Smith & Wesson S&W Model 696 130132 .44 Spl 3″ DA/SA Revolver MFD 1996-97
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 210813DS02
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 696, SKU: 130132
Serial Number: CBR1556
Year of Manufacture: 1996-1997
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 5-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” the right is marked “S.&W. .44 SPECIAL CTG.”. The left side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right has the four-line Marcas Registradas. The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and the model number. The crane and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks and the butt is marked with the serial number. The inside of the ejector rod is marked “S”.
Barrel Length: 3”, with full underlug and solid, serrated rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped sight with a red insert and is pinned to a rise in the solid, serrated rib. The rear sight is a white-outlined flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation. The top strap is factory drilled and tapped for mounting an optic (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered laminate wood with finger grooves, smooth borders, smooth diamonds, S&W medallions, and fleur di lis accents. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn lead fouling that will come out with patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some swirl marks and draglines from use and storage. There are a few scuffs and faint hairline scratches, mainly on the cylinder and left side of the muzzle. There are a couple of tiny nicks on the left of the frame under the grip. The cylinder has a thin turn-line. The hammer and trigger have minor operational wear with some thinning. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side-to-side play in full lockup of all 5 chambers. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a blue plastic S&W case with a serial-matching label, with paperwork including the manual and a Pachmayr Gripper grip.
Our Assessment: The 696 is a well-balanced, double action revolver from Smith & Wesson that is similar in appearance to the ever-popular 686 but is chambered for .44 Special and has a 5-shot cylinder. This revolver was the companies first revolver on an L frame that was chambered for .44 Special and is stout enough to handle +P. With its excellent trigger and comfortable grips, this revolver would make a fine home defense handgun, hunting sidearm, or addition to a collection lacking a revolver. This revolver is in Excellent condition with light operational wear and comes with its original case, equally suited to adding to a S&W collection, adding to your carry rotation or hitting the range. Please see our pictures and good luck!