Yeah, that thing didn't sell well at $589 a few years ago at my 'pusher's' - and then it was lighter - had a Ti cylinder!
The initial L-frame run of .44 Specials, the 296, 396, & 696, were dropped due to lagging sales. They all share a dimunitive forcing cone, understandable when you consider the L-frame's entry was to allow a larger forcing cone for .357M's - replacing the similarly small K-frame .357M's dimunitive forcing cone's restriction forced on them due to the thin front frame width. They just didn't thicken it up that much in the L-frame - you have to go to the N-frame for .44 & .45 'proper' forcing cone.
Speaking of which, my 696 - that thing with a cult following that has forced it's used prices above the 4" 629's new price - and my recent production example of same, albeit sporting .500 Magnum Hogues, are shown below. You want a real '.44 Special', capable of Keith-level loads - and even .44 Magnums - get a 629. If not the 4" (SKU #163603) shown, which weighs but 6 oz more than the 696, then a 3" Backpacker variant or 4" 629MG. You'll thank me later.
Of course, if you want a 'pocket protector' - and can stand the 200gr Gold Dots as a maximum load, my 296 isn't bad at all. See it below with it's newer, but smaller, 642 sibling. That's right... I EDC a pocket piece with an IL - the horror! Of course, I jest - I have plenty of other things I'll worry about!
Stainz