The '01 S&W catalog shows it at 18.0 oz, while the 696 lists there at 36.0 oz and the shorter 2.5" hammerless 296, with it's open back boots and hump to whack you, weighs 18.9 oz. I have had the other two for over six years.
I called S&W several times over the first years to get info on the Ti/Al frame ammo requirements and limitations. Like Dick said - 200gr or less due to the lite gun bullet under recoil. They said clad-only - no lead - due to to lead spattering at the topstrap over the b/c gap possibly eroding the alloy there. Also, no short cases (.44 Russians) due to problems with cleaning powder/lead residue from the Ti chamber bores. My 296 has had a steady diet of the excellent Speer #4427 200gr Gold Dot, the first thousand from CCI Al-cased Blazer rounds, the last thousand plus either my reloads or GA Arms (new Starline brass) loads - all making 800-805 fps from the 2.5" barrel (830-840 fps from my 3" 696). It is a healthy whack from the dimunitive boot grips and that alloy 'hump'. It is considerably better with the rounded UM's Combats borrowed from the 696, which really deserves nice wood grips, as the UM's Combats insulate that backstrap as well as give you something bigger to hold on to - a consideration for a holster gun like the 396/696 (My 296 with it's boots and in a Mika pocket holster is a 'pocketable' protector!).
A good thing to look for on the latter run of 396's - as well as the new 396NG - is the little piece of SS in the topstrap over the b/c gap. Check the cast-in-place cylinder stop on the frame front for wear - the front edge of that Ti cylinder can pare it away with a good 'Hollywood rap' on the ejector rod, putting the entire cylinder in your hand, if you are attentive... else, it'll hit the ground. That could prove to be embarrassing in an emergency.
The 396 was the last of the trio introduced - and the last dropped. My local pusher still had one new-in-the-case at $589 just a few years ago. My 296 is the only Ti-equipped revolver I own - and I doubt I'll ever get another one - maybe a 242. As to the 696, although no one asked, a 629 MG only weighs 3.5 oz more - and has none of the shortcomings of an L-frame .44 Special - most important of which is that thin-edged forcing cone. You can get a nice used 629MG for a lot less than a decent used 696 - or, probably, a 396. The new 396 NG is a different animal - SS cylindered, too. The 629 MG - or plain 4" 629 like I now have - is a lot more fun, too... and will take Keith level Specials - and more!
Stainz