LAWMAN662
Member
I have a no dash Lew Horton version; and a dash 1 also.
S&W
- Thread starter RdrBill
- Start date
Marshal Tom
Member
I traded a friend who owns a pawn shop a 686 Mtn gun straight across for a no dash 696 with box etc a few years ago. I regret trading away the 686 Mtn Gun since they are pretty rare but love the .44 sp. I have never fired the 696. Need to build some loads for it and take it to the range.
curioushooter2
Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2019
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
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Don't they make that L-Frame Model 69 (5-shot 44 MAGNUM) with a 2.75 or 3 inch barrel? Why settle for special. If you are going for an airweight it makes sense, but if stainless it will weigh the same.
I have to admit though I dislike those thin ejector rods on the models with that ball-detent crane lockup. I saw the new Model 19 at a LGS recently and the guy let me check it out...as soon as I saw that little ejector rod I thought to myself I hope S&W doesn't go Rugerize the entire line this way.
I have to admit though I dislike those thin ejector rods on the models with that ball-detent crane lockup. I saw the new Model 19 at a LGS recently and the guy let me check it out...as soon as I saw that little ejector rod I thought to myself I hope S&W doesn't go Rugerize the entire line this way.
You and many others. Same with the 610.
OP, your serial number is 4381 less than mine. All other box end marks are identical. You got lucky and got the old school thumb release. Mine has the MIM triangle thumb release which seems to be the norm for the no dash. Nice find!
Nemo288
Member
I get the feeling that a lot of the 696's were made with whatever was lying around that fit or could be made to fit.
There seem to be a lot of subtle variations with part styles and markings changing with little notice or reason.
That's why I think it would be interesting for someone to try and document all these variables in a short tretis.
I have seen button (or cut) rifled barrels, EDM barrels, the different cylinder release knobs you mention, roll markings,
laser markings, serial numbers in different locations just for starters.
That doesn't include the major design changes going to the -1 which affected most all S&W revolvers around that time (Y2K±).
Maybe someone in the collectors association has a better handle on these details than I do.
I am just an interested member of the peanut gallery.
There seem to be a lot of subtle variations with part styles and markings changing with little notice or reason.
That's why I think it would be interesting for someone to try and document all these variables in a short tretis.
I have seen button (or cut) rifled barrels, EDM barrels, the different cylinder release knobs you mention, roll markings,
laser markings, serial numbers in different locations just for starters.
That doesn't include the major design changes going to the -1 which affected most all S&W revolvers around that time (Y2K±).
Maybe someone in the collectors association has a better handle on these details than I do.
I am just an interested member of the peanut gallery.
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629shooter
Member
I just learned what a 696 is. I was at a funeral for a friend's mother, he's a
LEO for a large department in another county. He leaned forward while we were talking and his suit coat revealed a revolver, I asked him if it was a 627. No, a 696 with a bobbed hammer in a cross-draw Andrews holster. 5 shots, .44 Special, L frame, 3" barrel. I didn't know such a thing existed, now I'll have to keep my eyes open for one.
Always something to learn if I pay attention.
Regards,
turnerriver
LEO for a large department in another county. He leaned forward while we were talking and his suit coat revealed a revolver, I asked him if it was a 627. No, a 696 with a bobbed hammer in a cross-draw Andrews holster. 5 shots, .44 Special, L frame, 3" barrel. I didn't know such a thing existed, now I'll have to keep my eyes open for one.
Always something to learn if I pay attention.
Regards,
turnerriver
weapontrainer
Member
Friends I get the love of the .44 Special! I had an opportunity at a 696 and missed it! But did happen upon 2 LH 3" RB CS RR WO 624's. One, then another;...one year and exactly one year to the date. Mine was absolutely NIB. Tools, Owners manual, Warranty card... Everything! The second was very gently used. One for me and one for my son! I carry it as BBQ gun occasionally in a Don Hume 721 OT with Speer 200 gr Gold Dot. I love this revolver and will cling to it, for all the ones that got away!
It will put six Gold Dots in to a silver dollar sized group at fifteen yards.
The .44 Spl is magical!
It will put six Gold Dots in to a silver dollar sized group at fifteen yards.
The .44 Spl is magical!
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I was about to just settle on a Rossi 720, because I couldn't find a S&W 44 special (in stainless & 3" or less). Even the Rossi's are a bit scarce I've found. Then one day about 2-3 years ago, one popped up here on the forum in the classifieds. At $800 I didn't hesitate. A years or so later I ran across a sweet little 2" Taurus 445 stainless 44 special, at less than half that amount. They both are great shooters and both carry well.
The little Taurus ends up with shotshells loaded in it during the snake season when out in the yard or woods. I really enjoy a 44 special. I think a 624 3" is in order next. (if I ever win the lottery)
The little Taurus ends up with shotshells loaded in it during the snake season when out in the yard or woods. I really enjoy a 44 special. I think a 624 3" is in order next. (if I ever win the lottery)
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I've owned a 696 no dash since they first became available. I also purchased a Ruger GP100 in .44 spl. I think the Ruger makes an excellent alternative. Dean
Nemo288
Member
The 3" 624 is the best built one of the lot IMHO but I have never gotten mine to shoot as well as the 4"
and the 6.5" is kind of a lemon (but I still have it)
My only Craig Spegel grips were made for the 3" 624 and the holster that came with it is one of my favorites.
It's a very high ride, forward tilt pancake and was supposedly one of, if not the first, 3" N frame holsters.
Notice the cylinder rides completely above the belt making it mucho comfortable.
Rumored to be made by Gould And Goodrich.
If you get a chance at a 696-1 don't pass it up.
Yeah it has MIM parts. Yeah it has a frame mounted firing pin.
Yeah it shoots like magic.
I have looked at those too as my first revolver was an early Redhawk that is still super accurate with the right loads.
I love the crane lock they share with the Dan Wesson and is just now coming into vogue at S&W.
But it's heavy and has a 7.5" barrel so not an EDC gun and I need another 44 special like I need another hole in my head and wallet.
(But if I saw a 396-0 I'd have a hard time avoiding it.)
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After another look, I am pretty sure the OP has a 696 with target hammer.
Could It be a special order by a LEO who purchased it new? I have a 66-2 3" that was special ordered by a LEO who insisted on a target hammer. It also has a smooth face combat trigger.
Could It be a special order by a LEO who purchased it new? I have a 66-2 3" that was special ordered by a LEO who insisted on a target hammer. It also has a smooth face combat trigger.
Nemo288
Member
I think that may just be the perspective of the photo shoot.
All the 696 hammers look like that but are shy of being as wide as a true target hammer (which the 6.5" 624 came with).
You would think that would also be listed on the box under features.
Look at my B/W photo in post #12 where the shadow makes the hammer look wider than it really is.
A couple of the other pix do that as well.
I suspect the hammer style may have put off a few initial buyers as it's not really an ideal concealed carry hammer spur.
All the 696 hammers look like that but are shy of being as wide as a true target hammer (which the 6.5" 624 came with).
You would think that would also be listed on the box under features.
Look at my B/W photo in post #12 where the shadow makes the hammer look wider than it really is.
A couple of the other pix do that as well.
I suspect the hammer style may have put off a few initial buyers as it's not really an ideal concealed carry hammer spur.
Nemo,
My Ruger has a 3 inch barrel. Dean
My Ruger has a 3 inch barrel. Dean
Nemo288
Member
Sorry I am not too eloquent.
I was referring to the Redhawk as being heavy and large.
I know the GP100 is roughly the same size as the other 3" 44 specials.
I almost bought a Rossi version when I first got the bug for something smaller than the 624 but am glad I held off.
One of my 696's came from this forum and the other from an auction site.
Had the Ruger been available when I was in the market it surely would have been appealing.
As I tried to explain, I like their engineering and style as an alternative to S&W.
As it is now, I'd rather carry a 396 in a shoulder holster.
The recoil is magnum but it doesn't seem to bother me as I shot magnums for years and use the Elmer Keith loose elbows method.
I was referring to the Redhawk as being heavy and large.
I know the GP100 is roughly the same size as the other 3" 44 specials.
I almost bought a Rossi version when I first got the bug for something smaller than the 624 but am glad I held off.
One of my 696's came from this forum and the other from an auction site.
Had the Ruger been available when I was in the market it surely would have been appealing.
As I tried to explain, I like their engineering and style as an alternative to S&W.
As it is now, I'd rather carry a 396 in a shoulder holster.
The recoil is magnum but it doesn't seem to bother me as I shot magnums for years and use the Elmer Keith loose elbows method.
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27 Man
Member
I have the least desirable 696, the -2 with the lock and MIM parts. I bought it new for around $425 which, at the time, I felt was overpriced. They were getting hard to find and I took the plunge. However, it has proven to be a very reliable and accurate revolver for me. The lock still bugs me but I am beginning to warm up to it-a little.
