Please tell me all about the 696

[Jeroenw114]

I don't know why but I have a sudden interest in the 696. I know they are L-frame, 5 shot 44 special.
I have seen some in 3"
Unfortunately the search function does not work on just "696"

I would like to know:
When produced
Witch barrel lengths are made?
Problems?
Are they made with unfluted cylinders?
And of course I would like to see some pictures!

I would love to have one, a 4, 5 or 6" best with unfluted cylinder.
That is somewhat difficult since they are not around in Europe and in Holland, my country, a sport shooter may own 5 guns max. And that I have. (of course)
But where a will is there must be a way.

 

[Dave T]

Nice medium sized 44 Special which was only offered in the 3" barrel configuration. Produced from around 1996 to something like 1998 or maybe as late as 2000. Thanks to S&W stopping production the price of these has skyrocketed to where I'm not willing to pay for one. Owned one in the past and like so many other guns that have gone through my hands, wish I had kept it.

Dave

 

[ENGINE18]

Mine is a 696, no dash, first year production (1996-7 I think); I believe they were as follows; L-frame, .44 S&W Special, 5-shot, 3-inch barrel, red ramp front sight, white outline rear; some were ported and some had non fluted cylinders. Also there may have neen a few in 2001 with the internal lock.

 

[Torakan]

From my reserch, there were no IL 696s manufactured. Also, I have not seen any with non fluted cylinders although there may have been some PC guns with porting and unfluted cylinders. I bought mine several months ago for $425+tax at a local gun shop and smiled all the way home.

 

[sheriffoconee]

696 is a great handgun...I have a no dash that ain't for sale...I got mine 200 rds ammo, two holsters, three sets stocks, box for 850, and I don't regret a penny of it

 

[Jeroenw114]

That I forgot, the price. I see on GB prices well over $1000,-
Torakan bought one for $425,-

What is a realistic price for a good used one?
And for a like new one?

Still would like to know about barrel lengts and are there realy unfluted ones?
Wanted: a pic of a 4" till 6" fluted and unfluted one

 

[sheriffoconee]

I only know of them in 3 inch....fluted...never have heard of, or seen another version....

 

[diamonback68]

Still would like to know about barrel lengts and are there realy unfluted ones?
Wanted: a pic of a 4" till 6" fluted and unfluted one

They were only made in 3", no other lengths were ever made. And none were ever made with unfluted cylinders to my knowledge.

 

[sonny]

Made only in the L-frame, which is larger cylinder but K-frame size grip frame. Will withstand at least 25,000 psi pressure according to Brian Pearce of HANDLOADER magazine, Wolfe Publications.
Can safely use 307 gr Dry Creek cast SWC at 1057 fps, if you run into something pretty big, according (again) to Brian Pearce. However, my normal load is Skeeter load, 240gr, 7.5 gr Unique, 950 fps.
It is my favorite revolver. This model was made in no-dash, dash-1 (some MIM parts) and dash-2 (in-frame firing pin). Adjustable sights, stainless. If you can find one on Gunbroker.com, it will not come cheaply. Will likely pay up to $900 for one in as new condition.
Here is a pix of mine with Barami Hip Grip, which allows a IWB-carry by using a hook over the belt or the waist-line.

Do a search on this model. We've had good threads on this forum and on alternate forum (Rugerforum.net) within the last year.

Here's the IWB carry. Note that images are reversed (mirror used).

Probably my favorite handgun of all time.
Sonnytoo

 

[JNewell]

From my reserch, there were no IL 696s manufactured. Also, I have not seen any with non fluted cylinders although there may have been some PC guns with porting and unfluted cylinders. I bought mine several months ago for $425+tax at a local gun shop and smiled all the way home.

The -2 had an internal lock.

They were only made in 3", no other lengths were ever made. And none were ever made with unfluted cylinders to my knowledge.

That's right, of course. Only 3", only fluted.

 

[GLL]

Jerry

 

[whitecoyote]

The S&W 696 is one of my favorite revolvers.

 

[shortround451]

I traded for one this week. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but it sure has a nice action. It should make a good mate to my 3" Mdl. 65.

 

[balldboy]

I have a 696-1, paid over $900 by the time it got here.
Now it's getting a 4" barrel as soon as the 686 barrel gets back from reboring.
May not be the smartest thing I've ever done but that list is long.

 

[4864]

The only thing I can tell you about them is I want a no dash bad!!!! Found a few here in North Dakota for sale from dealers but the prices are ridicules. I would love to find one with a un-fluted cylinder.

 

[Raspy]

I have a no dash and it is the most fun of any of my guns to shoot or just to have around. All 696s were built in 3". But My 686, also in 3", would actually be the one I'd grab in an emergency, with it's 7 shot cylinder. If I had to give one of them up it would be the 686.

 

[NFrameFred]

Still would like to know about barrel lengts and are there realy unfluted ones?
Wanted: a pic of a 4" till 6" fluted and unfluted one

The configurations you're talking about only come on certain runs of N frame revolvers (29, 629, 624) and no L frame 696's. The 696 was only produced for a short time and to my knowledge that (3" barrel and fluted cylinder) was the only configuration made.

My 696 'no dash' -

 

[Jeroenw114]

Well, they are all looking very nice. It's not that unfluted is a must. If I see one in Europe, prefered the no dash, I now wat to do!

 

[diamonback68]

How did this unfluted cylinder thing get started? Geez!

 

[Jeroenw114]

Simply, I asked if they were made with them.