what to carry

bassanova · #1 05-12-2010, 07:20 PM

Hello all, Im looking on buying a carry pistol for my wife and would like to know if any members are familiar with a S&W m351 22 magnum. Thanks for any input Bll

jframefreak · #2 05-12-2010, 07:30 PM

That's probably a good size carry piece, but I'd get her a bigger caliber.

bassanova · #3 05-12-2010, 07:34 PM

Thanks, Im just curious about the revolver. It looks like a nice piece and real light weight. She has real small hands, any suggestions on another revolver

ADP3 · #4 05-12-2010, 07:42 PM

It's a great revolver but they tend to have a heavy DA trigger pull in order to reliably fire the .22 Magnum. If you go with lighter springs you risk unreliable ignition with the .22 Mag. Decide whether you want DA or DA/SA and then look at J-Frames in a centerfire caliber. Smith has made several models in .32 H&R Mag which also lets you shoot .32 S&W Long for practice. The .38 Special J-Frames are easier to find and more popular. They can handle anything from .38 Wadcutter ammo for practice to +P carry ammo. Many ranges rent guns. That's probably the easiest way to find what she will be comfortable with. Try to pick a time when the range isn't too busy so your wife won't have the distraction of other shooters and the concussion from their guns.

Best Regards,
ADP3

HAWKEYE10 · #5 05-12-2010, 07:51 PM

What ever you get her get what she likes to shoot and carry. It does not matter what you like or what I like or what some one on this forum likes. If she likes it she will carry it and shoot it. Even if it's a 25ACP that is better than nothing. This is my opinion and may be worth just what you paid for it.

Don

mtheo · #6 05-12-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADP3

It's a great revolver but they tend to have a heavy DA trigger pull in order to reliably fire the .22 Magnum. If you go with lighter springs you risk unreliable ignition with the .22 Mag.
Best Regards,
ADP3

I bought a 351PD looking for a solution for weak handedness (mine). The trigger pull was almost a deal breaker but with useage it seems to have lightened up and gotten smoother. When something's amiss my wife's choice is a .22LR model 34 with a 4" barrel. She is very accurate with this gun and comfortable with it. I have had her try my 3" model 60 with wad cutters in an attempt to introduce her to a more powerful choice but the 34 is still her pick.

photoman · #7 05-13-2010, 12:02 AM

The .22 magnum round is ~very~ loud. Go to an indoor range and try one before you buy.