Anyone tried placing a titanium cylinder in a 686? Is it even possible? Are they stronger then the SS cylinders?

Titanium cylinders are stronger and lighter than stainless steel but they are somewhat more difficult to maintain. I don't know how practical it would be to try and find someone who could do the work, unless Smith and Wesson has produced an L frame .357 cylinder, that I am not aware of. I do know that Smith and Wesson produced an L frame revolver in .40 cal. with a titanium cylinder (model 646), you can check the posts regarding the care and cleaning of the revolvers with titanium cylinders. Personally, I think that the benefits would not outweigh the costs and difficulties.

Regards, Steve

A steel 686 cylinder is up to anything! Titanium, as USBP SW said is "difficult to maintain. You notice that none of the M&P revolvers are offered with titanium cylinders -- it's because cops and soldiers don't have the time or inclination to fuss over the delicacies of titanium.

Titanium is 30% stronger and 60% lighter than stainless steel. The expense used to be mostly in its difficulty to machine Titanium but now it's getting downright common with the improvements in techniques.

The 386PD that I have was built with a scandium frame, and a titanium 7 shot cylinder in an L-frame size. The cylinder started showing erosion from firing, and I returned it to S&W for repair. They stated that they had no titanium cylinders to replace mine with, and instead replaced the titanium cylinder with coated stainless cylinder from a 386 Nightguard. So a titanium cylinder may be stronger in tensile strength, it is not as durable in usage.

Roger. Good to know I'll stick with the SS cylinder. Thanks!

If you desire a lighter 686 checkout the 686 Mountain gun.