351PD

[Goldfinger]

Just picked up a NIB Smith & Wesson 351PD for my wife. I initially got her a Walther P22 semi-auto, but she absolutely hated it. She said it was too complicated and she had some issues racking the slide and remembering the safety. She said, "I want something simple." So, I decided on a revolver. I initially considered an Airweight in 38spc, but I was pretty sure that she wouldn't be able to handle the recoil and it would be something that she didn't really want to shoot. Enter the 351PD in 22 magnum.

I'm not posting this to start an argument on how the 22 magnum is not a hefty enough round for personal protection. I've read all the info on that round and I'm confident that if she had to use it and placed her shots in the right area, it would be sufficient.

My reason for posting this is to see if anyone else has one of these and if they've had any issues with it. I know the trigger pull is heavy, but I consider that a safety feature. In a stressful encounter, I don't think trigger pull is going to be an issue.

Also, one question: When I examined the revolver, I could feel some very fine burrs on the end of the barrel where it meets the cylinder. It's not horrible, but it's not perfectly smooth. I'm wondering if I should take a piece of 600 grit and try to smooth that out just a tad. I don't want to mess anything up, but it just seems a bit on the "rough" side.

One more question: On the left side of the hammer there is a silver piece that sits next to it, between the hammer and the frame. I'm not certain what this piece is or what purpose it serves. Any info on that?

After Christmas we will make a trip to the range and put a few rounds through it and see how she likes it. Thanks for any suggestions or comments on this little gun. It sure is a beauty and it fits nicely in the hand.

Thanks!

 

[jhcii]

I've had many .22 WMR handguns. I like it in revolver. I think you made an excellent choice.

 

[Goldfinger]

Thanks for your reply, jhcii. I just called S&W customer service and the guy was so nice. I gave him the serial number and he told me the gun was shipped in October of this year. Very handy info. Thanks again.

 

[shocker]

I know a 30 gr polymer tip from a handgun will blow through an inch and half of seasoned oak while taking a chunk of wood with it on the way out.
22 WMR has my respect.

 

[Goldfinger]

Glad to hear that, shocker! Thanks for making me feel even better.

 

[Irn-Bru]

I carry the 432 PD with Crimson Trace grips. It's 32 H&R Magnum and I feel confident with that round.

 

[Bullet Bob]

The "silver piece" between the left of the hammer and the frame is part of the wonderful internal lock.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I think it's a very good choice. .22 Magnum out of a short barrel will have a loud report and an impressive fireball but the recoil is mild.

Having 7 shots is a definite advantage. .22 Magnum won't knock anybody over but it's a nasty round and will get the job done with proper placement.

An Emergency Room doctor told undercover cop Paco Kelly (who carried a .22 Magnum derringer) to "put the first shot in the belly". He said even a big strong man will double over in pain like having a hot poker in the gut, and the 2nd shot can be placed more carefully, if needed.

 

[jtd]

I have a 351c (no hammer)and trigger was a little strong until I had them work on it.The 3"ash tree I hung targets on had so many holes blown clean through from 22 wmr that it fell over.All were from at least 10 yards and either the S&W or lcr 22wmr. Those new rounds are hot!

 

[tflt]

I have a 351PD. The ejector rod loosened just enough to bind up the action. After I fell out of love with it I removed the lock, which did noticeably smooth out the trigger pull. 22wmr is an impressive round in this revolver and as stated it has no recoil. I find the 351 surprisingly accurate, and will carry it in the summer to places I should really NOT need a gun.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

Bought my wife one. She had hand and wrist surgery. Tried several kinds of ammo. Some was not reliable, had some misfires. Finally settled on 33 grain Hornady. Have found some personal defense made by Hornady and will give this a try.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I have one, w/o the "lock" and I love it. Being able to get multiple shots off rapidly and on target is one of the guns' best features. The 22WMR critical defense round from Hornady inflicts some impressive damage on soft & hard targets. The hard trigger pull is a result of the necessity of having the firing pin reliably fire the rimfire round. Rimfire ignition requires a little more oomph from the firing pin than center fire rounds to be totally reliable.
I wish there was a method to measure the pin striking force so one could tune the action to just enough to fire, but give a little relief from the heavy trigger pull.
I thought about trying to make the action a little lighter, but didn't because of the reliability factor. This gun is going to be used for short ranges in any case, I don't see the need for precision shots from this weapon.

 

[divotmaker]

I added the CT laser grip to mine...point and shoot 7 rounds. I agree that it is a great pocket carry option.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I say keep practicing with that heavy trigger. I've gotten much better at keeping the front sight steady and this little 12-oz gun is quite accurate and packs a wallop. I use Speer Gold Dots for city carry, with a couple shot shells added if I'm in snake country.

 

[SW38]

Had my 351PD two years and no problems or complaints.
Installed Laserlyte and generic three-finger grips, and get much better handling and accuracy. For the range I warm up with Winchester Dynapoint (poor accuracy), switch to Fiocchi or CCI maxi-mag, and top off with Speer Gold Dot SBPP as my carry load. The grips make a world of difference!

 

[turbo38gn]

I own one, great gun for the ladies, great gun for me when the right carry situation presents itself. Bottom line, it'll get the job done in most any situation we may encounter... Now in the movies.. well, thank God we aren't actors..

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
A good smith [ or check youtube] smooth the action.
No spring changes , Plug it if you choose,lube well and shoot it!!!.
After all a 22mag "flame thrower" will get their attention.
Those little needles hurt and 2-3-4-5-6-and Oh my-7
in the correct place will make most attackers pause and reconsider!!!