
NFrameFred
Member
THIS.
The cracking of some K frame forcing cones is well documented and there are some that even seem to think it centered around a particular time period and batch of barrels. Be that as it may, though I personally have seen a couple of cracked K frame barrels and known of many more, I have never seen a 696 that has cracked or seen anything definitive by someone who has.
If you buy the theory that part of the K frame problem was improper cleaning and maintenance resulting in fouling and lead build up at the cone, followed by forcing high pressure magnum loads through it resulting in a crack, then I guess the same could theoretically apply to the 696, except they would have to be ill-advised handloads since it's not a magnum to begin with.
I agree with Len that it is likely the "arm chair experts' take on things regarding the 696 since they jump on the 'thin forcing cone' problem of the K frame and in an effort to look cerebral and informed they apply it to the 696.
Until I see some empirical evidence, first hand accounts, and photos, I file this one under maybe possible but not likely.
Again, I would like to thank you all for your help.
We are supposed to meet up Friday to do the trade. It has become a bit more involved now as he has two new in the box no dash 696's, and a 2.5" 19-3 that I want. I will advise when/if it goes through.
We are supposed to meet up Friday to do the trade. It has become a bit more involved now as he has two new in the box no dash 696's, and a 2.5" 19-3 that I want. I will advise when/if it goes through.
Lenny_D
Member
I hope you pull off the trifecta. I bought this 696 about 10 years ago. Found it in the local Bargain Mart from a pawn shop dealer that didn't have a clue what it was.
Own 3 696's and like them alot. A previous poster from Alaska reported on this forum that he cracked his 696 forcing cone useing high pressure heavy bullet lead loads. He posted this , after he was warned what could happen. At the time, he was kinda well know for experimenting on the higher pressure side of things.
I think I recall a thread from a couple of years ago in which somebody actually miked various dimensions on a 696 and found that the forcing cone, at its thinnest, was still thicker than the chamber wall of the 696 cylinder.
Every gun should be considered sound for its rated ammo, and you should only experiment with higher-pressures if you know what you are doing and are willing to accept unforeseen consequences. I love my 696 (and 296 too, another member of the L-44 family) and would never shoot anything other than off the shelf ammo or softer handloads in them. And I would never let either of them go.
Every gun should be considered sound for its rated ammo, and you should only experiment with higher-pressures if you know what you are doing and are willing to accept unforeseen consequences. I love my 696 (and 296 too, another member of the L-44 family) and would never shoot anything other than off the shelf ammo or softer handloads in them. And I would never let either of them go.
For what it is worth, the 696 is my favorite Prairie Dog "huntin" sidearm. We carry them loaded with Speer Shot loads and one could not get a better rattlesnake killer. I know some of you may find this hard to believe, but a 63yr old out of shape gun collector can go straight up in the air while drawing and shooting at the snake at his feet and at the same time screaming like a girl! At least my hunting partners claim to have wittnessed that happening. Joe.
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kamloops67
Member
yeah, dangerous critters!
this summer my wife and i were out hiking and found a cave, she wouldnt go in but im not that smart. so im inside the cave armed only with a very small led light , pausing every few feet to let my eyes adjust to the darkness heart pounding ,half expecting to come across a bear or worse...the cave was about 60-70 feet long and when i emerged from the other side i was pretty "keyed up" explained to my wife there hadnt been anything in there .she had been worried for me. we both laughed at our nervousness and turned to continue on our hike, when BOOM out pounded a grouse right at our feet! i dont know if we both screamed but im glad i wasnt armed, cause it sure wasnt grouse season
mc5aw
Member
Chaosrob ... If you can't pull off the trifecta, do your best to purchase the 696s. If they are NIB, they are money in the bank. The 19-3 is a beaut, but will be easier to find again vs. locating another pristine 696.
I lucked into a nice used 696 this week, and am very pleased after 2 years of looking and waiting for the right opportunity.
I lucked into a nice used 696 this week, and am very pleased after 2 years of looking and waiting for the right opportunity.
I'll do my best. This guy is pretty savvy
Post up a range report on your 696 when you get a chance if you would please
Deal is completely dead. Guy did not want to meet with me before the gun show, he wanted to meet with me inside the show. Sorry, that is not me. I do not have any desire to walk around a crowded gun show with 3 firearms in tow. I love the shows, but I am not going to have things jostled out of my hands by crowds and have the police put there paws all over my firearms to clear them before entering. Disappointed, but such is life. I wish he had stipulated this before I loaded everything up and drove 45 minutes to get there.
