Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

The Night Guard series are short-barrel, compact, double-action revolvers built especially for personal defense and concealed carry. They employ advanced construction and design features, and they share a common configuration across three different frame sizes and six different chamberings.

Production

Production of this firearm began in 2008 and continued until around 2010.

Market value

The MSRP for this gun is approximately $800. In 95% condition, the used market value in 2024-2025 is around $650-$700, based on current auction trends and pricing guides.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.44 S&W Special
Alias:	.44 Smith & Wesson Special
More Info

Analysis

The Model 396 Night Guard is the L-frame variant in the original series. The design prioritized defensive ballistics from the .44 Special cartridge—offering strong penetration and expansion potential with loads like 200-240 grain hollow points—while keeping recoil more manageable than .44 Magnum equivalents on larger frames. The fixed tritium front night sight paired with the U-notch rear supported quick, low-light acquisition, and the Pachmayr Compac grips provided cushioning and control, though some users noted their bulk could affect grip fit for smaller hands. Production of this model aligned with the series' limited run reflecting modest demand for big-bore lightweight revolvers amid the semiauto dominance of that era.