Mr.Clapp: I have a question about the S&W Nightguard 386 revolver. They're now made with a steel cylinder, whereas the original guns had a titanium cylinder. Is the steel better? Mine weighs 17.5 ounces and the new ones weigh 24. Why did they change to steel—does the titanium fail?
Good question and one that does provoke some controversy. While your question concerns L-frame revolvers, it is equally applicable to some of the common J frames. I use a 340PD Centennial, one of the very first to come out of the factory. It has a titanium cylinder and it is still shooting perfectly. I have a spare gun that is a Model M&P340 which comes with a steel cylinder. The 340PD costs $1122, the M&P340 runs to $948 (2010 prices). In this comparison, you have essentially the same gun, but the titanium cylinder on the 340PD elevates the price of the gun by a hefty $174. Smith & Wesson can't control the costs of their raw materials. As much as they would like to put a feathery light .357 Mag. in every holster and handbag in America, they have to get a bigger price for the 340PD. Therefore, the lighter gun costs more and the slightly heavier version of the same gun cost much less. The same is true in regards to your L frames. It is a question of economics, since both versions are structurally sound.
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