Swapping cylinders from a 386 and 686

[ahpd1992]

I just picked up a new to me 386 night guard off of GB last week. Like the gun as is, but I was thinking even before I took delivery of the gun, of switching out the stainless steel cylinder from by 686+ with the blued cylinder of the night guard in a Frankenstein sort of way. Well the 386 cylinder easily fit into the frame of my 686, but the reverse doesn't seem to be true. It appears the 686 cylinder is just a smidgen too long to fully tie into the frame of the 386.

Does anyone know if there is a size difference between the two cylinders?

Visually they "looked" the same, but I didn't do any measuring as I lack the tools. I was only doing this for cosmetic reasons anyway so if it doesn't work its not a big deal, I am just curious if it is my lack of skill at reassembly or if there is a difference in size and the modification can't or shouldn't be done.

BTW just from feel both cylinders feel like they weigh the same, which makes me wonder if the NG's cylinder isn't blackened stainless steel

Thanks in advance for the information

T

 

[regalsc]

You are correct. It is blackened stainless.

 

[IraIII]

I had an issue with erosion on the titanium cylinder in my 386PD, sent it back to S&W, they installed a blackened stainless cylinder from a nightguard. I do not know what they had to do to fit it, as they did it under warranty. Here are a few before and after pictures.

 

[HarrishMasher]

The cylinders are exactly the same. The NG cylinder is a blackened 686 Plus cylinder.

Chances are the cylinder will not simply drop in. It will need to be fitted. But you might get lucky and it will drop in. Try it.