S&W 351 C review
- Thread starter deadduck357
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The heavy trigger pull was why I decided against the Smith and bought a Ruger LCR. The LCR in 22 Magnum had a much lighter (around 8/9 pound) trigger pull.
Some people question if there is any advantage of the Magnum over the LR with such I short barrel. The main advantage is that not only does the 22 Magnum have more horsepower but it has better bullets that are now designed for short barrel revolvers like the ammo you showed. I've shot Gold Dots and Critical Defense but have yet to find any PDX1s.
Some people question if there is any advantage of the Magnum over the LR with such I short barrel. The main advantage is that not only does the 22 Magnum have more horsepower but it has better bullets that are now designed for short barrel revolvers like the ammo you showed. I've shot Gold Dots and Critical Defense but have yet to find any PDX1s.
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shawn mccarver
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I got to review a S&W 351 C chambered in the .22 Mag. It's an appealing package with its compactness and light weight. With the current defensive .22 WMR ammo available it offers a concealable low recoil option. But the trigger pull had me gritting my teeth.
for the full review - S&W 351 C
Anyone remember famed Border Patrolman Bill Jordan? He is the author of many articles as well as the excellent book on gunfighting called "No Second Place Winner," so titled because there are no "second place winners" in gunfights (as opposed to matches).
As many of the Forum regulars may also know, he had a hand in suggesting to Carl Hellstrom, once plant superintendent and later President of Smith & Wesson, that the ideal arm for peace officers would be a K frame with adjustable sights and an enclosed ejector and straight wall profile "heavy" barrel but chambered in .357 Magnum. After that conversation at Camp Perry, Hellstrom and S&W obliged and the Combat Magnum, later called the Model 19, was born.
In Jordan's aforementioned book, he suggested that an ideal off duty weapon would be the Chief's Special Airweight (later called the Model 37) with bobbed hammer and chambered in .22 Magnum, which he described as a "wicked little cartridge," or words to that effect.
S&W finally obliged that suggestion with the Model 351C, which, with the enclosed hammer in the form of the Centennial, has even less chance of snagging in a pocket carry. I have always found it curious that S&W does not market this revolver with reference to Jordan, and even a vintage photograph.
In any event, I think the 351C is a fine little revolver, and although I do not own one, my best shooting friend has one and it is a great little gun. There is not too much you can do about the trigger and still be sure of reliable ignition, however. The good news is that at "conversational" distances, which is where this little gem will shine, the trigger is fine as it is, although my previously mentioned friend is able to shoot his quite well even out to 25 yards.
Congratulations on a fine revolver.
deadduck357
Well-known member
I also have a LCR 22Mag and I agree it has a much better trigger. They are both fine snubs but the 351C has the capacity advantage of 7 rds vs 6 of the LCR.
deadduck357
Well-known member
Anyone remember famed Border Patrolman Bill Jordan? He is the author of many articles as well as the excellent book on gunfighting called "No Second Place Winner," so titled because there are no "second place winners" in gunfights (as opposed to matches).
As many of the Forum regulars may also know, he had a hand in suggesting to Carl Hellstrom, once plant superintendent and later President of Smith & Wesson, that the ideal arm for peace officers would be a K frame with adjustable sights and an enclosed ejector and straight wall profile "heavy" barrel but chambered in .357 Magnum. After that conversation at Camp Perry, Hellstrom and S&W obliged and the Combat Magnum, later called the Model 19, was born.
In Jordan's aforementioned book, he suggested that an ideal off duty weapon would be the Chief's Special Airweight (later called the Model 37) with bobbed hammer and chambered in .22 Magnum, which he described as a "wicked little cartridge," or words to that effect.
S&W finally obliged that suggestion with the Model 351C, which, with the enclosed hammer in the form of the Centennial, has even less chance of snagging in a pocket carry. I have always found it curious that S&W does not market this revolver with reference to Jordan, and even a vintage photograph.
In any event, I think the 351C is a fine little revolver, and although I do not own one, my best shooting friend has one and it is a great little gun. There is not too much you can do about the trigger and still be sure of reliable ignition, however. The good news is that at "conversational" distances, which is where this little gem will shine, the trigger is fine as it is, although my previously mentioned friend is able to shoot his quite well even out to 25 yards.
Congratulations on a fine revolver.
Thanks, it is a fine revolver for its intended purpose. It will do the job 50 ft and in. What it's not is a range gun if your wanting to do a bit of practice. If you need it for a full cylinder or two the trigger weight isn't an issue but trying to pull a box of 50 is a workout.
I believe the .22 Mag and 7 rounds would get you out of any trouble you may have gotten yourself into and especially now with the current self-defense loads offered; like the three brands tested.
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