The Special 396 Mountain Lite

[johnnyloco]

 

[629shooter]

I've never shot a 396 but, wouldn't mind stumbling across one.

 

[mc5aw]

Open backstrap + 19oz = nastiest recoil I have ever experienced. I loved my -1 but it was simply too difficult to enjoy shooting, thus it was sold for something more user-friendly.

 

[johnnyloco]

I don't find it bad at all even with Buffalo Bore 255gr. I do find the 329 44 mag series horrifying and uncomfortable.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

A gun to carry a lot and shoot a little.

 

[onemanwolfpack]

I recently (last week) happened upon one locally. Hard to pass up anything in 44spec. Get to pick up on Jan 9. Geronimo Jim's quote is the winner here..."a gun to carry a lot and shoot a little"...

 

[Eaglestroker]

I hope to own one some day, had fun shooting one!

 

[johnnyloco]

Its nice having one for sure.

 

[gasaman]

Open backstrap + 19oz = nastiest recoil I have ever experienced. I loved my -1 but it was simply too difficult to enjoy shooting, thus it was sold for something more user-friendly.

Same here, I think the recoil in my 396 Mountain Lite was worse than my M&P340 w/ magnums.

 

[Smith61]

Played with one!

At the LGS today...Mint for $499. Didn't even ask if it has the case/box.
The thing looks new. All original with rubber grips. some carbon rings at end of cylinder chanmbers, but not a line on the cylinder or a hint of erosion on top strap or forcing cone. I think I should jump on this? Thoughts?

 

[Nemo288]

Jump.
You don't see much drag line or peening of the notches because the titanium is that hard.
The only down side is the coating that has to be maintained on the inside of the chambers.
I actually got a spare cylinder from Numrich because I think the chambers are going south and I love the gun.
It's super accurate.
Stick with 15KPSI or less 200 grain loads and the recoil is no problem.

===
Nemo

 

[peyton]

I will agree with the statement about recoil, I shot my N frame 44, then my 696 and transitioned to the 396.
Using the same ammo I could only shoot two cartridges before putting it away!!

 

[onemanwolfpack]

Picked this one up today ($600)...will do as Peyton did...maybe stop at 1.

 

[CWH44300]

Same here, I think the recoil in my 396 Mountain Lite was worse than my M&P340 w/ magnums.

Now that's saying something,
Right there

 

[Munsterf18]

Mine is my absolute favorite woods gun. I carry it often, with hollowpoints in the gun and snake shot in my pocket. I don't even know it's there. Takes a custom holster though, as the barrel is 1/4" longer than the 696 and has the hiviz sight. You don't want it sticking out. I will admit, I put wood grips on it for a time and I could barely hold on to it. Had to go back the to rubber that came on it.

 

[Smith61]

So I'm guessing that $499 is a good price?

 

[onemanwolfpack]

So I'm guessing that $499 is a good price?

Buy the gun.

 

[GaryS]

Same here, I think the recoil in my 396 Mountain Lite was worse than my M&P340 w/ magnums.

I shot a friend's 340 with magnums. I think I made it through an entire cylinder. Not pleasant.