So what? It's an old thread. Someone must be interested in it to (1) go to the trouble of looking for it, and (2) others have kept posting on it.
Including me.
I don't know about a 696 S&W. I don't think I've ever even heard of it, so my guess is it wasn't very popular. Now I got something else to look for.
And 44 Special ammo hasn't gotten any more available, or less expensive over the years. I'd say if you don't handload, and don't want to, don't bother with a 44 Special. My LGS does have some high performance ammo for one, but I couldn't find any "target" ammo for one until I stopped in a little gun shop in another town 100 miles away.
I do have a Taurus 431, A K-frame sized, five shot, 3" barrel, fixed sight, blue steel gun. "What for" someone asked? Because I wanted it and I like it. It's a fun gun to shoot. I suppose I could carry it, but it's heavier than I like for that job. An airweight 642 has claimed that spot and I don't see much of anything taking it.
Now, at one time I did have both a 4" Model 29-2 (44 Magnum) and a 4" Model 24-3 (44 Special)...the line to kick my butt for selling the 24 (it had box, papers, everything), forms to the right...no pushing or shoving, you'll all get your turn.
Now I thought the two guns would be very similar in feel, and handling. Not so. The 29 has a heavier barrel, and a slightly longer cylinder, making it feel totally different from the 24. More muzzle heavy. I preferred the lighter, more svelte Model 24. The 29 went down the road first.
A few weeks ago, I saw another of those Taurus 44 specials, this one with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights. I wish I had gotten it, but I already had something else on layaway. It was gone the next time I was in.
The new S&W 69 would probably fill this gap today quite well, plus still have magnum capability, but I kinda like being able to say, "No, it's not a magnum...44 Special."