Well, I had a couple of firearms that "needed trading" so a couple of weeks ago they went toward a new S&W 351PD in 22 magnum. I really like the idea of a extremely lightweight revolver with low felt recoil and a step up in oomph over 22 long rifle. I originally was going to get a NAA Pug until I handled one at the local gun store. The PUG is truly a marvel but I couldn't figure out any way to grip it comfortably that allowed a reasonable cocking/trigger pull method. So...I didn't get discouraged and asked to see the 351PD. Minutes later I was completing the required paperwork to take her home. 
The 351PD is really, really light. When I picked up the box I wondered if the fireearm was actually in there! It truly slips in/out of the pocket using the Sticky holster for my LCR. The grips are beautiful and feel good in the hand with my pinky finger tucking nicely under the bottom of the grip. The front orange sight jumps out as long as there is some light, and if you set that orange dot in the bottom of the rear sight trench, it shoots poa for me. Very easy sight acquisition.
Out of the box the trigger is smooth and consistent...but very heavy in DA. I would guess the DA was 16+ lbs in DA and measured at 3.5-3.75 lbs in SA. That just won't do so I cleaned, lubed and changed the trigger return spring to 14 lbs, then did hundreds of dry fires with snap caps. Trigger improved greatly and now weighs in somewhere in the 12-13 lb range for DA and right at 3 lbs for SA. Trigger return is still plenty forceful. DA weight is an estimate because my gauge only goes to 11 lbs...but it is breaking pretty much right after the gauges limit. I am satisfied with the DA trigger now and the SA pull is really nice, and it should improve a little more with continued use.
Shooting impressions...this thing is really fun to shoot! I put about 100 rounds down range from 7-10 yards, using a pretty even mix of CCI maxi mags and Hornady critical defense. No malfunctions at all.
Shooting in SA is almost unfair once you get the sight alignment and grip down. Just put the orange dot at the bottom of the trench, and it was right on for me. I had to experiment with support hand placement a bit to ensure my thumb did not interfere with my trigger pull. I have average size hands but fairly long, narrow fingers. DA shooting was more challenging as I had a tendency to pop up the barrel a bit causing me to shoot 2-3 inches high and a bit to the left. But by the end of the session I was getting much better at shooting in DA.
This little revolver is as accurate as the dude behind the trigger pull. If I do my part there's no way I'll be able to complain about accuracy. I don't think I'd have any problems shooting steel plates out to 25 yards and probably beyond, especially in SA.
So far, I really like this firearm. It will eventually become my go to carry option for times when I need something light and easy to conceal. Just needs a little more range time to verify reliability and improve my shooting consistency in DA.
It is a bit pricey but I believe Smith and Wesson has a winner in the 351PD.
The 351PD is really, really light. When I picked up the box I wondered if the fireearm was actually in there! It truly slips in/out of the pocket using the Sticky holster for my LCR. The grips are beautiful and feel good in the hand with my pinky finger tucking nicely under the bottom of the grip. The front orange sight jumps out as long as there is some light, and if you set that orange dot in the bottom of the rear sight trench, it shoots poa for me. Very easy sight acquisition.
Out of the box the trigger is smooth and consistent...but very heavy in DA. I would guess the DA was 16+ lbs in DA and measured at 3.5-3.75 lbs in SA. That just won't do so I cleaned, lubed and changed the trigger return spring to 14 lbs, then did hundreds of dry fires with snap caps. Trigger improved greatly and now weighs in somewhere in the 12-13 lb range for DA and right at 3 lbs for SA. Trigger return is still plenty forceful. DA weight is an estimate because my gauge only goes to 11 lbs...but it is breaking pretty much right after the gauges limit. I am satisfied with the DA trigger now and the SA pull is really nice, and it should improve a little more with continued use.
Shooting impressions...this thing is really fun to shoot! I put about 100 rounds down range from 7-10 yards, using a pretty even mix of CCI maxi mags and Hornady critical defense. No malfunctions at all.
Shooting in SA is almost unfair once you get the sight alignment and grip down. Just put the orange dot at the bottom of the trench, and it was right on for me. I had to experiment with support hand placement a bit to ensure my thumb did not interfere with my trigger pull. I have average size hands but fairly long, narrow fingers. DA shooting was more challenging as I had a tendency to pop up the barrel a bit causing me to shoot 2-3 inches high and a bit to the left. But by the end of the session I was getting much better at shooting in DA.
This little revolver is as accurate as the dude behind the trigger pull. If I do my part there's no way I'll be able to complain about accuracy. I don't think I'd have any problems shooting steel plates out to 25 yards and probably beyond, especially in SA.
So far, I really like this firearm. It will eventually become my go to carry option for times when I need something light and easy to conceal. Just needs a little more range time to verify reliability and improve my shooting consistency in DA.
It is a bit pricey but I believe Smith and Wesson has a winner in the 351PD.
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