432 UC Titanium - are these shipping? (updated 4/25)

[Dahak]

I asked my LGS to order me a 432 UC TI while Shot Show was ongoing. They are a smaller place and have honestly told me that their local Lipsey's rep does not prioritize their orders.
Is the 432 UC Ti just experiencing a release/production delay or is demand such that I need to switch to ordering from an online dealer because the allocation system is such that it is going to be a while before the smaller dealers get their orders fulfilled?

update - I ordered from Grab a Gun. Fast shipping and a smooth transaction. First range session complete. From testing with some S&W long and some H&R Mag, I'll need to do some testing to dial in a load that matches the firearm. Very tight tolerances, some light marks at the bottom of the forcing cone that matches some ... call it polishing... on three of the cylinders. Nothing that stops rotation and al rounds fired without issue, so I'm good with it. Actually more than good, I am well pleased and look forward to firing up the casting pot and getting my 100 grain wadcutters into action.

 

[WCCPHD]

I have seen a couple at some of the larger gun shops in the area. All were MSRP or higher, but they did have them in stock.

 

[Rider1300]

Just curious ……why the interest in titanium? What are the benefits? I have been trying to get more info on them and the little I found were a bit negitive.

I was actually thinking of getting one because of the lighter weight, but now I am leaning toward the Ruger LCR ti

 

[demkofour]

Just curious ……why the interest in titanium? What are the benefits? I have been trying to get more info on them and the little I found were a bit negitive.

I was actually thinking of getting one because of the lighter weight, but now I am leaning toward the Ruger LCR ti

Benefit is a bit lighter (!) and perhaps the added cool factor!

My gun shop has one on the shelf and it’s been there for weeks! I’ve examined it and it’s very much GTG. The problem is it’s not black polymer, striker fired in 9mm.
FWIW, my 432-UC has been flawless and is currently at the Factory having a Ti cylinder retrofitted.

 

[Frailer]

Just curious ……why the interest in titanium? What are the benefits? I have been trying to get more info on them and the little I found were a bit negitive.

I was actually thinking of getting one because of the lighter weight, but now I am leaning toward the Ruger LCR ti

The AirLite S&Ws are wonderfully lightweight. For those of us who pocket carry, the ~2oz weight savings makes a bigger difference than one would think.

That said, the titanium cylinders require a bit more care than their steel counterparts. This was the primary factor that caused me to switch to LCRs for my everyday carry needs a few years ago. The weight of their aluminum-framed models is roughly the same as that of S&W AirLites, their street price is lower, and they are rugged and reliable. They are as ugly as homemade sin, but nobody ever sees them but me.

Now that S&W has started making Ti-cylindered revolvers without the expensive scandium-alloy frames the price difference is much less of a factor. If I were starting over again I might opt for one of these new S&W models instead. Maybe.

 

[Beju]

The AirLite S&Ws are wonderfully lightweight. For those of us who pocket carry, the ~2oz weight savings makes a bigger difference than one would think.

That said, the titanium cylinders require a bit more care than their steel counterparts. This was the primary factor that caused me to switch to LCRs for my everyday carry needs a few years ago. The weight of their aluminum-framed models is roughly the same as that of S&W AirLites, their street price is lower, and they are rugged and reliable. They are as ugly as homemade sin, but nobody ever sees them but me.

Now that S&W has started making Ti-cylindered revolvers without the expensive scandium-alloy frames the price difference is much less of a factor. If I were starting over again I might opt for one of these new S&W models instead. Maybe.

Agreed about the weight difference. Compared to the original 432UC with the VZ G-10 grips, it's a 3.3 oz weight difference. That makes the 432UC 25% heavier than the 432 Ti model! I don't think it'll really matter with belt carry, but if you're pocket carrying, that's pretty significant.

Steel vs titanium cylinder might be situational. If you plan to mostly shoot .32 H&R Mag brass with hand-loaded poly coated bullets like my father, titanium is probably fine. If you plan to dump a ton of .32 S&W Long lead loads through it that'll lead to lead build up in the cylinder, you may want the steel cylinder to hold up better to harsher cleaning methods.

That being said, half of the weight reduction is probably just from not having the VZ G-10 grips alone, so you can get pretty close just by swapping grips.

 

[Dutch87]

Agreed about the weight difference. Compared to the original 432UC with the VZ G-10 grips, it's a 3.3 oz weight difference. That makes the 432UC 25% heavier than the 432 Ti model! I don't think it'll really matter with belt carry, but if you're pocket carrying, that's pretty significant.

Steel vs titanium cylinder might be situational. If you plan to mostly shoot .32 H&R Mag brass with hand-loaded poly coated bullets like my father, titanium is probably fine. If you plan to dump a ton of .32 S&W Long lead loads through it that'll lead to lead build up in the cylinder, you may want the steel cylinder to hold up better to harsher cleaning methods.

That being said, half of the weight reduction is probably just from not having the VZ G-10 grips alone, so you can get pretty close just by swapping grips.

There's truth to this.

I have a 432UC, and a 432UC-Ti. I have one as a range mule, got the other for pocket carry. Same muscle memory and everything, just one would be less worry cleaning after range sessions - the other that little bit lighter for actual carry.

I will say though, the story about the S&W QC being hit or miss is true IME.
I would not get one sent to an FFL unless you could send it back no questions asked. In your shoes I'd prefer to see it and handle it in person. the front-sight on mine was very badly canted, currently sent back to S&W.

 

[gnystrom]

I don't see the UC as a pocket gun. The grips are too large. You want light and concelable, pick up a 340pd and add some CT LG405 grips.

 

[Dutch87]

I don't see the UC as a pocket gun. The grips are too large. You want light and concelable, pick up a 340pd and add some CT LG405 grips.

Couldn't agree more about 405s - I have them on my 432(s). Slim, super light, laser as an aiming aid AND a training aid when dryfiring.

I took the 432s over the 340 because:
- .357 in a gun that light is IMHO basically theoretical.
- .32 H&R wadcutters vs .38 wadcutters is debatable in terms of performance (and I like 38)
- 6shots vs 5
- adjustable rear sight
- Lower cost

 

[Beju]

There's truth to this.

I have a 432UC, and a 432UC-Ti. I have one as a range mule, got the other for pocket carry. Same muscle memory and everything, just one would be less worry cleaning after range sessions - the other that little bit lighter for actual carry.

I will say though, the story about the S&W QC being hit or miss is true IME.
I would not get one sent to an FFL unless you could send it back no questions asked. In your shoes I'd prefer to see it and handle it in person. the front-sight on mine was very badly canted, currently sent back to S&W.

I keep debating getting a 640 Pro as a range mule for my 642/442UC models. With the same grips, it would be about an extra half lb of weight to help with recoil.

 

[Dutch87]

I keep debating getting a 640 Pro as a range mule for my 642/442UC models. With the same grips, it would be about an extra half lb of weight to help with recoil.

That's 100% what I would do!
You could run the UC in the summertime and as primary carry.
640Pro could be for long range sessions, hotter loads, winter carry, and "outdoor" carry (running something zippy and hardcast) situations.

Great commonality between the two in terms of trigger, grip, feel, sights, etc - even holsters and speedloaders.

 

[Beju]

That's 100% what I would do!
You could run the UC in the summertime and as primary carry.
640Pro could be for long range sessions, hotter loads, winter carry, and "outdoor" carry (running something zippy and hardcast) situations.

Great commonality between the two in terms of trigger, grip, feel, sights, etc - even holsters and speedloaders.

Though I like shooting revolvers, multiple offender carjackings/robberies are too common around here for me to carry revolvers in anything besides niche/situational roles. Pocket carry, lightweight around the house carry, back-up carry, etc. If I'm carrying something as heavy as a steel snub, I start to wonder why I'm not carrying my Shield Plus (which I even carry in a Phlster Enigma Express for jogging).

Since I'm in northern IL, I'd have to travel pretty far to encounter a 4 legged predator where .38 Special +P or 9x19mm wouldn't be sufficient. AFAIK, there are no feral hogs until I get pretty far downstate, or across the Mississippi in Iowa. Contrary to the opinions of some, I would prefer .38/9mm for the very rare mountain lion. They're ambush predators that aren't especially heavy boned, so I'll take faster follow-up shots over .357 Magnum.

 

[Dutch87]

Though I like shooting revolvers, multiple offender carjackings/robberies are too common around here for me to carry revolvers in anything besides niche/situational roles. Pocket carry, lightweight around the house carry, back-up carry, etc. If I'm carrying something as heavy as a steel snub, I start to wonder why I'm not carrying my Shield Plus (which I even carry in a Phlster Enigma Express for jogging).

You know your area better than I do! Carry what you can conceal, shoot well, feel comfortable with, etc.

I live in a "Non Permissive Environment" (deep blue state that only got carry after Bruen), but a safe area. So for me, a revolver is something I feel comfortable with the idea of. And, depending on who we believe, many times when these ^ events happen and shooting starts - multiple attackers may not all stand and fight. They may very well flee once it gets loud, and the "unarmed" victim turns out to be very armed!

Since I'm in northern IL, I'd have to travel pretty far to encounter a 4 legged predator where .38 Special +P or 9x19mm wouldn't be sufficient. AFAIK, there are no feral hogs until I get pretty far downstate, or across the Mississippi in Iowa. Contrary to the opinions of some, I would prefer .38/9mm for the very rare mountain lion. They're ambush predators that aren't especially heavy boned, so I'll take faster follow-up shots over .357 Magnum.

Hmm. Well I think then for you the 640 might be mostly a range use and "cool factor" gun. Both of which are good enough reasons to buy one!

 

[Pizza Bob]

My LGS is a Lipsey dealer. I told them I would take either a 432 UC Ti or a 632 UC Ti - Lispey is sold out on both. Hopefully they will entice Smith into making more. My dealer put it on his wish list to Lipsey.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Beju]

My LGS is a Lipsey dealer. I told them I would take either a 432 UC Ti or a 632 UC Ti - Lispey is sold out on both. Hopefully they will entice Smith into making more. My dealer put it on his wish list to Lipsey.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

If it's anything like the original UC models from last year, so long as they keep selling, Lipsey's will keep placing orders with S&W. The titanium cylinders may be more supply constrained than steel cylinders, but that's just me speculating.

If you want to keep a good relation with your LGS, that's admirable, but there are 632 UC Ti models available for as low as $680 from Defense Depot and Gun Zone Deals as of this post.

 

[thinklikeido]

You won't be disappointed with an LCR.

 

[Beju]

You won't be disappointed with an LCR.

IMO, the main downside of the LCR vs the UC models in .32 H&R is that you can't get a self-illuminated night sight that's regulated to .32. XS makes a photoluminescent sight for .22/.32/9mm models. They said that there's not enough room in the lower sight for a tritium vial.

 

[Snub Nose Sasquatch]

After SW replaced my 432UC with a new one, I have truly fallen in love with the .32 H&R and .32 S&W Long cartridges. Both of these are super easy to shoot at speed while maintaining excellent groupings.


I agree with the guy above who said the 432UC isn't exactly pocketable. If you have a strong belt on, it definitely is possible to just throw the revolver into the front jeans pocket without any trouble. But there is some noticeable bulk from the otherwise excellent grips. They are thick. They are beefy. And I am thinking I may swap them out for something slimmer. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[diyj98]

I agree with the guy above who said the 432UC isn't exactly pocketable. If you have a strong belt on, it definitely is possible to just throw the revolver into the front jeans pocket without any trouble. But there is some noticeable bulk from the otherwise excellent grips. They are thick. They are beefy. And I am thinking I may swap them out for something slimmer. Anyone have any recommendations?

I carried mine with the stock grips for a while, but recently switched out to a set of the S&W factory rubber grips they're currently putting on j frames. They offer a bit less bulk and are plenty adequate for the 32 H&R.

 

[instymp]

432UC grips

I carried mine with the stock grips for a while, but recently switched out to a set of the S&W factory rubber grips they're currently putting on j frames. They offer a bit less bulk and are plenty adequate for the 32 H&R.

So the grips for the 432UC and current J frames are the same?