Is This Gun too Heavy to Carry?

Published on May 8, 2026
Duration: 16:12

This video compares the Smith & Wesson 696 and the newer Night Guard 44 Special revolvers, focusing on their weight and carryability. The host, Hickok45, highlights the significant weight difference between the all-steel 696 (35 oz) and the Scandium-alloy framed Night Guard (23 oz). While both fire the same .44 Special cartridge and have similar barrel lengths, the Night Guard's lighter construction makes it a more practical option for concealed carry, despite a slightly increased perceived recoil. The comparison emphasizes how material choice dramatically impacts a firearm's suitability for everyday carry.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 696, an all-steel .44 Special revolver, weighs approximately 35 ounces, while the newer Night Guard, featuring a Scandium alloy frame, weighs around 23 ounces. This significant 12-ounce difference makes the Night Guard a more practical choice for concealed carry, though its lighter weight can result in slightly more felt recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Gun Weight & Carry
  2. 00:14Cowboy Gun Analogy
  3. 00:25All Steel Construction
  4. 00:36Holster Fit & Weight Feeling
  5. 00:43Complaining About Heavy Firearms
  6. 01:12Sponsor: Snoring Desert Institute
  7. 01:24Sponsor: Davidson's Gallery of Guns
  8. 01:44Comparing Similar Firearms by Material
  9. 02:04.44 Special Revolvers Comparison
  10. 02:13Smith & Wesson Night Guard 44 Special
  11. 02:23Smith & Wesson 696 Comparison
  12. 02:47Night Guard L-Frame 5-Shot 44
  13. 03:07Weight of the 696 L-Frame
  14. 03:17Making Firearms Lighter
  15. 03:27Scandium Frame Explained
  16. 03:35Barrel and Cylinder Materials
  17. 04:05Is Your Gun Too Heavy to Carry?
  18. 04:13Comparing Same Caliber, Same Barrel Length
  19. 04:45Weight Comparison: 696 vs. Night Guard
  20. 04:50S&W 696 Weight (35 oz)
  21. 05:12Night Guard Weight (23 oz)
  22. 05:23Significant Weight Difference
  23. 05:33Ounce Difference in Carry Guns
  24. 05:54Noticeable Weight Differences
  25. 06:08J-Frame Comparison (11-12 oz)
  26. 06:24Comparing Recoil and Shooting
  27. 06:30Sponsor: Alabama Holster
  28. 06:49Sponsor: Rent a Gun
  29. 07:26Weight Impact on Carry
  30. 07:34Feeling the Weight in the Holster
  31. 07:49Night Guard Carry Comfort
  32. 08:01Loading the Firearms
  33. 08:09Is the Weight Necessary?
  34. 08:21Convenience of Lighter Carry Guns
  35. 08:31Basketball Performance Comparison
  36. 08:42Loading Both Firearms
  37. 08:56Recoil Comparison
  38. 09:03Scandium Frame Night Guard Recoil
  39. 09:13Firing Both Firearms
  40. 09:20Is the Difference Enough to Matter?
  41. 09:24Purpose of Defensive Firearms
  42. 09:38Bear Country Considerations
  43. 09:53Defensive Firearm Applications
  44. 10:00Firing Both Loaded Firearms
  45. 10:07Comparing Similar Firearms Back-to-Back
  46. 10:10Shooting the Heavy One First
  47. 10:22Shooting the 696 (Heavy Gun)
  48. 10:46Shooting the Night Guard
  49. 10:52Felt Recoil Difference
  50. 10:58Three Shots on Steel
  51. 11:11Shooting Performance
  52. 11:24Range and Accuracy
  53. 11:32Confidence in Defensive Scenarios
  54. 11:47Sights and Defensive Accuracy
  55. 11:52Defensive Purposes Conclusion
  56. 12:01Is the 696 Too Heavy to Carry?
  57. 12:12Night Guard as a Carry Option
  58. 12:22Longer Range Shooting
  59. 12:41Bottom Line on Carry Weight
  60. 13:13Shooting for Fun
  61. 13:35Sights Comparison: Red Ramp vs. Big Dot
  62. 14:03Recoil Impact on Aim
  63. 14:10Recoil Throws Bullet Up
  64. 14:17Both Guns Perform Well
  65. 14:28Conclusion on Gun Comparison
  66. 14:31Night Guard is Lighter for Carry
  67. 14:38Attitude Towards Heavy Guns
  68. 14:43The 696 is a Chunk
  69. 14:46Night Guard is a Nice Carry
  70. 15:03Great Gun for Defense
  71. 15:05Sponsor: Talon Grips
  72. 15:30Sponsor: Ballistol
  73. 15:52Social Media Promotion
  74. 16:09Watch More Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Smith & Wesson 696 and the Night Guard?

The primary difference highlighted is weight. The all-steel Smith & Wesson 696 weighs approximately 35 ounces, while the Smith & Wesson Night Guard, featuring a Scandium alloy frame, weighs significantly less at around 23 ounces, making it more comfortable for concealed carry.

How does the Scandium alloy frame affect the Night Guard's performance?

The Scandium alloy frame makes the Night Guard much lighter, improving its carryability. However, this lighter weight can lead to slightly more felt recoil and muzzle rise during firing compared to the heavier, all-steel 696.

Is the Smith & Wesson 696 too heavy to carry?

According to Hickok45, while not impossible to carry, the 35-ounce weight of the all-steel Smith & Wesson 696 makes it a 'chunk' and less practical for everyday concealed carry, especially when compared to lighter alternatives like the 23-ounce Night Guard.

What caliber are the Smith & Wesson 696 and Night Guard revolvers discussed?

Both the Smith & Wesson 696 and the Smith & Wesson Night Guard revolvers featured in the comparison are chambered in .44 Special. They also share a similar 3-inch barrel length and L-frame configuration.

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