Stainz
Member
Well, a 2.5" became a 3" - alloys are a no-no - the S&W 696 is the obvious choice. Over eight years ago, mine was $439 new. I have shot it a bunch - lots of fun - with mild .44 Specials & .44 Russians. The X96 family has a small forcing cone with a sharp edge - they weren't intended for 'Keith-level' loads. There is a better choice... only weighs six ounces more. You also gain an inch in sight radius, another round in the cylinder, both a larger hammer & trigger, a real forcing cone, and a rating that exceeds Keith-level .44 Specials. I'm speaking of the 4" 629 - a 629-6 SKU #163603 - a .44 Magnum.
Below you'll see my 696-1 and 629-6:
The cult following for the 696 has made used examples actually more expensive than a new 4" 629. In my case, my 4" 629 will be here when the 696 is a memory. Sure - it's an L-frame, the 629 is an N-frame - but look at the actual size comparison above - and only a six ounce weight saving. Just a thought.
Stainz
Below you'll see my 696-1 and 629-6:
The cult following for the 696 has made used examples actually more expensive than a new 4" 629. In my case, my 4" 629 will be here when the 696 is a memory. Sure - it's an L-frame, the 629 is an N-frame - but look at the actual size comparison above - and only a six ounce weight saving. Just a thought.
Stainz