Found a 351C and a 351PD. Can't Decide

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Dixiejack

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In my LGS today and he has Model 351C for $620 and a 351PD for $690. The "C" does not have the lock and the PD does. Both are factory fresh. I am trying to decide which one to buy or to buy both. It appears the front sights can be changed out. The "C" white dot is too small, so does anyone make a larger and brighter white dot? The PD has the orange tube that is also not that bright and I would rather have a green tube or a big white dot for it. LGS says it can't be changed out, but the sight is pinned like the "C".
Also, I like the idea of a double action of the PD, but like the humpback of the "C" for pocket carry. Grips are too small on both. Just trying to decide which one to buy or just buy both and customize them. Also, the trigger pull feels heavy, so after about 500 rounds and I decide to do a trigger job(s) I would like some recommendations for a pistolsmith. Any suggestions to my concerns? Also, the LGS won't come off prices, so is he in the ballpark? Thanks for reading my ramblings and I would appreciate your feedback.
 
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they would not last long.
hope you end up with at least one.
I am trying to find the C myself.
i seen the pd model at gander mountain not long ago for 780.00 and no play in that price. 620 is cheaper than used ones are selling for at a online auction i watch from time to time.
good luck
Mike
 
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XS Sights makes the Big Dot, a large white night sight. It helps a lot. There are two versions, one requires gun smithing, one simply glues over the existing sight. Either gun should accommodate them. Personally, I like the WMR caliber a little more, but that's just me.

I do not own either, but have yet to see a pinned sight I couldn't get changed.

.22 anything J's are always in demand, I don't see prices on them doing anything other than rising, if you can get both and have the money, by them both. You can always sell or trade later and you'll have a desired gun to do it with.
 
I had a chance to buy em both a few months ago... I hesitated for a few days before deciding I wanted the PD, I liked the front sight, grips and the hammer.. went back the next day and it was gone.. I agonized over it for another day before going back and buying the C.. heck, I want it for CCW, it's not a range gun.... I put a nice set of custom combats on it, went to the range and fell in love.. carried it for the last couple weeks, it's great carry IWB, forget it's there... I'm happy I ended up with the C, It's the right gun for me.. but you can bet... if the opportunity arises... I'll have a PD some day too... just because..... :)
 

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351C
In a self defense situation, you will never use single action.
Since a 2 inch barrel isn't a target gun, I saw no use for the hammer.
My C has no lock. It came with the same rubber grips as a 642.
Since there is no recoil, I ordered the smooth wood grips
that come on the PD directly from S&W.
I would not consider any type of action/trigger job on a rimfire.
I realize the trigger will be harder, but reliable ignition
is what's most important to me.
Mine is loaded with Hornady Crirical Defense.
CCI also make a similar bullet (5 grains lighter).
A Gold Dot Short Barrel.
Both at a little over 1,000 fps from a 1.875 inch barrel.
If you think that's impressive, Winchester now has
a PDX1 in 22 Magnum. 1200 fps from a 1.875 barrel.
Here is a link to an article in American Rifleman
where they compare these 3 bullets and a few others
from a 1 inch, 1.8 inch, 4.6 inch and 22 inch barrel.
They give fps, 2 penetration tests and more.
In Los Angeles, The PD sells for $729.00.
The C runs $40 less due to the rubber grips.
The 22 Magnum is a very under rated bullet.
It makes a very nasty wound channel
and is very easy to control for rapid follow up shots.
7 shots. No weight. No recoil. No jam. Pretty powerful too.
What more can you ask for in a close range defensive weapon?

The .22 Magnum for Self-Defense
 

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I chose the 351c and I'm quite happy with it. $620 is a good price; I paid $689 +tax.

It's a great cc gun for pocket carry.
 
I'd go with the 351C, but I'm somewhat biased as I own a 43C. Forget the action job. Dry fire it with empty cases either to smooth up the action or acclimate your trigger finger. I wouldn't dare lighten the springs of any sort of .22 J Frame.

Dave Sinko
 
Thanks for the all the feedback. I'm going back Monday and if they are still available I'm bringing them home. One more question. I know these are close range "point & shoot" type revolvers, would the Big X White Dot (I think that's what it's called) change the point of impact in relation to point of aim at 25' to 75' or would it be a moot point?
 
You can't shoot precision with the Big Dot, but you are not buying target guns . You can still consistently shoot a good group in the A zone with it. That will do it for me.

I think you made a good decision getting both.
 
In hopes that both are still available Monday a.m. I have been looking for a set of retro j frame target grips like I used to have on a Chief Special .38 I had some years ago. Put those on the PD and put the PD grips on the C. Haven't had any luck finding a set today online. S&W don't show j frame target grips anymore. I googled them with no luck.
 
I would think the 351PD is the better choice for precision shooting and the 351C the better choice for carry. The white dot works well for getting the front sight quickly on the target, but you won't win any bullseye matches with the 351C.
 
351PD

Dixiejack said:


In my LGS today and he has Model 351C for $620 and a 351PD for $690. The "C" does not have the lock and the PD does. Both are factory fresh. I am trying to decide which one to buy or to buy both. It appears the front sights can be changed out. The "C" white dot is too small, so does anyone make a larger and brighter white dot? The PD has the orange tube that is also not that bright and I would rather have a green tube or a big white dot for it. LGS says it can't be changed out, but the sight is pinned like the "C".
Also, I like the idea of a double action of the PD, but like the humpback of the "C" for pocket carry. Grips are too small on both. Just trying to decide which one to buy or just buy both and customize them. Also, the trigger pull feels heavy, so after about 500 rounds and I decide to do a trigger job(s) I would like some recommendations for a pistolsmith. Any suggestions to my concerns? Also, the LGS won't come off prices, so is he in the ballpark? Thanks for reading my ramblings and I would appreciate your feedback.
Click to expand...

Agree-the small grips are really small and that's why I bought a pair of Hogue mono grips.

Trouble is, if you follow Hogue's installation directions, you will invariably scrape the bottom of the frame with the metal "stirrup" leaving some scratches in the matt blueing(closer to black)-this is unavoidable if you follow the instructions exactly.

So, make sure when installing the stirrup you install from the bottom of the frame-not from the side as per the instructions(or you will cause scratching)-and bend the stirrup apart a little first.

BTW-any ideas about how to repair/touch up scratches?
 
One out here

THE PILGRIM said:
Sorry to hear that. They wouldn't last long in Albuquerque either.
Click to expand...

Don't know if they will ship but a LGS right down the street from me (Massachusetts) had a 351PD NIB. PM me and I'll give you the details. Maybe they will do a deal.
 
I have the XS large dot on my S&W 340PD. Love it! If you're wanting some custom work done I highly recommend Gemini Customs in KY. Marc did a great job on my little pocket gun. Double action only, it shoots where you point it way past where you'll most likely need it for SD.
 
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