Filling a hole in the lineup

[Lost Californian]

I reviewed my firearms, and found that I do not have a small, shorter barreled rimfire revolver. After looking around and considering many things, I have narrowed the field down to either a 351 PD or a 317. Very similar, just magnum vs lr.

Any advice on which one I should get? Either would mainly be a target killer. The 351 PD could double as a carry piece, and the 317 would be nicer for introducing new shooters to handguns. I cain't get both.

Thanks, y'all.

[charlie sherrill]

LR would be cheaper to shoot. The .22 mag probably a little better to carry. Either would be fun to shoot. I currently don't have a .22 mag. Maybe I better look around.

[murphydog]

You now live in the free United States, so a 2" model 34 Kit Gun in .22 LR would be another option unless you are set on buying new.

[JDinAZ]

I'd do the 317 for a few reasons man. 22lr is way cheap and abundant but still a great piece. Honesty you an drop a deer with 22lr from CC distance and further, right in the eye and punch the soft part of skull behind. Less pop for kids and new folks to learn with also. I use my 22lr semi to teach em with for that reason and cause we can have fun with it all day for 20 bucks.

[Hondo44]

For "mainly a target killer", get the LR.

Or compromise, get the PD and you can also shoot the formerly obsolete 22 WRF which is back in production by CCI and Winchester for two that I know for sure. They're less blast and a little less money. And you can always revert to MRF for defense.

[Dave Lively]

I would go with the 317. Ammo is much less expensive and available. Also, 22 magnums out of a short barrel make a fireball big enough to distract new shooters. I wouldn't use either caliber as a carry gun if you have other options.

I have never shot a 351 but the 317 I shot once had a really heavy DA trigger pull, as do most rimfire DA revolvers. If you have never shot one you should try to rent or borrow one, or at least find a LGS that will let you dry fire one with snap caps, before you buy one.

[diyj98]

For a target killer get the 22LR. Way cheaper ammo, more accurate, and less noise and flash. I wouldn't suggest either one for self defense.

[Lost Californian]

Originally Posted by murphydog

You now live in the free United States, so a 2" model 34 Kit Gun in .22 LR would be another option unless you are set on buying new.

Would rather have new, but a nice used is not out of the question. None of the six gun stores I frequent have any decent used .22 revolvers. A Rohm/RG is totally out of the question.

Originally Posted by Dave Lively

I would go with the 317. Ammo is much less expensive and available. Also, 22 magnums out of a short barrel make a fireball big enough to distract new shooters. I wouldn't use either caliber as a carry gun if you have other options.

I have never shot a 351 but the 317 I shot once had a really heavy DA trigger pull, as do most rimfire DA revolvers. If you have never shot one you should try to rent or borrow one, or at least find a LGS that will let you dry fire one with snap caps, before you buy one.

Not my only handgun, not my only .22 revolver, just a size I don't currently have. I am well aware of rimfire trigger pull. I have one other .22mag, and I use the current crop of specialized ammo for short barrel guns, therefor no fireball, but still noisier than .22lr.

Originally Posted by diyj98

For a target killer get the 22LR. Way cheaper ammo, more accurate, and less noise and flash. I wouldn't suggest either one for self defense.

Primary purpose would not be carry for either gun, but having a 12 oz loaded gun for a midnight run for diapers sounds ok.


Thank you for all the replies!

[CH4]

For a 22 snubbie, it’s hard to beat a 2” 34. I still need a 48/648.

[Mike, SC Hunter]

A new 3" 63 would last until your grand child inherits it. plus way easier to shot and hit with than the aluminum lightys.

[robertrwalsh]

I vote for the .22 LR. The only J-frame I own is a 2" model 34.