Something to look for on used 296's:

The cast in place Al alloy cylinder stop, just above the back of the trigger, has reportedly been sliced off by the squared Ti cylinder backside and a few good 'Hollywood-style' raps of the ejector rod. A subsequent push of the ejector will put the cylinder in your hand - if you are lucky!

Another thing to look at is the topstrap above the b/c gap. Normal .44 Specials are low pressure - very little topstrap erosion - maybe some lead spatter and carbon. A few of Harold's homebrew hotloads, and things change. "Well, Elmer shot them in his gun!" doesn't provide much solace when you're looking at the pieces your revolver explosively disassembled itself in to when you tried them.

The general condition of the Ti cylinder front face and chambers should be checked, too. Some permanent carbon exit rings are far better than steel brush marks.

My 296 is a keeper - and would be difficult to replace.

Stainz