I'm liking the Model 351PD enough to buy one. I've wanted a small, concealable .22 mag. revolver for awhile now and have been waivering on whether to go to a 4" like the Model 18 (.22lr). I shot the 18-3 at a range today and liked it BUT it's just not for me. I'm partial to short-barrel wheel guns anyway.

So here are my questions:

1) Would you guys who own the 351PD comment on how you like it?

2) Do you think it possible to obtain, from Smith & Wesson, a .22lr cylinder that is interchangeable with the .22 mag cylinder?

3) Is .22 mag ammo plentiful?

As always, thank you for your thoughts and opinions. Very much appreciated!

Best to all -

Rich

1- I own the 351C and love it

2- No, Smith & Wesson told me that was not possible when I called and inquired.

3- Yes, when there was zero, zilch, and nada 22lr to be found, I found loads of 22Mag.

Good luck Rich, the 22 mag is a great round, especially if you pair it with a bolt action Marlin

__________________
On the Oak Savannah

Been shooting 22 mag from my 48-4 for past 2 years. Not been any problem finding any in that whole time. I too love the 22 mag round. Great for anything small and even self defense. Have a savage 93 accurate out to 150 yards and they really rock out of a long barrel!! Worst part is cleaning the recessed cylinder but I even enjoy doing that. Good luck to you!

I also have a 351c, a superior revolver to the PD in my opinion due to not having the internal lock. I really fancy the XS Big Dot front sight, and recoil is non existent. I can land all 7 rounds rapid fire in a hand print at 5 yds no problem.

22lr cylinders are a no go.

22mag ammo is plentiful, and prices are dropping fast. I've found that Speer GD short barrel, which is somewhat hard to find locally, expands reliably through 2 layers of denim and penetrates 13 inches. I bought 500 rounds of this for practice and carry. A reliable substitute is the CCI TNT red (don't buy the green), which is loaded with the same gold dot bullet at similar velocities. I've also had not issues with penetration or expansion.

Hope this helps!


SVT28

Double post!

I love mine in terms of sights, weight, and recoil.

I hate the trigger pull and noise.

It's possible to do nothing and just shoot 22LR in a 22 Mag cylinder. All that happens is the cases split. I've done it for years in my Single Six and it appears no worse for wear. Accuracy is acceptable for the casual plinking I do with that gun... tin cans and such.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

The 11-oz alloy frame and cylinder are well-mated to the .22 Magnum round. Recoil is mild, carry is easy and 7 shots is more than 5.

As loud or louder than my FN Five-seveN, which is known for being a loud pistol. And much more flash than my Five-seveN, which is known for having a fair amount of flash.

22mag is really meant for a long barrel; at least 16" to 18". 5.7x28 is optimized for a 10.3" barrel (the length of the P90 barrel, the gun for which the round was designed.)