Any S&W 296's out there?

[Bob79]

The only place I've seen one is Gun Broker, and I sent that seller a few questions (he wants $500, and has no sale rating).

Hoping maybe someone knows of one just waiting for a new home at their local store

I just recently "discovered" their existence, and am really interested in them. Too bad I missed out on all the CDNN action a while back :banghead:

Thanks.

 

[Bob79]

Found one!

I got an e-mail about the Kittery Trading Post having one, and I called them up. They said it was 95%, and was in great shape so I bought it! The gun was $410 + $20 for shipping, and I know its a little high. I saw a couple be sold here for about $350, but I can't find this gun any where now though. $60 isn't a huge difference, so I got myself an early Christmas present!

 

[Harryo]

Glad to hear you got it. The hard to find guns don't last long there. I was lucky enough to find a 627 "bloodwork gun" there last week. Have a good holiday and good shootin.
Jeff

 

[Stainz]

You have a great CC .44 Spcl coming. I have had one for several years - and a SS 696. I swapped the grips out, putting the round Uncle Mike's combat grips (current 10's have them as well) on the 296 and a new pair of squared UM's combats, like those on the 66's, on the 696. Believe me, the UM's help the 296 tremendously, covering that backstrap is a great aid to recoil control, albeit at a size cost.

Consider the excellent Georgia Arms Speer 200gr Gold Dot JHP's in .44 Special for 'carry'... they have the same ~805 fps muzzle velocity as the CCI Blazers (same low speed GDJHP) - and mine hits POA at 12-15yd. They are 'new', so you end up with some nice Starline brass, too... and, the cheaper Blazers, running $12.99/50 locally at 'Academy Sports' chains, finally left a split case in my 696, taking them off my list for the 296. The 296 is ammo-restrictive: clad only and 200gr or less. Expect a thump...

Congrats on finding one!

Stainz

 

[Gewehr98]

Just gotta keep your eyes open.

There was a 696 (The 296's steinless cousin) on consignment not too far from my abode. I'd have grabbed it, except I already have a 696.

BTW, mine's stoked with Federal 200gr LSWCHP ammo.

 

[sabre]

I picked up a 296 in a trade a few weeks back and finally got the chance to shoot it this afternoon. I like the way it handles. Recoil is a bit sharp but not too bad, and it sure is nice & light to carry.



And those nice big 44 cal bullets sure do inspire confidence

Bill

 

[Gordon]

Had one a while now. It seems to be the ultimate CC piece. I carry it unholstered in a jacket pocket. It does carry in a front or back Jeans pocket. It is what I throw in my pocket when I go outside when I don't want to holster up . It is much lighter than my Lite weight Officers acp. It is ALMOST as light as my Colt Agent, but oh that comforting big bullet. The Barrel is almost 3" and is perfect length IMHO. Mines plenty accurate with 3" groups at 15 yards, and I WILL hit your chest at 25 yards. I Like Hornady XTP 180 grainers which almost clock 900FPS (885fps avg) out of mine. The Corbon 165 BOMB is well over 1050FPS and is too ferocious for me. I wish it would take lead 240 grain bullets though, but I'll not fool around, allthough I must confess a couple cylinders of of Cowboy loads went thru it, just had to see.

 

[Bob79]

Thanks for the info thus far guys. When I found out this gun existed I just had to have it. Its a shame they don't make em' any more, .44 special just ain't that popular I guess. I think most people just use the J-frame or comprable size and carry that for CCW. I got some Blazer 200 grainers, and some Gold Dot 200 grainers on the way for when I get my gun, which I imagine will be by the very end of next week at the earliest.

SABRE- do you find those grips give you enough "stick" when grabbing the gun? They sure do look sweet, but I prefer rubber, and the only this is the stock grips are rubber, but I don't like them. I had those grips on a 642, and I much prefer the hogue bantams. I wonder if I can use the K/L round hogue Bantams and cut off the bottoms?

I'm really excited about this gun, and its my first used gun I've bought that I haven't handled/inspected first. The only other gun I bought used was a S&W model 66 that a good friend was selling, and that was easy. I know hindsight is 20/20, but to think I could have got a new 296 a little more than a year ago for about $375, IS JUST A KICKER! :banghead:

 

[sabre]

I find I get a good grip on them, they feel good and aren't bad to hang onto when shooting. I really dislike rubber grips on a gun to be carried concealed, and particularly one I might put in a coat/pants pocket. The grips on mine are geared more towards carry than shooting comfort, but then again, so is the gun.

Bill