Small 44 Special

[powhs]

I would love to see Smith build a revolver the same size and weight of the Charter Arms Bulldog 44spl. I have a couple Bulldogs but can not trust them to always work. I know S&W made a 296 and a 396. I guess they did not well. They are larger than the Bulldogs.

 

[P&R Fan]

The 296 is a concealed hammer aluminum frame revolver with fixed sights. The 396 is aluminum framed exposed hammer with adjustable sights. They are both 5 shot L-Frames.
There was also a 696. An all steel 3" adjustable sight model with exposed hammer. All of these are highly sought after today. I have a 296 and a 696 and am glad I bought them new in the late '90s.
These are not much bigger than a Charter, and the speedloaders that fit them are HKS models marked CA44, which I'm assuming means Charter Arms.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

A small frame 44 woulod be great. K frame size with a 3" barrel would be ideal. But, it must have a sq butt rather than round.

 

[powhs]

I almost bought a 396 but it is to big to use as a pocket gun. Bought the Bulldog that day. It has been back to Charter Arms 3 times.
Have never been able to find a 296.

 

[balldboy]

5 shot S&W 581 bored to 44 spec. and call it a day.

I'd round butt mine but that's just me.

 

[LT4]

It would be nice.Sonce they don't do it that MAY explain why I have so many Taurus .44 specials.Never one problem with em either.Go bang every time.Here are two of them.

 

[GDubya]

Amen to revising the 296.
Just bought a new (discontinued ) 396-NG; love it but it's NOT a pocket gun.

And, if we're really dreaming, let's make it a 225: .45ACP (abundant & cheaper) with moon clips in a shorter 5-shot SS cylinder, and use the XS/C&S sights. Any other takers?...