296 Airlite Ti (Fell in love with an ugly gun)

[justintyme]

I always thought these weren't the best looking S&W ever made, but I stumbled on a well carried one in a local Gunshop this week, and though it had some finish wear, once I picked it up I was in love......SO LIGHT!!

Now the bad news is it looks like it was the prototypical carried but not shot much revolver, because although it has some scrathes on the back strap and other finish wear, It also has almost no endplay, tight lock up, and the front of the Ti cylinder is perfect along with the forcing cone and rifling.

So I took it home along with the neat original case and cleaned it up. It really needed it!! It was packed full of the most pocket lint I have ever seen, and the innards needed cleaning out and lubing for sure, but now its ready for carry! I was thinking of trying a new 69 snubbie for camping and hiking, but I like this unique (and lockless) gun better. Here are some pics
In the box precleaning

Cylinder looks good

Cleaning pics

and after, not perfect but much improved looks wise and the action is super smooth now, I swapped on the Hogue Bantams that let me get an extra finger on the bottom of the grip

 

[justintyme]

Now I have done some reading about these on the forum, from what I understand the 200 Grain bullet weight limitation for bullet jump inscribed on the barrel was eliminated later, can anyone confirm this as I have quite a bit of 240 grain cheap plinking ammo?

Also what are the best chemicals for caring for the Ti Cylinder, I know not to use a brass brush or anything harsh, I did use some M pro 7 to clean it and it looks great and I want to keep it that way.

 

[FergiSan]

Outstanding! I've always wanted one of these. I forgot about them for awhile, and lately I just haven't been willing to get off my wallet, for the hefty prices they're bringing. I'm not interested in a safe queen, collector piece. I wanted one to shoot and carry. I ended up getting a Taurus 445UL, and spending a few bucks for an action job. I'm sure you'll enjoy your find. I'd say your ok with 240gr ammo, maybe not Buffalo Bore's stoutest (at any weight), but certainly standard loads. The one thing I've heard about any lightweight .44 is that you shouldn't shoot a couple rounds, then carry the leftovers, shoot another couple, carry the leftovers, etc. Otherwise, just do a test. Mark bullet/brass line with sharpie; load 5; shoot 2, check the other 3; shoot 2 more; check the last one; shoot the last one. Then you'll know what to expect.

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[FergiSan]

Also, I've found Hornady's Critical Defense 180gr loads to be incredibly accurate, and a pleasure to shoot.

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[Geronimo Jim]

I like it. You will enjoy it because you won't worry about
a little ding or scratch.

 

[22hipower]

I bought the only 296 I've ever come across for sale. Also shows some wear so no concerns about carrying and shooting it. I really like the light weight, hardly notice it, usually carry it with a couple snake loads and three JHPs when hunting during snake season (most always snake season in Texas). Not crazy about DAO guns but the trigger pull on this one is very manageable and easy to shoot well. You'll enjoy yours a lot I think.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations on the new 296!

 

[NOTREDAME]

You'll learn to love that gun, easy to carry and the recoil is not that bad.
I carried one for a couple of years, till I picked up a 396 nightguard.
Think of it as a mod 38 on steroids.

 

[justintyme]

Thanks for the comments and ammo suggestions, I will be sticking with standard pressure stuff, no Buffalo Bore or Underwood planned. I'm sure it will have a bit of a kick as light as it is, although I doubt it will be as bad as my M&P 340 with stout .357 loads, that is a little beast now!

I hope to get it out and test it this weekend so I can start carrying it. I usually Carry OWG camping, but I think I will be trying it in this LOBO IWB holster around town.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Now I have done some reading about these on the forum, from what I understand the 200 Grain bullet weight limitation for bullet jump inscribed on the barrel was eliminated later, can anyone confirm this as I have quite a bit of 240 grain cheap plinking ammo?

.

From Handloader #293, Brian Pearce said:

"...Smith & Wesson marked Model 396 barrels "MAX BULLET 200 GRAIN," but that marking was soon discontinued. It was applied because there were concerns that 246-grain roundnose lead bullets would jump crimp when subjected to the comparatively sharp recoil of this 18 ounce gun, but that concern was soon put to rest.

The point being, handloaders can use 200- through 250-grain bullets (and even heavier if desired) without concerrr as long as ammunition is assembled correctly to prevent bullets from jumping crimp."

.

 

[JDinAZ]

Nice grab man. I had one of those years ago and still kick myself for letting it go

 

[justintyme]

Thanks, I saw one other one a few years ago and still had been kicking myself for passing on it, but that one was more expensive, this one I felt was a good deal if not cheap at 535.00 OTD

 

[ScandiaTitan]

Rare ugly and cool

Haven’t found a nice 296 for the collection
Have a beautiful 396lite though

 

[22hipower]

Thanks, I saw one other one a few years ago and still had been kicking myself for passing on it, but that one was more expensive, this one I felt was a good deal if not cheap at 535.00 OTD

Sounds like a deal to me. I paid $575 for mine to a guy walking it around at a gun show. Kind of surprised they don't sell for more given how handy they are and how few seem to be available. Guess they're just too ugly to command much money. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[cleans up]

Until about 2 days ago I didn't even know this gun existed. I kinda want one, and now even more. Congrats! Can't wait for a full range report

 

[SVT28]

Don't forget to keep an eye out for the even more elusive 242ti 7 shot 38 special! I've personalized mine a bit for the once in a blue moon I carry it. When I shoot it with the titanium cylinder, it only recieves CLP and a nylon brush for cleaning. Love this gun, but too nice and rare to carry often.

SVT28

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[justintyme]

Now that 242 is a cool one too! I am really hoping to have time on Sunday to go to the range and update this with a report!

 

[7shooter]

Mine is NOT ugly.

Where do I report revolver abuse ?

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Everyone I know who has one loves it and they do not sell them ,they must be great guns .

 

[Breakaway500]

I have a 296 incoming. The only thing that could make it better (in my opinion) is if the hammer was shrouded instead of enclosed. I wonder why S&W didn't go that route?