Smith & Wesson model 696 3" 44 S&W

[Friesland]

Are these difficult to come by? How much do these tend to sell for? Anyone have some experience with them, likes and diss likes?

Also, can this model be handloaded near mild 44 mag pressures?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1197178&highlight=Smith+Wesson+696

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1197178&highlight=Smith+Wesson+696

[DrewN]

More common than the 396, that's for sure . What's not to like? .44 L frame, can't go wrong there. That one sold pretty quick at $1200, so there you go. You could just go grab a 69 anytime for under $800 though, if you don't mind new Smiths.

[dfletcher]

Yes, they are difficult to find in CA. I bought one a few months back for $800.00 - no dash, with factory service stocks. Since they have a 3" bbl and meet OAL for SA exemption they can be sent into CA from out of state, so I don't know that I'd go 4 digits on price. Maybe I'm wrong.

Now that I recall, at t he same time I bought a Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special at the same time, the older blued, skinny barrel version. That thing was hard to find too.

I'd presume the 696 can take whatever is found in Hornady, Speer, etc for handloads. Should do a 240 grain at about 1,100 fps as a pretty strong load. Most magazines I've read that show heavier loads usually qualify the data with "Ruger or N frame only" disclaimer.

[DrewN]

If you want to shoot magnum loads,buy a magnum. Be way easier to find a 69 or 629 anyway.

[jwb28]

A 696 will not do 1100fps with a 240gr bullet. At least for long. The forcing cone is the weak link. Stay at pressure spec for the Special and enjoy the fun for what it is.
240gr at 850fps or so is nothing to sneeze at. Need more get a mag

[plumbum]

Aww man, that’s what I wanted back in the day - got talked out of it by the old man at the gun shop (he was right though, .357 was a better first gun).

[Friesland]

This has been interesting, Thanks

[goglesby3]

On the S&W forum the Model 69 is highly thought of, plus the versatility of shooting 44 mags. or 44 special......