S&W 696

[Genetically Swiss]

I would love to see the 696 again. Why did S&W stop making it? Every one I ever see is snagged almost immediately. Was it really poor sales?


GS

 

[k22fan]

Compared to common .38 Special and .357 revolvers, no .44 Special model ever sold well for S&W. If they reintroduced the 696 I'd expect it to be the two piece barrel 5 shot L frame .44 Magnum only with shorter chambers. I do not think those barrels can be tapered like Model 24 barrels so I doubt there would be much to brag about in advertisements.

 

[Joed49]

The 696 was just not popular. Myself I ended up buying a 686+ because I figured 7 shots of .357 were better than 5 of .44.

The forcing cones on the 696 were thin and I remember reading people kept trying to put hotter Spl loads through them that killed the barrel.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Can anyone show pics/proof of a "killed" barrel/forcing cone on a 696? I've never saw on. I own a 696 from the first run and its never had a problem.

 

[petemacmahon]

Can anyone show pics/proof of a "killed" barrel/forcing cone on a 696? I've never saw on. I own a 696 from the first run and its never had a problem.

tuh....me neither and me too. Mine has had plenty of fairly hot deer/black bear hunting type loads through it with no ill affects what so ever! It's taken a back seat to other projects over the last 10 years, but it's still one of my most cherished revolvers.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

tuh....me neither and me too. Mine has had plenty of fairly hot deer/black bear hunting type loads through it with no ill affects what so ever! It's taken a back seat to other projects over the last 10 years, but it's still one of my most cherished revolvers.

Just another internet myth.........Probably originally started by non owners of the 696.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I would love to see the 696 again. Why did S&W stop making it?

No need for a 696 now that they make the M69 snubbie (both L-frames). You can shoot any power 44 you want in it.

I've shot enough hot JHP handloads in my M396NG to convince me they're plenty strong, just not as strong as the M69.

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[petemacmahon]

No need for a 696 now that they make the M69 snubbie (both L-frames). You can shoot any power 44 you want in it.
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IDK - the first and only M69 I felt at a gun shop in Phillipsburg, PA ( on a trip to Erie one day) had, IMHO, the worst DA I've ever felt from the factory. I pretty much wrote them off after that. BUT, then again, I do not own any S&W with the lock and don't plan it. So, when the OP says "bring back the 696" to me that means without the lock!

 

[Breakaway500]

I HAD a 69 for 3 months...sold it. I HAVE a 296; from my cold,dead hands..