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-   -   cleaning a titanium cylinder (https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/149542-cleaning-titanium-cylinder.html)

NZshooter 08-09-2010 12:40 AM

cleaning a titanium cylinder
 
So I finally got a 296, hopefully will get a chance to shoot it this week. I've been searching for info on the gun and found plenty of the "don't use abrasive cleaners" advice... what about bristle brush for the chambers? Stick with nylon? Anything else I should know about cleaning a 296?

Dale53 08-09-2010 12:56 AM

I know NOTHING about caring for a titanium cylinder. However, I have an S&W Model 520 with titanium cylinder and nothing but nylon and non-ammonium bearing solvents will touch it. So far, it has worked and worked well.

I shoot nothing but my own cast bullets in it (or HBWC's for target work) so I have no need for heavy duty cleaning. I get no leading - just burned powder and lube residue.

Dale53

Bullseye Smith 08-09-2010 01:10 AM

I use one of the lead clothes on mine and nylon like Dale said.

OKFC05 08-09-2010 03:19 AM

Best advice I got on my 646 was that the titanium stains, and just get used to it instead of trying to scrub it perfectly clean, especially the front of the cylinder.
The carburized rings on the front don't hurt anything, and you can damage the cylinder trying to keep them off.

murphydog 08-09-2010 06:01 AM

The factory paperwork states the titanium's coating is easily damaged by abrasives, then exposing the metal itself to damage. There are (or used to be) spray substances to put on areas of potential leading, like cylinder faces, that may prevent the firing residue from sticking. I don't know if this works on Ti alloy though.

Steve_NEPhila 08-09-2010 03:12 PM

Nylon brushes are not required, the bronze brushes work fine inside the cylinders. I clean mine with good old Hoppes #9, and bronze brushes and have not had a problem after a few years of doing so.

The important part is not to go crazy like many gun owners do when cleaning their weapons. The burn rings on the front of the cylinder, leave them be. If you are getting some buildup on the front of the cylinder, use a little Hoppes #9 and a nylon tooth brush. Do not try to use a metal brush on the front of the cylinder!!!

A revolver that is a little dirty is far better then a damaged titanium cylinder that starts to erode and actually combusts a little each time you fire it if you successfully wear off the protective finish.

NZshooter 08-10-2010 03:56 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm no clean freak when it comes to guns, but wasn't sure about anything titanium. Thx.


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