SMITH & WESSON 351C
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson 351C
The Smith & Wesson 351C is one of the most popular .22 caliber rimfire revolvers in the world. It’s accurate, durable, and reliable, making it a favorite for new and experienced shooters alike. While this revolver is considered outdated by some, its advantages still make it a formidable option for target shooting and short range hunting. Ultimately, it’s a great gun that is capable of delivering tight groups at 25 yards and beyond.
Design & Construction
The Smith & Wesson 351C is a five chambered, double-action revolver with a 6 round cylinder. It has an overall length of 6 inches with a 1 ¾ inch barrel, making it a great option for those who prefer a compact firearm. The frame is constructed out of stainless steel and features a checkered walnut finger-grooved rubber grip. The muzzle has a jagged crown and the edges of the cylinder, barrel, and frame are all rounded for a more comfortable and secure grip. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters with smaller hands.
The trigger guard is metal and features an ergonomic design for increased trigger control. The sear is actually made of two pieces and the trigger itself is constructed from a polymer material. The hammer is also made out of stainless steel and has an improved contour for faster and smoother cocking. All of these components help to reduce the overall weight and increase the accuracy of this revolver.
Performance
The Smith & Wesson 351C is an extremely accurate and reliable firearm. It utilizes the popular .22 Long Rifle cartridge, which is well known for its accuracy, low recoil, and affordability. The trigger pull is light and smooth, allowing for greater accuracy when shooting. It features Smith & Wesson’s patented rebound slide mechanism, which helps to minimize the amount of felt recoil. The frame also features a recessed barrel, which helps to reduce both felt and actual muzzle flip.
In terms of accuracy, the Smith & Wesson 351C is a great gun for short range shooting. It is capable of delivering tight groups at 25 yards and beyond. The trigger pull, while light and smooth, is long, which can make it difficult for some shooters to consistently deliver tight groups. It should also be noted that this revolver is a single-action only, so users will need to manually cock the hammer after each shot.
Durability
The Smith & Wesson 351C is constructed from high-quality materials that are designed to last. The stainless steel frame and cylinder are strong and resistant to corrosion, even in humid environments. The rubber grips are designed to absorb shock, while the checkered walnut provides a secure grip in all conditions. Additionally, the internals are designed to provide the longevity that Smith & Wesson revolvers are known for.
Price & Availability
The Smith & Wesson 351C is a relatively inexpensive gun, making it a great choice for those on a budget. It is widely available in both gun shops and online retailers, and it can usually be found for around $200. While it is not the newest or most advanced gun on the market, it is affordable and a great value for the money.
Overall
The Smith & Wesson 351C is a great firearm for target shooting and short range hunting. Its accuracy and light recoil make it suitable for both novice and experienced shooters. It features a stainless steel frame and cylinder that are both corrosion resistant, while the walnut rubber grip provides increased control. Finally, its affordability and availability make it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson 351C is an accurate, reliable, and affordable revolver that is capable of satisfying the needs of most shooters.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
•Lightweight and Compact:The Smith & Wesson 351C is small, lightweight and easily concealable. This allows you to carry and use it with ease.
•Durable and Reliable: The Smith & Wesson 351C is designed to last. It has a strong construction and is made from a high-quality material. This ensures that it won’t break down easily and can withstand normal wear and tear.
•Trigger Safety: The 351C also has a trigger safety that allows you to carry it safely. This prevents the gun from accidentally being fired if it is dropped.
Cons:
•Limited Ammunition Capacity: The Smith & Wesson 351C only holds five rounds of .22 Magnum cartridges, making it limited for self-defense and target practice.
•High Price Tag: The Smith & Wesson 351C is quite expensive compared to other models on the market. This means you’ll have to pay more for less.
•Limited Ammunition Availability: Finding .22 Magnum ammunition can be difficult and expensive. This means you may not be able to find it when you need it.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 351C should be purchased by individuals who are familiar with the handling and shooting of a firearm, as well as those who possess a valid license to own a handgun in their area. This revolver is a specialized snub-nosed design intended for competitive shooting and is not an ideal handgun for self-defense or home defense. Therefore, individuals who possess no experience with firearms, who do not possess a valid license or those who are seeking a handgun for self-defense or home defense should not buy the Smith & Wesson 351C.
Comparisons
| Sig Sauer Mosquito | Walther P22 | Browning Buck Mark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" | 3.4" | 3.42" | 5.5" |
| .22 Magnum | .22 LR | .22 LR | .22 LR |
| 10+1 Rounds | 10+1 Rounds | 10+1 Rounds | 10+1 Rounds |
| Synthetic | Polymer | Polymer | Wood |
| 7.4 oz | 15.2 oz | 19.4 oz | 33 oz |
| Fixed Front | Fixed Front | Fixed Front | Adjustable Rear |
| 4.5 lbs | 9 lbs | 9.8 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .22 Magnum / .22 Long Rifle
• Capacity: 8 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 1.875"
• Overall Length: 5.5"
• Sights: Adjustable rear, Ramp front
• Grips: Checkered Goncalo Alves
• Frame: Anodized aluminum alloy
• Weight: 10.3oz
Popular Accessories
air pistols?
- Target scope
- Shooting ear muffs
- Air gun pellets
- Hoppe's lubricating oil
- Wesson cleaning kit
- Shooting range targets
- Air gun cleaning rod
- Coordinating holster
- KIMBER BYKER Cocking Knob™
- Adjustable Trigger Stop Set
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 351C is known for its impressive accuracy. Using an adjustable rear sight and a post front sight, it is capable of delivering remarkable accuracy out to around 25 yards and beyond. It is a perfect choice for target shooting, small game hunting, and target shooting competitions. The pistol's light weight and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and steady to shoot with, so even a novice shooter can expect to be accurate with the 351C.
