Model 696

[5-Shot]

There have been many discussions here about the desirability of the model 696, both pro and con. I bought one as soon as the came out and love it. You can guess where I stand. As a result, I am stunned that a no dash example has languished for about a month on a local site for $1000. I didn’t expect to last a day! Shows what a keen market analyst I am.

 

[SeamasterSig]

I am stunned that a no dash example has languished for about a month on a local site for $1000. I didn’t expect to last a day!

It surely has nothing to do with the 696. Selling is at least as much about connecting with the right potential buyer as it is about having a great item to sell. Maybe it would sell faster on a larger forum.

 

[hoppes-no9]

15-20 years ago, there were a few models that commanded a very high premium, including the Registered Magnums, no-dash 696s, any 3-inch N frame, and 10mm 3rd gens.

What I perceive is that prices on these particular models haven’t really changed that much, while prices on all the other models have crept steadily up to match.

You could look at it as these formerly high-priced models being a good value now, or you could conclude that everything is overpriced these days.

 

[Nemo288]

Some folks have also found out that the -1 shoots better than the -0 and will overlook the new-fangled design.
I happened upon a somewhat bubba'd -0 that I got as a backup to the -1 when I sent -1 back to the factory.
(I didn't know if I would get it back if parts were unavailable).
I like both but trust the -1 more to put the lead on the mark under any circumstance.
Whether all this has anything to do with local market values I doubt.
But among the cognoscenti perhaps.
I am looking for a 396 as it does not have the lock my -1 used to have.
They seem to be even rarer than the 696.
L frame 44's are addicting that's for sure.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Anybody wanting a 44 L-frame "shooter" will find the current M69 snubby more than satisfactory & cheaper than a M696.

.

.

 

[Nemo288]

If I was to buy a new S&W, that would be it.
Model 69 Combat Magnum(R) | Smith & Wesson

 

[hoppes-no9]

Anybody wanting a 44 L-frame shooter will find the current M69 snubby more than satisfactory & cheaper than a M696.



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Thanks for sharing, I was unaware of that particular model. It looks great and I love the ability to shoot 44mag out of it.

However the internal lock destroys any sense of satisfaction I might get from owning it. That’s my problem, I know.

 

[hoppes-no9]

All

Pics for this thread.

Bill@Yuma

Info on those beautiful wood grips please

 

[hoppes-no9]

Thanks for the info. Better start saving my pennies

 

[RoyM52]

Thanks for sharing, I was unaware of that particular model. It looks great and I love the ability to shoot 44mag out of it.

However the internal lock destroys any sense of satisfaction I might get from owning it. That’s my problem, I know.

Think of all the abuse you could put it through...since that teeny weenie little spot {the lock} destroys it's looks {for you} Imagine ...a gun just to shoot ...no need to polish it or worry about how it looks.....just shoot it. Keep the beauties in the safe....this is a gun you can just let it get worn and maybe even a scratch or 2 without any worries.

and you can keep Goodyear's on it...it's not just for going to a barbecue....it is with you to go get the stuff to make the barbecue {love my 2 3/4 69}

 

[krsmith58]

69

I have the 4" and really like it .1 of a few Smiths that I own. thanks to this site and you wonderful members I am on constant search for more, unfortunately as gun budget allows . I can put up with the lock , like I have a choice.

 

[hoppes-no9]

Think of all the abuse you could put it through...since that teeny weenie little spot {the lock} destroys it's looks {for you} Imagine ...a gun just to shoot ...no need to polish it or worry about how it looks.....just shoot it. Keep the beauties in the safe....this is a gun you can just let it get worn and maybe even a scratch or 2 without any worries.

Yeah, I know I should get over it. But I’m getting old enough that it’s reaaalllly hard.....

 

[Dieseltech56]

I kind of wanted a 696 for a while. I stumbled across a dash 1 at a gun show in West Virginia once. It was the only one I ever saw and it had a $1200 price tag. If it was a no dash without mim parts, maybe, but that wouldn't be an easy buy for me.


I already had a 4" model 69 and recently found a Rossi 720. Those will fulfill my needs for a while, not really interested in spending $1000+ for a 696.

 

[kraynky]

I thought I was overpaying when I bought my ND 2 or 3 years back for $800. I probably was, or buying too early as they say. It's one of my favorites now. I think if I was going to buy a new one, it would be a toss up between a 69 or a 617. Way different ends of the spectrum I know, but like RoyM52 said, I'd be buying to shoot it a lot. Wish I could afford both.

 

[Chukar60]

The 696 is a niche gun.
The 69 is not a 696. Sure it shares the same frame and round capacity and the 69 has the distinction of being able to shoot a 44 mag.
I prefer the full lug barrel of the 696 over the 69. I also prefer the finish of the 696 over the 69. I prefer the solid barrel of the 696 over the 69. Mine is a no dash and yes, I am a traditionalist and I like the forged parts and the hammer mounted firing pin.
I looked at a 69 the other day and I admit I liked the way it felt in my hand and the balance of the gun. I have no grind with MIM as I have one Smith revolver with it and it works superbly. I do not have an IL guns, but see nothing wrong with it.
Point is you either love the 696 for what it is or you don’t. It ain’t a gun with universal appeal. The relative difficulty in finding a good clean example is all that keeps the price at the level it is at.

 

[Nemo288]

The 696 is a niche gun....
I prefer the full lug barrel of the 696 over the 69

That's the thing.
Some who may not have shot a wide variety of guns in the same caliber may see the distinction as cosmetic but I would disagree.
In my hands the 696's shoot more easily and accurately than the 3" 624.
The weight upfront is a big part of that.
I will willingly give up that 6th round for the confidence that if the chips were down I could unload the gun in anger quickly and meaningfully in a point shoot.
I agree with pretty much everything else you said too.

As an aside, I have found the Altamont "Altai" conversion grips work very well on the 696.
Smith & Wesson K/L Frame Round Butt Revolver Grips | Altamont Company
They are somewhat similar to the Miculek and in my hands point naturally.

 

[MrMoose]

696 won me over

Great guns and good discussion.

Didn’t even know this model exissted until a mint condition example came out of a guy’s safe yesterday. He reached in searching for his 686 2.5” and pulled a 696 out instead. Today, the 696 3” and 686 2.5” Lew Horton (and three of his other SS revolvers) now live in MY safe