I got my cylinder a few days ago. I can't get my apart. Any tips?

Remember it's a backwards thread (left hand). Remove cylinder and yoke from the gun as an assembly.

Clamp the knurled ejector rod in a well padded vise (I like wood blocks lined with thick leather), but don't crush it, it's hollow.

Place three empty shell casings in three chambers and turn the cylinder by hand clockwise when looking at the primers.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Got to resurrect this thread. I have a model 642 that I want to put on a diet. Any sources for a .38 Ti cylinder? Numrich is sold out, and they are north of $100 anyplace else I have looked.

Just about any new S&W cylinder is going to be in the $100 range.

Your best bet is to do a search for a "parts kit" on Gunbroker. These are confiscated guns that have been destroyed by law enforcement. They usually include all the parts less the frame and can be won in the $30 to $70 range. And you can sell the remaining parts to recoup some of the cost.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

re-resurecting this thread
can't find a 38sp titanium cylinder

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John Hermesmeyer USMC9296

No where?? Also interested in this swap now as well

They've been sold out for years, like 940 cyls. Keep an eye out in the classifieds here and also on ebay and hopefully you'll run across one.

I think all of the old stock of Ti cyls has been pretty much depleted now. I ordered a Ti .41 mag cyl from Numrich's the other day for an M28 conversion project but that's the last caliber they had in stock.


And, since everybody else posted pics... This is my 360J convertible, the original steel cylinder has been rechambered to 9x23 and cut for moonclips so it'll shoot 9mm, .38ACP, .38 Super, 356TSW, 9mm Largo, etc., and it's had a Ti .38spl cyl fitted to it as well.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Very nice conversion.

Also, glad to see my old thread popping up

I've been lurking this post...had to revive it. I was initially hesitant being that I'll be doing this on my every day back up revolver, but the thought of lightening my load out is too apealing to pass up. I'm plan on ordering a Ti cylinder once I find one...thanks for this post.

The titanium 38 cylinders are no longer made..only .357. I've looked extensively and they seem to be extinct.

I have been assuming - prolly wrongly - that the .357 Ti cylinders on Midway will fit a 442 ... at least per the Midway reviews. Still available with a 4-month old 642 review.

Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W J-Frame 357 Mag - MPN: 229390000

I haven't installed the .357 titanium cylinder, but as long as you're putting it in a post 1996 J-Magnum size frame it should work.

I put Ti cylinders on my M&P 340 and 442. When you make the change hold each cylinder in you hands to compare how light the Ti cylinder really is. My friends were amazed how much of a difference there was.

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I've got 6 of the titanium .357 cylinders fitted to my three 637-2 Airweights. The work great and make the pistol noticeably lighter.

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I recently performed this switch on my 442, which came with a cylinder cut for moon clips. I used the original ratchet, which is slightly thinner than the ratchet that came with the new cylinder, which was not cut for moon clips. Will this cause any issues?

I was hoping to avoid timing issues by using the original ratchet like others have done. The switch seems to have worked perfectly, but I haven't tested it at the range yet and likely won't unless I get a thumbs up or two.

First time I have heard of someone using the ratchet from a moon clip cut cylinder on the standard cylinder, of course it being titanium as well. What does it look like? Pics???

I am thinking it should not matter, just that it is timed right. Test firing it should not be a problem as long as it is timed. I say, fire it and see if the casings eject the same as a standard ratchet/cylinder combo. I am thinking it should work just fine.. But you need to fire it to verify as long as you feel comfortable knowing it is timed correctly. Sorry for the long repeated banter...

Thank you so much for the response. Here is a photo of the titanium cylinder with the ratchet from the moon clip cylinder.

I recently acquired a spotless 442-1 for a literal song and a dance at the LGS I work p/t at…
At the recommendation of Ryan, NCBeagle, I purchased a Ti cylinder and made the retrofit with the carbon steel cylinder of the 442. I used the existing extractor, center pin and springs with the Ti cylinder and in dry firing the timing is spot on! Weight of the pistol (empty) is 12.3 oz and fully loaded with short barrel GD rounds 14.6 oz. My GLOCK 42 fully loaded with 68 grain Underwood XD rounds weight 16.006 oz.
I prefer pocket carry with small PD pistols and find the 442 with its rounded edges carries easier and prints less compared to the G42 (both carried in A Holster Kydex pocket holsters.)

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Stay Safe...
jd SWCA #3276

Glad to hear that it worked well. I is a great modification, if you can find the cylinder. good stuff

I have been happy with the swap, as well. I think the cylinders are around 140 now, but still available - fit the current j frame size. Excellent weight savings.

My 642-1 weighs 12 ounces exactly with the titanium cylinder and altamont rosewood boot grips. With Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips, the weight jumps to 12.9 ounces.

Got this one back in the day from the S/W rep when they were just coming out. 165 was his price with the armorer discount. Carried it for years before the small autos came around. Still held onto it. Believe me meant to be carried a lot and shot a little.

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