S & W 296 question

[AThope12]

I was hoping someone could tell me what the difference is between the 296 and the 296-1. The S & W Standard Catalog does not mention the -1 model. I'm curious what that dash 1 designates? Thanks.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

If nobody knows for sure I have a wild guess, based on something that happened right at the time the M296 was being phased out. And no, it's not the lock. It could of been some kind of internal lock-work change, but that's not my guess either.

 

[murphydog]

There is a photo of what is reported to be a 296-1 (the model stamping is not visible) on a popular auction site, and it looks exactly the same as a 296. Perhaps a call to factory customer service will get you an answer?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Since no one seems go know for sure, my guess is the -1 came with a Fired Case, which was required for certain jurisdictions and started shipping in late 2001 (AFAIK) - about the time the last M296's went out. Otherwise, I can't see any obvious difference.