Smith model 396 Mountain Lite Ti thoughts

[bikemutt]

I'm considering trading something for a Smith 396 titanium revolver, 5-shot .44 special, 3-1/4" barrel.

The handgun weighs a massive 18 oz and sounds to me like it might be a perfect BUG.

Anyone run across these and have an opinion?

I'd be giving up something worth $800 or so to get something the seller believes is worth the same, so it's not a chump change decision for me.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I like the 396, but I also like the S&W 329PD for use of more powerful ammunition. For the 396's size and weight, you might be served as well with a Glock 29 (10mm), or a Glock 36 (.45), two very fine compact and powerful guns. Pricewise, the 396's are getting harder and harder to find, and often demand $800 on the auction sites if exc-new condition, in the box, etc. I'd also prefer the older model without the key lock.

 

[bikemutt]

I like the 396, but I also like the S&W 329PD for use of more powerful ammunition. For the 396's size and weight, you might be served as well with a Glock 29 (10mm), or a Glock 36 (.45), two very fine compact and powerful guns. Pricewise, the 396's are getting harder and harder to find, and often demand $800 on the auction sites if exc-new condition, in the box, etc. I'd also prefer the older model without the key lock.

This one is a no-lock.

Concur re: Glock 36, have one

 

[Loosedhorse]

I got its brother, the 386 Mountain Lite with .357x7. It's no BUG, IMHO, but a full-size, in-the-holster revolver.

Great for hiking, though.

 

[bikemutt]

It's no BUG, IMHO, but a full-size, in-the-holster revolver

Good point, being an L frame it's not going to be a pocket/ankle holster candidate.

Also thinking along the lines since I downsized vehicles, my 4" K38 combat masterpiece "truck" gun of choice just won't fit anywhere I like it. I recall thinking "if the barrel was just a half inch shorter". This one just might fit the bill.

 

[Gordon]

They are really nice light walking around gun. However they are not so hot CCW gun as they are just thick enough to take a large holster.

 

[BlackSky]

I think they are great little guns. Don't own one but would like to one day. I'm a big fan of the .44 Special cartridge for self defense and use a 3" Model 624 to carry. It's a big heavy N frame and in the right holster it carries just fine. A Lobo GunLeather IWB works great for me. I'd imagine the 396 would carry even better in a similar holster.

Recoil will be fun in that 396. My 624 when loaded with hot SD ammo most definitely lets you know about it when you pull the trigger. It's not bad, and is totally manageable but it's not a gun I'd say has light recoil either. The 396 should smack pretty good with stout ammo. Maybe it would be more comparible to the felt recoil of a .44 Magnum?

For what it's worth my other carry gun is the Glock 36. Love that gun, love it!

Here's shots of the N frame in the holster. I was surprised at how well it works.

 

[bluethunder1962]

I have two s&w titanium revolvers. One governor and one 44mag. I love them. The 44 mag is a little to much for a light gun like that but shooting specials out of it is fun. The governor is very fun to shoot 45 colt. Right not I am trying to sell 6 of my guns so I can get the 8 shot one in 357. I love the fact of having that big of a gun and being that light.

 

[bluethunder1962]

OOPS I just saw you are talking about titanium. My two are that scadinum ever how you spell it. The 44 does have titanium barrel. Sorry.

 

[2zulu1]

I have the scandium alloy L-frame M396 Night Guard that sees cold weather coat pocket carry. WFNs for whatever large threats may be lurking in dense mesquite/brush.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have zip-interest in a bulky, ultra-light .44 Special snubby, but I do like my Taurus model 445. It's an all-steel, mid-frame, 5-shot snubby, chambered in .44 Special.

In most situations it's too large and heavy for pants side-pocket carry, but it works well in coat pockets and most any holster mode. Mine isn't super charged, because I what to get off more then one shot and not be slowed down recovering from recoil, and to be able to do this with one hand. No where is it written that two hands will always be available. Bullet expansion is not an issue, as it's expanded when it leaves the bore.

Last but not least, you should be able to find a 445 for a lot less then $800, but to each his own.

 

[bikemutt]

Thanks Old Fuff, the trader blinked and decided not to trade. All good.

 

[Gordon]

Problem with the L framed (and larger) .44spls , even the Ti and Scandium ones is the bulk of the holster. To wit I installed these Clip things , carefully putting away the original side screws, and man these work with sweat pants or a bathing suit! They hold pretty well, they can still be holstered OK with the clip on, and just seem like the answer for me.

 

[Flintstone]

I agree with Old Fluff. I have two older Bulldogs & never had a problem with either--love them! Hey Gordon, I just have to ask--what is the brand & name of that knife?

 

[Kernel]

Gordon, a seven-round speed loader for a five-shot pistol?

 

[chuckpro]

For me the L frame is a little big for carry. A short barreled model 19 .357 is as large as i want to try to carry. i have an older 5 shot Rossie in 44 spl that is a copy of the K frame that makes a nice truck gun that you can throw in your back pocket if you need to. I like the 44 spl for self defense in a revolver. i wish Smith made a 44 spl in a K frame.

 

[bdb benzino]

Gordon, a seven-round speed loader for a five-shot pistol?

Obviouslly one is a 44spc and the other is a 357mag, both L frames.

 

[Kernel]

^^^^
Obviously, neither one will accept seven rounds.

I could be wrong, but they both look like 5-shot J-frames to me. Never knew Smith ever made a humpback L-frame.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the the "humpback" L frame snubbie above (next to the 5 shot .44) is a .38 Special, not a .357 Mag, called the Model 242, and truly IS a 7 shot. S&W also made and makes some 7 shot L frame .357's, but the snubbie with shrouded hammer shown is not one of them.

 

[Gordon]

Bingo

 

[bdb benzino]

I could be wrong, but they both look like 5-shot J-frames to me. Never knew Smith ever made a humpback L-frame.

You are wrong, but apparently I was too about it being 357, I think Sharps is right it is an 7 shot 38spl L frame.

 

[Old Fuff]

Just to shake some trees…

In 1886 Smith & Wesson designed and made a prototype of a top-break, enclosed hammer “Safety Hammerless” revolver based on the No.3 New Model Russian and chambered in .44 Russian. Unfortunately it never found its way into production – probably because it was seen as being too big for pocket carry, which was the role assigned to the .32 and .38 versions. In any case it was the grandfather of the revolver now under discussion.

 

[bikemutt]

And just to revive this thread fully, the deal is back on. We may or may not have a trade deal but the price has been adjusted to our mutual satisfaction, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the gun will belong to me come Memorial day!

As of right now the only L frame gun I own is my 686 no-dash which, from a previous thread, is at S&W for the firing pin bushing recall. I don't know if this L frame will feel quite like the 686, certainly it will weigh considerably less. I'm taking a chance with this one; I do like the way L frames fit me, I like the caliber, I like S&W lightweight guns and the barrel length may be perfect for what I have in mind. So it's game-on I guess, I don't feel I'll get hurt too bad if it's not a good fit, $700 cash.

 

[Kernel]

"I could be wrong." .... and I was! Thanks for the education. The 242 was only made from 1999 to 2001, so I must of blinked and missed it. What a great idea for a CCW revolver. I'm surprised it faded so fast, but it musta been just a bit ahead of it's time, missing out on the CCW "craze" that saw so many similair J-frame guns flying off the shelves.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

The only reason it faded was most people felt that it should have been a magnum. Now we have those cute little Nightguard guns from S&W. A seven shot .357 @ 25 or so ounces.