Smith & Wesson S&W Stainless Model 696 .44 Special 3″ 5-Shot SA/DA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,230.00
LSB#: LSB260622JW001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 696
Serial Number: CBU6354
Year of Manufacture: 1997 / Modern
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single Action/ Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and model number “CBU6354 / 696”. The left side of the frame has the S&W logo. The right side of the frame, below the cylinder, is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas.
Barrel Length: 3″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed white-dotted blade integral to a rise in the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, two-white dot square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece Uncle Mike’s textured rubber grips with finger grooves. There is moderate handling wear, in the form of scratches and scuffs. There are no tears. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is considerable fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: There is light handling wear in the form of scratching, especially on the side plate. There is a pronounced dragline on the recoil shield. There is light frosting on the trigger guard. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces light side-to-side movement with the trigger depressed. The timing is average. The hammer is a .500 checkered target hammer. The trigger is a .500″ serrated trigger. The double-action is smooth and 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 with a black plastic case and its original hammer, trigger, and front sight (which have been replaced).
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 696 is a double action revolver built on the stainless L-frame and chambered in .44 Special. It bears a strong resemblance to its cousin, the 686. Both are stainless, the 686 with 6 (or seven) shots of .357 Mag — the 696 with 5 shots of 44 Special. Made from 1996-2002, this one lacked the internal trigger lock. The stainless steel build not only provides a sleek and attractive finish but also contributes to the revolver’s resilience under heavy use and varying environmental conditions.
A 1997 revolver, this 696 is a “no-dash” variant, meaning that it is the original configuration as one would expect in its second year of production. It shows light handling wear This is a 7-shot revolver. This particular 696 comes in Very Good condition, with a plastic case and its original trigger and hammer. Please see our photos. -C.B.