My M696 CC

[STCM(SW)]

Got this one from ZBill on this site.
SA is 2 3/4lb, DA is 8 3/4 lb with no stacking.
From 1999 & in great shape!





If it stops raining around here I'll test it out with my 260gr HP Davastator with 13.5 gr of 2400....

 

[KentN]

Very nice! What holster do you use?

 

[Stainz]

Here is my X96 CCW - my 296 and a Mika pocket holster, loaded with Speer 200gr Gold Dots from GA Arms:

The 296 weighs a pound less than my 696 and holstered as above it conceals well in most of my cargo pants RH front pocket. My 696 has to be belt holster carried - and at 6 oz less than my standard 4" 629, there is little difference in carrying it - and the 629 has another round - and is a Magnum, too. My 696 is a fun range gun, I'll give you that. Here is mine with my 3" 63:

Don't overpower it with hot loads - it really is a .44 S&W Special and not a Magnum. The dimunitive forcing cone will keep you honest there. Mine see's my wimpy poof loads in .44 Russian to 240gr LSWC's in .44 Special, with the same 200gr Gold Dots as the 296 for home defense. I had an Al Blazer 200gr GDJHP split it's case in my 696 once, ending their use here. Besides, GA Arms uses new Starline brass (I reload - carry commercial loads.) and are the same price. The cylinder hole spacing is like the Charter Arms 'Bulldog', so the HKS #CA44 speedloader works perfectly with the X96 family. Congratulations on getting the best of the X96 family!

Stainz

 

[STCM(SW)]

Very nice! What holster do you use?

For now, it's a cheap L frame 3" nylon IWB.
Have an order in for one made by Lobo new style IWB out of horse hide, but that takes a least 60 days to get it seems