Surely the 696 has been beat to death here but not much decussion of late so, I'd like to ask those who have one of these revolvers to respond, tell us what you really think after owning one and, do you actually shoot yours or just collect it. Prices on these guns are high, and reading about their thin forcing cones and potential for cracking makes one wonder why they hold value.
So to get started, I have the 696 shooting factory velocity cast boolits with Power Pistol but never hot loads, just 750+ using both 210 and sometimes 240gr boolits without an issue. My gun is fairly accurate within 40 feet when using a 3 inch red dot.
Additionally, I have about all the loads from Skeeter and others but settled on PP for most everything but admit to loading Red dot on occasion with 210 boolits.
Thanks to everyone who responds and in hopes someone including me, can learn more about this neat revolver.