S&W 396 Night Guard

[Cerberus Group]

Got a call a few months back from S&W wanting to obtain some ammo for their SHOT Launch Party.
They needed both 32 Magnum and 44 Special.

When they inquired about 44 Special, the conversation came to screeching halt. I immediately asked what was coming that they needed 44 Special.
They couldn't tell me because that item had not officially launched...but if I signed a NDA, they could disclose to me.

A signed 5 page document later...enter the 396 44 Special Night Guard. We discussed the project and the ammo needed, then they offered a pass for SHOT as their guest.
It was great being able to test the 396 using the ammo I make, as that's what would be carried...so win-win.

Even with the velocity at around 860fps, its a bit spicy...due to the weight being 24oz...but is my new EDC.

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[Tlock]

Got a call a few months back from S&W wanting to obtain some ammo for their SHOT Launch Party.
They needed both 32 Magnum and 44 Special.

When they inquired about 44 Special, the conversation came to screeching halt. I immediately asked what was coming that they needed 44 Special.
They couldn't tell me because that item had not officially launched...but if I signed a NDA, they could disclose to me.

A signed 5 page document later...enter the 396 44 Special Night Guard. We discussed the project and the ammo needed, then they offered a pass for SHOT as their guest.
It was great being able to test the 396 using the ammo I make, as that's what would be carried...so win-win.

Even with the velocity at around 860fps, its a bit spicy...due to the weight being 24oz...but is my new EDC.

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View attachment 2244563

That must have been a hard secret to keep. I want one now!

 

[1911Fanatic]

I gotta have one…..

 

[64MercurysRule]

View: https://youtu.be/D60TnhcWRyM?si=EIdDqldp6HCyvcZn

 

[ma96782]

A classy upgrade for David Berkowitz. Rrrrright......he should be happy with this development.

Aloha, Mark

 

[User 1234]

Can you disclose if they will offer a no-lock version?

 

[Cerberus Group]

Can you disclose if they will offer a no-lock version?

There's no lock on it.

The silver colored dots are the internal titanium frame pins that hold the action parts.

 

[Cerberus Group]

View: https://youtu.be/tUd2bsrmt5Y?si=WeqhJeAZmmhED3_H

 

[orygun]

I'll bet holding this secret gave you the hives!
Oh, geeze. I want this one!

 

[Bill Siegle]

I touched a 44Special Night Guard today at NW Armory. VERY cool gun! I might have to spring for one in 357Magnum. I was impressed to see them out so fast

 

[jordanvraptor]

I had one of the originals in .357 Magnum. I put a set of Crimson Trace Lasergrips on it. To this day, it is the only handgun I've shot that made me bleed. With the stock Pachmyrs it was okay. I later sold it to a buddy and it ended up getting stolen. Wish I still had it as it was very easy to carry with 7 rounds.

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• jordanvraptor
• Feb 9, 2015

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• jordanvraptor
• Feb 9, 2015

 

[boattail]

Are the frames still Scandium?

I had purchased a 310 Nightguard (10mm) and had issues with the frame among other things. I loved the way it shot and the feel of it.

Long story short the cylinder locked up on round 16 requiring new better fitting pawl parts to be installed. Then after 4-500 rounds the frame twisted and it got out of time spitting jacket and lead back on you face from the stainless top strap protector. S+W straightened the frame but scratched it in the process and ended up putting a new frame in the gun which made me have to pay to get my gun back because the serial number changed.

I lost faith in that gun and sold it and then they disappeared from the market.

I would revisit a similar gun again if those problems are worked out now.

 

[orygun]

I have a 329PD and now that it's fixed, I love it! A smaller, L-framed version in 44 Special would be an amazing gun to carry.
"Now that it's fixed"... No faith in S&W's repair facility. I sent it back because it was unreliable and it came back possibly even worser than when I sent it in.

"Some guy" in Washington fixed what S&W wouldn't/didn't. That doesn't mean I won't buy another S&W, far from it. But it's something I consider.

 

[Bobbygun]

Got a call a few months back from S&W wanting to obtain some ammo for their SHOT Launch Party.
They needed both 32 Magnum and 44 Special.

When they inquired about 44 Special, the conversation came to screeching halt. I immediately asked what was coming that they needed 44 Special.
They couldn't tell me because that item had not officially launched...but if I signed a NDA, they could disclose to me.

A signed 5 page document later...enter the 396 44 Special Night Guard. We discussed the project and the ammo needed, then they offered a pass for SHOT as their guest.
It was great being able to test the 396 using the ammo I make, as that's what would be carried...so win-win.

Even with the velocity at around 860fps, its a bit spicy...due to the weight being 24oz...but is my new EDC.

View attachment 2244561


View attachment 2244563

Wow. You talk like this is a big deal or something. Well, I just want you to know, I for one am not jealous. Nosiree. Not the least bit jealous. I'M NOT! NOT EVEN A LITTLE! I have cool stuff like this happen to me all the time. Why, there was that time I, oh can't tell you. I signed an NBA or CBA or NDA or something.

Just wanted to make sure you understood that I'm not jealous. Heck, I wouldn't take one of those .44 Specials if it was given to me. I dare you to try it and you'll see for sure.

Definitely not jealous. I'm above that.

 

[orygun]

Wow. You talk like this is a big deal or something. Well, I just want you to know, I for one am not jealous. Nosiree. Not the least bit jealous. I'M NOT! NOT EVEN A LITTLE! I have cool stuff like this happen to me all the time. Why, there was that time I, oh can't tell you. I signed an NBA or CBA or NDA or something.

Just wanted to make sure you understood that I'm not jealous. Heck, I wouldn't take one of those .44 Specials if it was given to me. I dare you to try it and you'll see for sure.

Definitely not jealous. I'm above that.

No ch!t, huh?

 

[Cerberus Group]

I have a 329PD and now that it's fixed, I love it! A smaller, L-framed version in 44 Special would be an amazing gun to carry.
"Now that it's fixed"... No faith in S&W's repair facility. I sent it back because it was unreliable and it came back possibly even worser than when I sent it in.

"Some guy" in Washington fixed what S&W wouldn't/didn't. That doesn't mean I won't buy another S&W, far from it. But it's something I consider.

The 396 doesn't have the lock, but it will get an upgraded firing pin

 

[Cerberus Group]

Apparently the 396 likes my ammo.

Already have customers sending me pics...

 

[64MercurysRule]

Is that pattern "H" for Hickok ......

 

[Cerberus Group]

Are the frames still Scandium?

I had purchased a 310 Nightguard (10mm) and had issues with the frame among other things. I loved the way it shot and the feel of it.

Long story short the cylinder locked up on round 16 requiring new better fitting pawl parts to be installed. Then after 4-500 rounds the frame twisted and it got out of time spitting jacket and lead back on you face from the stainless top strap protector. S+W straightened the frame but scratched it in the process and ended up putting a new frame in the gun which made me have to pay to get my gun back because the serial number changed.

I lost faith in that gun and sold it and then they disappeared from the market.

I would revisit a similar gun again if those problems are worked out now.

Yes, they are scandium.

Meant to be carried a lot, and shot little...depending on the loads.

Not meant for full power loads, and those would be extremely uncomfortable to shoot out of a 24oz specimen.

The loads I make are no where near full power, but still pass the FBI standards for penetration

 

[Cerberus Group]

Wow. You talk like this is a big deal or something. Well, I just want you to know, I for one am not jealous. Nosiree. Not the least bit jealous. I'M NOT! NOT EVEN A LITTLE! I have cool stuff like this happen to me all the time. Why, there was that time I, oh can't tell you. I signed an NBA or CBA or NDA or something.

Just wanted to make sure you understood that I'm not jealous. Heck, I wouldn't take one of those .44 Specials if it was given to me. I dare you to try it and you'll see for sure.

Definitely not jealous. I'm above that.

Having one vs the tine to shoot it is another thing.
Being away from the loaders for the week has me playing major catchup...I might get to it this weekend...and if I do.. the first shot will be in your honor.

I'll do some gel testing with it and call it @Bobbygun jealous jell-o