Eddietruett
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2018
- Messages
- 1,076
I had been looking for a 3” Mod 696 in 44 spl for a while and found one on GB. Missing the yoke was the only advertised problem. Bought it right and really had my bubble busted when it came in with a ruined cylinder. Hidden from pictures was several cuts in the steel. Looked like saw cuts. Could have lived with that for a shooter but the cylinder had also been dropped or hit and one hole was slightly flattened. Of course seller stated you bought it as is. Filed a complaint with GB which turned out to be a 3 month waste of time. To make matters worse, there is not a 696 cylinder to be found anywhere in the USA. Was about to trash it when I did find a model 69 cylinder at S&W. Same 5 shot and in 44 caliber but being a magnum, it was slightly longer. Bought it on a chance and took it to my friend, Master Gunsmith Jim Kelly. He was able to machine the barrel and forcing cone and fit the Mod 69 cylinder. Looks like it came from the factory. To sweeten things, now I have a 3” 44 Mag. The only negative is the new Mod 69 cylinder had a much heavier glass bead finish than the 696 but a little polishing and I’ve about got them to match. A little more time and it will look great. Sure did pay off having a great gunsmith for a friend that was up for a challenge. Saved the day and I actually got a slightly better gun.