Smith 396 Night Guard

[David Simerly]

Since we talk about guns here, how about a little discussion of the new Night Guards Smith just released? I have the 396 in hand and have for 4 days. It was excellent out of the box. I cannot leave well enough alone and did the following:
Action work + extended firing pin (factory is .492", Apex replacement is .503").
Hamre Forge hooked Spegel Extended Boots.
Some Howie's camo tape for flair and extra stick on the backstrap.
Optic mount by Checkerboard Creek.
Holosun 507K.

In the 4 days I've had It I have fired 250 rounds of 44spl through it and dry pressed the trigger about 550 times. It is a fantastically excellent gun. I've included a few of the photos I've taken so far with it. About half of the ammo through it so far has been from Steve Shields over at High Desert. He loads ridiculously good ammo. As setup the carry gear I'm using for it are an ANR AIWB holster and speed loaders from 5 Star along with the loader carrier they make. I've shot the Old West's Shootist Challenge with it as well as a B8 at 25 yards. It's a shooter!

 

[Ron Dan]

Since we talk about guns here, how about a little discussion of the new Night Guards Smith just released? I have the 396 in hand and have for 4 days. It was excellent out of the box. I cannot leave well enough alone and did the following:
Action work + extended firing pin (factory is .492", Apex replacement is .503").
Hamre Forge hooked Spegel Extended Boots.
Some Howie's camo tape for flair and extra stick on the backstrap.
Optic mount by Checkerboard Creek.
Holosun 507K.

In the 4 days I've had It I have fired 250 rounds of 44spl through it and dry pressed the trigger about 550 times. It is a fantastically excellent gun. I've included a few of the photos I've taken so far with it. About half of the ammo through it so far has been form Steve Shields over at High Desert. He loads ridiculously good ammo. As setup the carry gear I'm using for it are an ANR AIWB holster and speed loaders from 5 Star along with the loader carrier they make. I've shot the Old West's Shootist Challenge with it as well as a B8 at 25 yards. It's a shooter!View attachment 2058View attachment 2057View attachment 2060

Mine is sitting at the FFL and I can’t wait to put my hands on it. I will also be running it in an ANR holster that I got years ago for a 296 and currently have in rotation for my 19 carry comp.

 

[David Simerly]

Mine is sitting at the FFL and I can’t wait to put my hands on it. I will also be running it in an ANR holster that I got years ago for a 296 and currently have in rotation for my 19 carry comp.

I also have a 19 Carry Comp, which is the gun I originally got the holster for.

Here's a bit more of a layout photo I took with the 396 and my 315. It shows the holster and gear a bit better.
In case there are questions about the rest of the gear:
Sapjack from growing up Guns.
POM pepper spray.
Knife is a Nocturne from Zulu Bravo.

 

[Ron Dan]

I also have a 19 Carry Comp, which is the gun I originally got the holster for.

Here's a bit more of a layout photo I took with the 396 and my 315. It shows the holster and gear a bit better.
In case there are questions about the rest of the gear:
Sapjack from growing up Guns.
POM pepper spray.
Knife is a Nocturne from Zulu Bravo.
View attachment 2069

What did you do with your Cylinder & Slide Hard Duty rear from the original Night Guard?

 

[David Simerly]

What did you do with your Cylinder & Slide Hard Duty rear from the original Night Guard?

It's in my parts bin.

 

[Ron Dan]

It's in my parts bin.

Let me know if you ever want to part with it.

 

[David Simerly]

Let me know if you ever want to part with it.

When they are in stock they aren't too bad from C&S directly. I'd rather trade it than sell if if you've got something interesting.

 

[Bill Mazelin]

Since we talk about guns here, how about a little discussion of the new Night Guards Smith just released? I have the 396 in hand and have for 4 days. It was excellent out of the box. I cannot leave well enough alone and did the following:
Action work + extended firing pin (factory is .492", Apex replacement is .503").
Hamre Forge hooked Spegel Extended Boots.
Some Howie's camo tape for flair and extra stick on the backstrap.
Optic mount by Checkerboard Creek.
Holosun 507K.

In the 4 days I've had It I have fired 250 rounds of 44spl through it and dry pressed the trigger about 550 times. It is a fantastically excellent gun. I've included a few of the photos I've taken so far with it. About half of the ammo through it so far has been from Steve Shields over at High Desert. He loads ridiculously good ammo. As setup the carry gear I'm using for it are an ANR AIWB holster and speed loaders from 5 Star along with the loader carrier they make. I've shot the Old West's Shootist Challenge with it as well as a B8 at 25 yards. It's a shooter!View attachment 2058View attachment 2057View attachment 2060

So far, Iv'e heard/read nothing but good news about both offerings. Triggers are well sorted, good balance and weight, etc. I have not handled either one. I have a little more interest in the 44 Spcl. because when I carry my S&W 629 "Backpacker" as a bear gun, I load it with Buffalo Bore 255gr SWC Keith type G. C. hard cast 44 Spcl. A slightly smaller lighter wheel gun would be a real good option for that same task.

 

[David Simerly]

So far, Iv'e heard/read nothing but good news about both offerings. Triggers are well sorted, good balance and weight, etc. I have not handled either one. I have a little more interest in the 44 Spcl. because when I carry my S&W 629 "Backpacker" as a bear gun, I load it with Buffalo Bore 255gr SWC Keith type G. C. hard cast 44 Spcl. A slightly smaller lighter wheel gun would be a real good option for that same task.

I'm very pleased with it so far. Hopefully around the end of the month I'll have a 386 in hand as well. I've got one of the original Mountain Lites and I'm quite looking forward to the NG. A few ounces heavier to help with recoil a hair and a non Ti cylinder so I don't have to be as careful with it.

 

[Ron Dan]

When they are in stock they aren't too bad from C&S directly. I'd rather trade it than sell if if you've got something interesting.

Buddy I’ve been in this industry for 2 decades. I got a garage full of interesting stuff. Let me think about what you’d like.

 

[David Simerly]

Buddy I’ve been in this industry for 2 decades. I got a garage full of interesting stuff. Let me think about what you’d like.

Sounds great!

 

[The Black Colin Jones]

Since we talk about guns here, how about a little discussion of the new Night Guards Smith just released? I have the 396 in hand and have for 4 days. It was excellent out of the box. I cannot leave well enough alone and did the following:
Action work + extended firing pin (factory is .492", Apex replacement is .503").
Hamre Forge hooked Spegel Extended Boots.
Some Howie's camo tape for flair and extra stick on the backstrap.
Optic mount by Checkerboard Creek.
Holosun 507K.

In the 4 days I've had It I have fired 250 rounds of 44spl through it and dry pressed the trigger about 550 times. It is a fantastically excellent gun. I've included a few of the photos I've taken so far with it. About half of the ammo through it so far has been from Steve Shields over at High Desert. He loads ridiculously good ammo. As setup the carry gear I'm using for it are an ANR AIWB holster and speed loaders from 5 Star along with the loader carrier they make. I've shot the Old West's Shootist Challenge with it as well as a B8 at 25 yards. It's a shooter!View attachment 2058View attachment 2057View attachment 2060

What’s your carry ammo for the 44spl?

 

[David Simerly]

What’s your carry ammo for the 44spl?

High Desert 200gr XTPs. Steve Shields loads great ammo for revolver degenerates. He's also working on a wadcutter load which will work really well in Night Guards in 44 and 357.

 

[Ron Dan]

High Desert 200gr XTPs. Steve Shields loads great ammo for revolver degenerates. He's also working on a wadcutter load which will work really well in Night Guards in 44 and 357.

Ok, I’ll need to try this stuff out. We’ll be working with Federal to come out with a .44 equivalent to the Gold Medal wadcutter we all love for .38s.

 

[David Simerly]

Ok, I’ll need to try this stuff out. We’ll be working with Federal to come out with a .44 equivalent to the Gold Medal wadcutter we all love for .38s.

Nice! Glad to hear there will be more good choices available. Here's a 97 5x I shot with the 396 at 25 yards with Steve's 200gr XTP load. I shanked the first shot... of course... but worked through the suck and ended up with a great group. Standing unsupported and DA. This is the kind of precision I get with High Desert XTPs.

 

[David Simerly]

Just went out and shot a round of the Old West's Shootist Challenge with the 396. A pass with all 6 rounds hitting the stamp.
The drill:
The target which can be obtained here setup at 10 paces/25 feet.
6 rounds fired primary hand only.
A pass is all 6 shots hitting the 5" square and at least one hitting the 1" stamp in the center.

A video of my shooting today.