317 & 351 - Why?

[HarrishMasher]

I'm trying to figure out what the purpose is for these guns? These are clearly marketed as CCW/Defense guns. Small, lightest revolvers made. But 22lr and 22 Mag for self defense? Out of a barrel that's less than 2"?

Is there an argument for the existence of these guns? Just not sure why Smith makes them? Do people really carry 22lr and 22 Mag for self defense? Especially when you can have much more powerful calibers in the same package (.38, .32 Mag, .327 Mag, .357 Mag).

Are they trying to appeal to the novice? I personally do not think small, light weight revolvers are good starter guns or guns for a novice to carry. They are hard to shoot accurately, hard to aim, have very heavy trigger pull, and depending on caliber recoil can be very harsh.

 

[Erich]

Well, they've sold a few so some folks must feel they're a good idea. Better than those ridiculous Judge/Governor things, in my way of thinking - hey, whatever sells. Good to live where there are choices, eh?

 

[Cal44]

S&W is a business so they have to produce that their customer's want.

Someone must want these.

I can see having a small 22lr as a forest/backpacker gun -- but I'd go for a stainless 4" model myself.

I'm not a believer in 2" 22mags, however, since the muzzle energy isn't any greater than that of a 2" 22lr.

A lgs has a 6.5" 22mag Ruger Single 9 for sale. I looked up the ballisticsbytheinch info, and with a 6.5" barrel 22 mag starts to shine with nearly double the ME of a 22 lr from the same length barrel.

I've spent too much on guns already, but that Ruger Single nine is calling to me.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Longer barrel 22LRs and 22 Mags definitely have their place. I have several 22 pistols with 4" and 6" barrels.

Just can't figure out the purpose of the real short barreled ones. They sure are cute though. Not really good for target shooting or defense. Just wondering. Heck I even kind of want one, just don't know what I could possibly use it for.

 

[murphydog]

"I'm trying to figure out what the purpose is for these guns?"
"Heck I even kind of want one, just don't know what I could possibly use it for."

As they say on the TV legal shows, question asked and answered .

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I chose the $700 351c for a carry revolver. I prefer to shoot a lot and the low recoil of the 351c means I can run 100 or 150 rounds through it without mangling my hands.

It does take practice to develop good accuracy using the super heavy trigger of the 351c - I believe it's about 15-lbs. It doesn't bother me; in fact, using the trigger on this gun has helped improve my trigger technique on all firearms.

But I do love the light weight (12.07 oz, fully loaded) and the 7 shot capacity. I don't wish to have the caliber debate, so I'll just say I'm very happy with this as a concealed carry platform.

 

[colt_saa]

I have 317 and love it. Bought it 15 years ago

It is absolutely NEVER used as a CCW or Defense gun. Do you believe Every Snubby is marketed solely for CCW? None of my 22/32 kit guns have ever been used for CCW.

It is light enough to carry an extra gun an have something to plink with out and about. Heck it only weighs 10 ounces. You do not even know it is there. Is that not the point of a Kit Gun?

For CCW and Defense, I carry 38 or more more powerful

 

[regalsc]

I think they would be good for practice on trigger control. I almost always have my 340pd or 337ti with me.

 

[22hipower]

Perhaps folks buy them thinking that "any gun is better than no gun." That because of the light weight and small package they're more likely to actually have the gun with them when needed rather than leaving a heavier and bulkier piece at home. My 340PD isn't much heavier though so for serious carry that probably makes more sense. I bought a 351c mostly because I didn't have one but was disappointed, the points made above (heavy trigger pull particularly), so haven't done much with it. Think I'll keep it though. . . .

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[mc5aw]

I have more mileage on my 317 than any other revolver I've ever owned. It's purposes? As a J-frame trainer for weak side shooting, point shooting, and trigger control. Believe it or not, there are a few us of who love the .22 snub for those exact reasons.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I have more mileage on my 317 than any other revolver I've ever owned. It's purposes? As a J-frame trainer for weak side shooting, point shooting, and trigger control. Believe it or not, there are a few us of who love the .22 snub for those exact reasons.

Now that makes sense...an airweight trainer. Now you have given me a reason to buy one! Thanks.

 

[Paul105]

I have both the 3" adj sight and the 1 7/8" fixed sight versions. The 3" is one one of my favorites whether plinking or squirrel control. Easily carried in a pocket -- most of the holsters I have weigh more than the gun itself.

As others have mentioned above, the 1 7/8" was the cheap shootin' trainer for my 340/360.

Try one, you may find out it is addictive.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Doug M.]

They may fit the category I have seen referred to as "OMG" - Old Man Guns. Sometimes the best that a person who is aging or has other physical disabilities can do is a small .22 or some such. Not a great choice, not a first (or second, or third, or ...) but better than a nasty look and harsh language.

 

[RevolverDen]

.22 plinking comes in all shapes and sizes, and as Doug says, it may come down to the needs of a particular person who likes to shoot but for whatever reason a .22LR may be the only round giving allowance to participate. A small lite gun in J-frame size fits the bill.

For me, I just like J-frames period. I recently purchased a 43C and it's far more than a novelty gun, I get to shoot a J-frame alot cheaper than putting .38's -or- even .357's though one of my other J-frames while still getting in CCW draw and shoot exercises.

Try one, you may like!

 

[rz625-8]

I have both myself. There are some days,I carry either the 317 or the 351c. I have disabilities and only used the .22 mag for self defense. the bark and the bite the reciever ended the car jacker in the hospital,then in prison.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The 3" versions with adjustable sights make great kit guns. That why they have an integral attachment point for a lanyard. Like a military issue revolver. A self defense gun wouldn't need that feature.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I have both myself. There are some days,I carry either the 317 or the 351c. I have disabilities and only used the .22 mag for self defense. the bark and the bite the reciever ended the car jacker in the hospital,then in prison.

Are you saying you actually used the 351c for self-defense in a car jacking? Can you tell us more about what happened? How many shots fired? Hits? Where? Damage? Etc.

I'm sure many of us would be curious to hear about this. Thanks.

 

[Paul105]

Quote from Paco Kelly

Looking Back - the .22 Rimfire

"Now saying all this and knowing any hand gun that goes bang is better than nothing... and for some people a 22 rimfire is all they can handle, or want to handle. Then buy a small handgun, a revolver, in 22 rimfire magnum.... I know from personal experience from two shootings, one I observed the results of right after it happened, and one I was in, using the 22 rimfire mag in the 22 Automag.... the damage at close range, is way beyond what someone would expect from a rimfire. Our undercover Agents in DEA used to carry the H&R two shot 22 rimfire mag derringer... it proved numerous times to be very effective up close and personal..... Take care my friends, your life and those of your love ones are very valuable. But I have to admit the 22 rimfire handgun with hyper velocity CCI Quik-Shok ammo is better than a broken bottle."

PACO

FWIW,

Paul

 

[mc5aw]

It wasn't too long ago that .25 was the popular choice for back-up guns. The little .25 was displaced by the .32, now the .380. Personally, I despise the .380 as a CCW round and would much rather have a nice .22 Mag revolver. Ballistics wonks might argue against the effectiveness of .22 Mag, but it can be a very nasty chambering.

 

[onemanwolfpack]

I have more mileage on my 317 than any other revolver I've ever owned. It's purposes? As a J-frame trainer for weak side shooting, point shooting, and trigger control. Believe it or not, there are a few us of who love the .22 snub for those exact reasons.

Ditto...my little ladies always find their way into my range bag.


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