Help me with a 396NG

[boatboy]

I was snooping around today and found a 396NG (44special)
this is an L frame and I asked if there was a box and yes there is
the next thing was a surprise the box had a bag of moonclips
I was not expecting that
first is that normal is that the way they came?

Thoughts on these?
Ideas what the value of a nice one with box and all the stuff?

Thanks Hank

 

[mc5aw]

The NGs didn't sell that well when available, but have retained their value since being discontinued. A mint 396NG is worth every penny of $700, and could draw another $100+ from a motivated buyer. I was unaware that the 396NG used moonclips.

 

[Nemo288]

I have a 396-1 and no they don't use moon clips.
Use those for your shuriken throwing practice.

===
Nemo

 

[b_san]

I was snooping around today and found a 396NG (44special)
this is an L frame and I asked if there was a box and yes there is
the next thing was a surprise the box had a bag of moonclips
I was not expecting that
first is that normal is that the way they came?

Thoughts on these?
Ideas what the value of a nice one with box and all the stuff?

Thanks Hank

The only NG's that came with moonclips were the 325 (.45 ACP) and 310 (10mm/.40 cal). The 396 has a probable value of around $800-900 in my estimation.

 

[BobR1]

First off are the Moon Clips 5 shot?
If they are, the gun may have had a moon clip conversion.

I agree on the price $700 - $800 range is probably reasonable. Cheaper would be good also. The 396NG is a fairly desirable model. The 44 Specials have a following, a reasonable price might even be as high as $900.
I have a 310NG and a 315NG.
You do not see all that many 396NG's so my guess would be around 500 or so production Number. My guess the Serial will be under 500.

Bob

 

[Smithbrother]

Here's a NG utilizing moon clips. The 325 in .45 ACP.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The reason night guards didn't sell well was the cost. They were priced too high. Hence nobody bought "em" and they were disconitnued.

 

[NE450No2]

I find it hard to understand why the Night Guard series did not sell well in this age of the many states that have legal Concealed Carry.

Yes, they are not fancy, not pretty, but they are very functional.

I have a 325 NG. Now I have been a S&W revolver user since the early 1970's and carried them as work guns for many many years starting in 1976.

The Night Guards are light weight. Finished not only in a rust resistant finish, but the frame and barrel shroud are also a non rusting alloy.

They had a big visible front sight, it glows in the dark, and the rear sight is well rounded, snag free and easy to see.

Yes they had the key lock...

I just took all of those parts out, it works for me.

My 325 is plenty accurate, I have fired it a few hundred times, no problems.

I keep it under my pillow at home EVERY NIGHT. And I have carried it as a No2 on road trips as well.
I keep several full moon clips nearby...

I do not know how it could be improved.

I will someday "get me one" in 44 Mag.

And yes, I will carry it with +P style 44 Specials or light loaded 44 Mags.
Mainly as a No2, on hunting trips where I am carrying a S&W 44 Mag.
In a pinch it can, and will shoot standard 44 Mags. Thus I will only need to travel with one kind of handgun ammo...

What is not to like???

 

[Holden6v8]

TK Custom will machine that NG to take moonclips. I know because they did that with my 296. It may be modified revolver.

 

[NE450No2]

Also, let me add that a good friend of mine, who lives a few states away from me, has 2 of the snubby scandium framed 8 shot 357 Mags.

Once upon a time, when I was visiting him we were out shooting and he showed me his Duo of 357 Mags and his Dual shoulder system.

So, I put it on and gave it a run for its money, shooting full power 357 Mag ammo.

Even though they were N framed revolvers, they were light weight and the quality shoulder holster rig he had was very comfortable to wear, AND VERY CONCEALABLE.

Now, as I have stated many times here on the S&W FORUM, I am not a 357 Mag kind of guy. I much prefer the 45 ACP and the 44 Mag...

HOWEVER, I will admit, that "them" two EIGHT SHOT, 357 Mags were BAD to the BONE.

They were very controlable, plenty accurate, and they shot EIGHT times... EACH...

I am "almost", ashamed to say, I liked them...

 

[boatboy]

I went back today to get it and figured out someone just left the moonclips in the case I have to admitt I was thinkin search trying to figure why they were there
just a mistake
I have a 310 and 625 I like my clip guns
Hank

 

[b_san]

So you bought it? What'd you talk them down to? Toss us a pic of your new shooter.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

396NG

I will someday "get me one" in 44 Mag.

And yes, I will carry it with +P style 44 Specials or light loaded 44 Mags.

What is not to like???

I shoot 44 Special +Ps in my 396NG. The box's label says it's 21oz. but 24oz. empty is correct. Using light weight bullets give less recoil & hit closer to POA.

Buy it if you haven't already. You can't have too many NGs, in my opinion.

.

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