S&W 351PD opinions ?

9

9ballbilly

New member
I'd like to hear what you folks think of the S&W model 351PD .22mag 7-shot revolver. I handled one and thought it would make a good "tacklebox" or even a pocket gun.

I don't want to start a discussion of different caliber alternatives.
I just want to know what you think of this particular snub nose model, both good and bad.

Thanks and Happy Holidays, Bill
 
Not having one but having had a 317 and 651 - of course, I will opine.

1. How's the trigger? Does it suit you? Rimfire J frame triggers can be very stiff.

2. On my 651 I found that 22 mag had so much unburned powder that after 50 rounds, it glued the gun shut. I had to use a gallon of cleaner almost to free it up. Now there are new short barrel 22 mag rounds but they haven't shown up around here yet - so no experience with them.

3. As far as SD - you will get the folks who say that it will NOT work as an SD round. I think it would for the average mugger be gone incident.

My bottom line - if the trigger was OK - and I liked it - I think it would work.

If someone gives me a 351 - I'll test it. They are pricey.
 
I've never fired a M351PD but I have enough experience with J frames that I'll tackle this one anyway. :)

Plus:
  • Small and light
  • Low recoil
  • 7rd capacity
  • Can be cocked for SA fire
  • Ammo companies have recently come out with .22WMR ammo designed specifically for short-barreled handguns; this may address the excess powder fouling and muzzle blast problems that have vexed these guns in the past (re: Glenn's post)

Minus:
  • Not as accurate or cheap to shoot as .22LR
  • Stiff trigger (again, re: Glenn's post)
  • Pricey
  • Most .22WMR ammo on the market is intended for rifles and is far from ideal for a gun like this (re: above)
  • Ammo not that much cheaper than centerfire cartridges that are arguably more effective for SD and can be handloaded for cheap practice (e.g. .38Spl or even .32 S&W Long)
 
We have one as a rental at the range where I work and it has held up well to long term use. Our rentals get more use than most guns ever will. It does need cleaned more than most. There is a difference in flash with some loads, although I haven't tested any of the new pistol loads yet. Some of the CCI JHP loads flash uncomfortably large in the indoor range.

As for the trigger, you can't just drop in a Wolff spring kit for a centerfire J frame and hope it works. Sometimes you get light strikes. You need a gunsmith that knows what they're doing to improve the trigger, but it can be done.

I see these recommended for recoil sensitive shooters, but with the trigger I think those that can pull the trigger right should have the hand strength to shoot a .38 with non +P. The Tomcat .32 is a better choice for that I think.
 
My wife carries a 351pd. I have found it to be a solid little gun. It is very light, which does make it a little harder to shoot accurately. The trigger pull is a little stiffer than most j-frames, but it is by no means what I would call bad. We have had absolutely no problems with it.
For a pocket gun, I would say definitely yes. It is feathery light, has almost no recoil, and offers a decent amount of reliable firepower.
For a tacklebox gun, I would say no. This little guy is very loud and I would not recommend shooting it without hearing protection. For a tacklebox gun I would go with the 317 in 22 long rifle. Much quieter and cheaper to shoot.
 
I own a 351PD:

Pros -
Light 11.8 Oz loaded
7 shots
Lanyard ring (which I use)
Fiber optic front sight lights up in the daylight
Cons -
scratches easily
trigger and hammer get rusty easy
barrel is 1 7/8"
price of 22 WMR ammo

I like the heavy, heavy double action trigger on this revolver because I usually carry it without a holster. Don't even notice it in a fly fishing vest.
I think the biggest downfall for carry for this revolver is the barrel length. Too short to get much out of the 22 WMR. I think if the barrel was even an inch longer there would be a significant jump in performance. The 351PD ballistics are comparable to my Ruger Mark III and S&W model 63 (both larger and heavier).
I own a couple of 22 LR handguns - with the exception of my 22 NAA, they are all easier to accurately shoot.
 
Nice little gun

I have a 351PD. Perfect? No. But a great carry gun for hikers and campers. If your hobbies include expensive equipment (like photography), this little gun is a great asset. Sure, the 22 mag is not the best defensive round, but howany times have you had to fire your gun (in defense)?

Plus
Very light
Low recoil
Low cost to shoot (factory defensive ammo)
New short barrel ammo has little flash
Similar ballistics to good 380 ammo
Looks like a larger caliber (reccessed bore)
Nice grip
7 rounds

Cons
Expensive (look for LGS deals)
Trigger heavier than CF J frames (this can be a plus)
Looks too nice to carry!

If you can find a new one for less than $550, I would run, not walk, to the store

Oh, Hornady CD or Speer GD are excellent - Hornady has better penetration (due to the polymer tip).

Wayne
 
I love mine, as said before pretty heavy double action that make it difficult to shoot accurately, but very great in single action. perfect revolver for hiking or as backup to another revolver, plus the snake shots works pretty well on rats or snakes :D
 
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