I bought the PD years ago. I love it. I seldom pocket carry, but the C is attractive for that use. I've thought about it and maybe someday I'll have both. I've enjoyed these presentations very much.
Great video. I chose the 351PD because of the fiber optic sight. My dad was a master gunsmith for Smith & Wesson for 35 yrs before retirement. He hated the internal lock. Just as you point out that internal lock is a pain. I do pocket carry my revolver and have never experienced a snag with the exposed hammer. I also had a Ruger LCR 22 WMR but that revolver was larger, heavier, and only 6 rounds. The 351PD is my EDC revolver and love it. Thanks for another great video.
I love both these revolvers and will likely hang on the them for life. I don't do much trading anyway. The LCR is a lot chunkier for sure. Good revolver but it's bigger and like you say only holds 6. Thanks for the comment and that's cool your dad work for S&W as a master gunsmith, I bet he's seen a lot! I appreciate your comment.
Man do I wish they did custom orders. I always wanted a pinto scandium j frame with a stainless cylinder and a 3 or 3.5 inch stainless barrel. Probably end up being right at or slightly under 1lb and that longer barrel would give better ballistics and just a tad more weight out front. Hard to find a gunsmith willing to rebarrel a j frame though.
A couple of days ago, I stopped by Dury's gun shop here in San Antonio. I was looking for a small revolver. I'm a retired SAPD officer and it has become ap[parent that I really needed to be caring something. They had several 22 Mag and LR in automatic. He finally got around to showing me the PD. I was taken back by the $899 price tag, but when I put in in my front pocket and didn't even know it was there, that did it. He did not have the C in stock, I don't think I would have bought it. I've always preferred to shoot single action. Thanks for you video. You did a great job of explaining the difference.
Thanks to your videos I ended up with a .22lr 43c....riding in my pocket right now actually...beautiful flyweight pocket gun for when I'm dressed down or just feeling lazy. Keep up the great work.
I've written to S&W and asked them to release a 3-inch barrel version of either of these revolvers. Would benefit sight picture and velocity. Ruger is stealing their thunder a little bit with the 3-inch LCRx.
I was lucky enough to get a 3-inch S&W Airweight Centennial in .32 H&R Magnum, a double-action-only SIX shooter. Even with the three-inch barrel it still fits in most of my pockets, and that extra inch probably gains a hundred more feet-per-second in velocity, which puts it even with most .38 Special loads. It would be the last gun that I would ever sell...........................elsullo
@@elsullo2 Very valid. For these reasons and more, I've taken a pretty keen interest in the .32 caliber snub as a whole, especially for the versatility of .327 chambering. The traditional solution has been to go from .380acp to .22. But there's a better solution. You can have more power, insigificant recoil, the reliability of centerfire ignition, and a much less heavy trigger pull (revolver) without going with .22LR or .22WMR. That solution is a .327 Federal mag revolver, 6-shot, and running .32 S&W Long. Granted, outside of one or two brands, the .32 S&W Long isn't anything eye-opening but if you want to spend some coin for Buffalo Bore, they make stout loads in both .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R mag, without going to the blasty, loud, and heavier recoiling (and currently difficult to locate) .327 Fed.
I appreciate that! I really do. It's amazing to me that I can upload a video and hear back from others who actually enjoy them. It's what keeps me doing it.
Great review, very thorough and concise. Perfect timing as I was debating between the two. I was going with the PD, but I think you’ve persuaded me to get the C. I appreciate you offering your opinion on which one to get if you could only get one. Thanks!
@@buffalosoutdoors - exactly the same spot and also just chose the C due to lack of internal lock. FYI - many companies produce kits to eliminate/plug the internal locks. I am considering that for my 686+ and my 627 Pro.
Thanks for the comparison between these two revolvers. I watch a lot of firearm videos but I don't think I've ever viewed one as thorough as yours. You covered all possible aspects of these revolvers! I feel like I got an education watching your video. I am considering purchasing the S&W 351 but still not quite sure which one. This video certainly helps. Thanks again.
I own both the 351C and the 351PD. They are both fired more than carried, but they are both great guns. I had no idea that the sights were cut differently. I always learn something from Buffalo.
I’ve been trying to convince my mom to get the 351 PD (she is recoil sensitive) this review came out at the perfect time. really trying to get her to start carrying but if she starts leaving it at home I’ll have a beautiful piece for my collection😎
You made the best choice getting one of each. For carry I think the XS sights are better. Maybe a stainless version or cerakote model next? Both great revolvers. Thanks for the comparison! 🙏👍
I would never consider getting a double action only revolver. I want the option of either. Thanks Buffalo for the great review. BTW, when I was a police officer, we trained to draw our duty revolvers by placing our strong hand thumb on the hammer before drawing. Our department was in Illinois, and wearing a coat or jacket in the bitter winter weather was mandatory. So we trained our officers to draw the revolvers with our thumbs covering the hammers. We never had a problem with the draw, it was a nonissue for us.
Thanks for the comment. I like DAO because I rarely shoot any of my DA/SA revolvers in SA anyway, so I don't really need the exposed hammer. But I understand why others wouldn't like them. I never try to push my opinions as the answer to anything. The truth is I like them all and if I could I'd buy one of every make and model available.
For anybody who really thinks that the ability to fire real fast is important, a semiautomatic is a better choice. Otherwise the trigger pull in double action on a revolver is too hard for me with reduced grip strength. I practice shooting the pd single action and it’s almost as fast.
I got the 351c earlier this year for my wife after watching your video on it. My Glocks were too much for her to handle with recoil but she enjoys shooting the 351c. She takes it with her in her purse now, and although I know that isn't the best way to carry, I'm just thrilled that she has come around to having something with her. Better to have it in her purse than not at all.
You forgot what drew me to buy my first 351 PD , the awesome little rosewood grips they used to come with ! What a beautiful little piece they are ! By far my favorite gun for all around use
Thanks, Buffalo! I always preferred the "hammerless" J frames for defense. I also was never a big fan of aluminum cylinders. I have an older Model 43 .22 Airweight "Kit Gun" and even though it has not been fired a lot, it has a very distinct "turn ring" on the cylinder. I have no doubt modern aluminum alloys are better than those used in the early 70s, when mine was made. I had purchased the Model 43 to be a training revolver for my sons and wife. When it developed that turn ring so quickly, I retired it from training duty and got a S&W Model 34, with steel frame and cylinder, for that purpose. I do like the 3-1/2" barrel and ramped front sight of the Model 43, though. For concealed carry, I prefer wood grips. Rubber grips tend to be "sticky" and can cling to your clothes and leave your exposed when they cling to your shirt when exiting a vehicle or reaching for things on high shelves in the store. Hopefully, better alloys will make this a long lasting gun.
Hey it's funny you mention the stickiness of the rubber grips, my wife and I were having that conversation yesterday. Like everything else in life it's got it's pros and cons. Yeah I hope the modern alloy lasts because I plan on shooting these a lot. They are great for introducing friends and family to the world of revolvers. Thanks Gary.
@@buffalosoutdoors The scratch on my Model 43 may be more an indicator of a less durable finish than poor alloys. 🤷♂ I wouldn't say it dug into the metal, but a distinct line showed up after just 200 rounds or so. And YES, I thought the extreme light weight would make it an excellent choice as a training handgun for my children and very petite wife. The Model 34 has turned out to be an excellent choice also...and It certainly isn't a heavy revolver. The rubber grips can definitely grab a light shirt and hold it up to show everyone your gun. Not an issue in winter for most people, though, and the rubber grips ARE more comfortable to shoot.
The hillary hole on revolvers and slide frames of semi autos isn't needed, but some of my favorite handguns have them. I bought a barely used .44 Taurus 6 shot magnum with a ported 4" barrel and a hillary hole off gun broker at a very good price. When I turned the key it locked the hammer up and would not unlock no matter which way I turned the key. I got out a Taurus .44 6 shot stainless revolver with a 61/2" ported barrel and the grips interchanged the guns look the same except for the hillary hole. I took the side plate off and turned the key and it unlocked and I played around and discombobulated the hillary hole, put the side plate on and it shoots fine, da/sa, 1 hand or 2 handed and with 240 grain magnum loads the recoil isn't much, this isn't a light weight revolver, but it is real handy. Your 2 .22 mag S&W revolvers got me real interested, I think later next year I'll find a deal on 1.
That's interesting about the key lock. I haven't had one fail personally but I've never inserted a key into any of mine. I do have a friend who bought a big X frame .460 and he shot it 2 times before the internal lock failed and locked the gun up tight. It was brand new so he sent it back to S&W and they replaced the internal lock but it's made me wary of the locks ever since.
@@buffalosoutdoors I think that why the guy put the .44 mag on gun broker and I got it for that price. I have a Taurus G2pt111 that has a slide lock and when I had it in my truck and went from Missouri to Illinois I took the mag out and locked the slide instead of putting a trigger lock on it.
That 351C looked real sweet when you put those wood laminate grips on it. Even better than they look on the 351PD, IMO. I prefer the Centennial style J-frames but I love them all.
Great job Buffalo, as always. I have both versions of the J frames but in .38/357. I'm with you in that the DA only is my first choice. One advantage the .22 mag has over the .38 is that .22 mags are easier to find in stock as far as ammo is concerned. You might also find that people who complain about misfires are talking about .22LR which is made to a lower quality than is the magnum ammo. Merry Christmas.
I love me 351PD and saw a nice used 351C at my local gun shop and went back to buy it but it had sold unfortunately if you see one you need to react as they sell pretty quick
Those are nice! I am jealous. I'm fighting the urge not to be too covetous, but man those are nice! 😊 Have a safe Christmas season and help others share the reason for the season. 😊
Great video Buffalo, as usual. I really enjoy the way you are so thorough, fair and honest. I own both of these and enjoy both, personally I like the 351PD more. I do like the C for pocket carry in the summer.
Both is always the correct answer when deciding between two awesome little revolvers! lol I got the "C" first because I hardly ever shoot any of my DA/SA revolvers in SA and figured I might as well not have the hammer but It wasn't long before I was wanting the PD so I had to get it too! Thanks for your comments I always appreciate ya!
This is a wonderful video to find, as these are the two revolvers I’ve narrowed my search to. I have a small follow up question: how do these work for IWB carry and how do they compare to single stack semiautos? I don’t have the chance to try them out like that, so I wonder if you could opine. I know people say that revolvers don’t conceal as big as they are across the cylinder, since they’re much wider than 1” pistols. I need to tuck my shirt over them so that’s why I’m more invested in this issue. Thank you! A wonderful video in all regards.
I've long wanted one of these. A few times a year I go hiking / primitive camping with my best friend and we usually both carry. Sometimes I don't, but he always has a cheap Charter .38 on him. More for the 2 legged predators if you catch my drift. When I do carry mine, I have the S&W Perfromance Center Model 637 and I replaced the grip with a smaller one. But, like the 351PD, the exposed hammer on the 637 is always something I'm concerned about snagging. Especially if I keep it in my backpack hip pocket. I've always thought the 351C being a good 3oz lighter (and liter ammo, probably) would make for a handy trail gun... But, the price is what has kept me away. Very nice guns though and I appreciate the video comparison!
Need help buffalo. Stuck between the 43c and 351c. Im leaning towards the 351c in 22mag but only if the recoil is still little to none. Ik you have both l, so how does the 22mag recoil conpare to the 22lr recoil? Still negligable?
I really like the lock mechanism. I have a gun in my car at all times when I’m out of the car I locked the gun so if my car is stolen, they don’t get an operable weapon along with the car.
I bought a 351c last year, haven’t seen it ever since my wife took it. It’s a great gun for her though, the 442 was a bit too heavy in weight and recoil for her.
This was the comparison I was looking for. I'd love to swap out the sight for a tritium on the DAO model but wasn't sure if it was a specific footprint
I love S&W snubbies. Have some for carry and limited edition. Love to have your 2 to add to mine😅. I have a 442 youd like with ⚖ DC v Heller and 2a on the side plate.Great comparison 👍
Nice review Buffalo .... When I first seen the muzzle end of the revolvers I thought no way are they 22 caliber then I noticed it was recessed in a ways before it tapers down to the actual caliber. I myself have a fondness for 22 caliber 3 screw single action revolvers in 4 3/4" barrel length I just think they are such a simplistic and beautifully designed weapon.
Buffalo we want you to do a review of Charter Arms 4” barrel 8-shot Pathfinder 22. It’s a beautiful revolver with adjustable sights and is very accurate.
I don't have one but I will see if I can find one. It's actually on my list of what I call my "radar" guns. They are ones I am interested in and just waiting to cross paths with.
Don't forget to test and review the Charter Arms "Professional" in .32 H&R Magnum! It is a three-inch barreled SEVEN SHOOTER, designed for inside of belt carry. It now comes in both blue steel and stainless, with maybe both sleek wood and hard rubber grips. NO serious reviewer on the TOOOB or in periodicals has EVER looked at this gun.....................................elsullo
Unless I get me a mechanical type Ransom rest. accuracy tests with these snubbies just come down to how well I can shoot them and does not represent the inherent accuracy of the firearm itself. They are still fun to do and I very well might make such a video but just keep that in mind. Thanks for the suggestion/idea.
I unfortunately don't have any experience with concealed Carry but i would probably prefer a revolver with an internal hammer so it cant get caught up in clothing or whatever.
So'O wanna-needa 22 mag revolver.As a DAV & 51% NA 22mag was R go 2 round 4 many reasons! been over 18 months of checking 4 pawn shop's & one g/store 4 a used one. Not fussy S&W,Taurus,No name as long as revolver be OK w/me. Gotta messed up hand & 22mag abt all my injured hand can handle now. TY 4 inspiration 2 continue my Quest. Thkful 4 my 22 mag rifle that has provided a lot of game meat over the yrs. So glad 2C 22mag getting rspect it DEserve's .TY Buffalo 4 great work !
2B Honest !!-did see one @ local G/show but inflated price a Taurs for a S&W price then some. Sad 2C folks try'N 2 git double value now for rare guns ;(
That is a problem, especially at the shows. People want more than new prices for used stuff. Continue your hunt, you'll eventually find one priced right.
Got a 351pd and loved it. Until I shot it the first time. The first ejected cylinder broke the ejector star. It has been with S&W for 4 weeks with no updates. Does it take that much to change an ejector star!?
It's funny but when I look at those two .22s I keep thinking how a 3" or 4" barrel would make them more interesting and useful. I've had such, at least in .22LR, and the extra tube seems to me to be worthwhile for many uses, and maybe even moreso with the Magnum. My first J-frame was a Model 34 Kit Gun with a 4" barrel I'd gotten back in the early '70s to start my then-significant other shooting. It was a very fine piece, well balanced and easy to get good results with, with the good target-type sights. Too bad I sold it in a moment of distress. Later I had a 3" Taurus 94, an eight-shooter in blue that was surprisingly high quality, also purchased for a similar reason. I even got some Smith-designated rubber grips on it to make it easier to shoot. It wound up going to a friend who wanted it for his tackle box (where it remains still). But I'd lucked into a late-'70s Model 63 Kit Gun, the stainless version, also a four-incher and also with fine target sights. I've had this one for a few decades now and it gets called into for training frequently. It wears some really excellent Eagle rosewood grips that are larger and much easier to handle (if not conceal). All this to say that the extra performance and longer sight radius makes for a more useful revolver in many if not all cases. Added to that is the .22 Magnum round itself. It's awfully noisy and blast-y in the two-inchers to where it bothers many people, particularly in the indoor ranges where so many people do their regular shooting. We have a busy training business with an emphasis on the women's intro class- my partner/wife is a former sponsored USPSA competitor and a fabulous instructor- and twice now, we've seen ladies arrive with new 2" .22 Magnums, fire one or two shots in an indoor range booth, and immediately get rid of the guns. Others have gone a bit further, but as far as we know, almost none of the ladies with MRF snubs stayed with them. Not statistically conclusive, but interesting actual experience. So, a longer barrel might help the newer shooter who had a broader set of needs than pocket carry deal with the blast and even recoil. To the snagging hammer issue: all of my "serious" revos have their hammers bobbed. In the cases of the Colt D-frames, interestingly it's quite easy to cock them for single-action even bobbed. Not so much with the Smith Ks, for some reason. So when I am looking for a pocket revo, the old Cobra most often gets the call. Thanks for your fine videos.
What a great comment. Thanks for this. I really like reading these types of comments. I've learned a lot over the years from comments that drive me to look deeper into certain aspects of firearms and firearm ownership.
Many years ago I had a S&W model 37 chambered in 38SPL. I got it used with standard wood grips but changed it out for aftermarket rubber grips that made the gun snag free but just the tiniest top of the hammer proud of the grips so you could cock it for single action. Maybe these grips are still available so you can have the best of both guns
Very cool. I had a S&W 638 with the shrouded hammer like you described (first video I ever uploaded to RUclips nearly 12 years ago). I never thought about grips being made to achieve the same thing.
I have an older 340 PD and... interestingly.. all the 'experts'at the time said was useless now they say it is gold. it is in .357 mag so not the same. never considered one in 22 mag.... seems they would be 'neither fish nor foul' ?
I thought for sure you were going to step back in at the end of the video and fire off a couple shots. Anyhow I prefer exposed hammer revolvers. To me they just look better.
It crossed my mind to fire off at least one round at the end no joke! lol Thank you so much for watching, not many make it all the way to end of my videos. At least that's what my YT analytics tell me.
Interesting revolvers, and in J frames at that. Problem is the only thing I do with .22LR chambered handguns is Steel Challenge. Steel Challenge is drag racing with guns. Shooting Steel Challenge with revolvers is a big disadvantage in Steel Challenge. Being able to quickly reload as with a magazine based pistol is essential. The world's record in Steel Challenge matches is 1.6 seconds for a series of five shot strings of targets. The Master's Division at the Steel Challenge Nationals is an average of 2.7 seconds. Revolvers with .22LR cylinders just don't cut the mustard.
I used to shoot steel challenge. Last match I shot was about 10 years ago. It was a lot of fun and I met some of the best people at those matches. I never did shoot them with a revolver though. I wish I would have. These aren't .22lr revolvers but I get what you're saying.
Hey buffalo, just checking in to see if you are alright with the tornado's rolling through your part of the world. Everything OK with you and your family? If you need anything, speak out. you have a ton of fans who would be happy to help.
Your beard looks GREAT! Isn't it wonderful to not have to scrape razor blades over your most sensitive skin? I bought an Airweight S&W Centennial (internal hammer) back in the nineties for concealed carry, and it had a really smooth and light, long double action trigger. After a year or so I carefully opened up that beautiful side-plate to make sure there was no dirt inside. I was SHOCKED to find a pea-sized ball of dense lint inside! How did that stuff get in? Also, there was ZERO lubrication inside and no sign that there ever WAS any! I dabbed tiny drops of thick oil on all of the rubbing or turning points, and the gun was much MORE smooth and light in its trigger action! Wonderful revolver...........................elsullo
Greetings Buffalo, I held the 351c at gun shop in here in Upstate NY and I loved it. I just couldn't bring myself drop $810 out the door for a .22 rimfire, maybe someday. By the way, I love the hat you're wearing I'll have to get me one of those. Peace brother.
Thanks for the comment! I get my hats from an online store called Eagle Six Gear. They carry the 2xl flex fit caps that fit my mailbox sized noggin. I don't have any affiliation with them, no discount codes or anything. It's just a place I buy from.
Hello, I'm French, it's very hard to have a revolver in my Country.. So, I just would like to know if it's ok to shoot in range at 25 mètres ( Yards ) ? God Bless America ;)
I bought the PD years ago. I love it. I seldom pocket carry, but the C is attractive for that use. I've thought about it and maybe someday I'll have both. I've enjoyed these presentations very much.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I didn't know how well this one would be received since it's different than my usual style of video.
Great video. I chose the 351PD because of the fiber optic sight. My dad was a master gunsmith for Smith & Wesson for 35 yrs before retirement. He hated the internal lock. Just as you point out that internal lock is a pain. I do pocket carry my revolver and have never experienced a snag with the exposed hammer. I also had a Ruger LCR 22 WMR but that revolver was larger, heavier, and only 6 rounds. The 351PD is my EDC revolver and love it. Thanks for another great video.
I love both these revolvers and will likely hang on the them for life. I don't do much trading anyway. The LCR is a lot chunkier for sure. Good revolver but it's bigger and like you say only holds 6. Thanks for the comment and that's cool your dad work for S&W as a master gunsmith, I bet he's seen a lot! I appreciate your comment.
Man do I wish they did custom orders. I always wanted a pinto scandium j frame with a stainless cylinder and a 3 or 3.5 inch stainless barrel. Probably end up being right at or slightly under 1lb and that longer barrel would give better ballistics and just a tad more weight out front. Hard to find a gunsmith willing to rebarrel a j frame though.
A couple of days ago, I stopped by Dury's gun shop here in San Antonio. I was looking for a small revolver. I'm a retired SAPD officer
and it has become ap[parent that I really needed to be caring something. They had several 22 Mag and LR in automatic. He finally
got around to showing me the PD. I was taken back by the $899 price tag, but when I put in in my front pocket and didn't even know
it was there, that did it.
He did not have the C in stock, I don't think I would have bought it. I've always preferred to shoot single action. Thanks for you video.
You did a great job of explaining the difference.
Got sucked into the video so much, I hadn't realized you didn't fire a shot until you mentioned it! Great video!
This was a different style of video for me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks to your videos I ended up with a .22lr 43c....riding in my pocket right now actually...beautiful flyweight pocket gun for when I'm dressed down or just feeling lazy.
Keep up the great work.
I've written to S&W and asked them to release a 3-inch barrel version of either of these revolvers. Would benefit sight picture and velocity. Ruger is stealing their thunder a little bit with the 3-inch LCRx.
I'd love to have these in a 3" barrel. I am sure many others would as well.
Agreed. The additional inch is more than worth it.
If Ruger would have given us a 7-shot LCR in the 22magnum, problem solved. Haha
I was lucky enough to get a 3-inch S&W Airweight Centennial in .32 H&R Magnum, a double-action-only SIX shooter. Even with the three-inch barrel it still fits in most of my pockets, and that extra inch probably gains a hundred more feet-per-second in velocity, which puts it even with most .38 Special loads. It would be the last gun that I would ever sell...........................elsullo
@@elsullo2 Very valid. For these reasons and more, I've taken a pretty keen interest in the .32 caliber snub as a whole, especially for the versatility of .327 chambering. The traditional solution has been to go from .380acp to .22. But there's a better solution. You can have more power, insigificant recoil, the reliability of centerfire ignition, and a much less heavy trigger pull (revolver) without going with .22LR or .22WMR. That solution is a .327 Federal mag revolver, 6-shot, and running .32 S&W Long.
Granted, outside of one or two brands, the .32 S&W Long isn't anything eye-opening but if you want to spend some coin for Buffalo Bore, they make stout loads in both .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R mag, without going to the blasty, loud, and heavier recoiling (and currently difficult to locate) .327 Fed.
👍👍Thanks Buffalo, your videos are up there with the best that I watch……always well done.
I appreciate that! I really do. It's amazing to me that I can upload a video and hear back from others who actually enjoy them. It's what keeps me doing it.
Great review, very thorough and concise. Perfect timing as I was debating between the two. I was going with the PD, but I think you’ve persuaded me to get the C. I appreciate you offering your opinion on which one to get if you could only get one. Thanks!
Thank you. Glad you found my video helpful in your decision making process!
@@buffalosoutdoors - exactly the same spot and also just chose the C due to lack of internal lock. FYI - many companies produce kits to eliminate/plug the internal locks. I am considering that for my 686+ and my 627 Pro.
A great explanation of the difference between the two. Thanks for the video
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the comparison between these two revolvers. I watch a lot of firearm videos but I don't think I've ever viewed one as thorough as yours. You covered all possible aspects of these revolvers! I feel like I got an education watching your video. I am considering purchasing the S&W 351 but still not quite sure which one. This video certainly helps. Thanks again.
I have the Ruger LCR in both 22 and 22 mag, but you sure make these Smith revolvers look very appealing. Nice video.
The LCR is a great design. I have the 3" LCRx in both .22lr and .22 Mag. But now I need the snubbies! Thanks a lot! LOL
I own both the 351C and the 351PD. They are both fired more than carried, but they are both great guns. I had no idea that the sights were cut differently. I always learn something from Buffalo.
I’ve been trying to convince my mom to get the 351 PD (she is recoil sensitive) this review came out at the perfect time. really trying to get her to start carrying but if she starts leaving it at home I’ll have a beautiful piece for my collection😎
Great choice for a recoil sensitive person. And yep it is a beautiful piece for sure! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found the video useful!
She would love it ! They sure bark and at night they bark and flash both ! Buyvthe 351 , you'll both love it .
You made the best choice getting one of each. For carry I think the XS sights are better. Maybe a stainless version or cerakote model next? Both great revolvers. Thanks for the comparison! 🙏👍
Thanks Bill. Both is always the correct answer when you're choosing between two firearms! LOL I always appreciate your comments!
I would never consider getting a double action only revolver. I want the option of either. Thanks Buffalo for the great review. BTW, when I was a police officer, we trained to draw our duty revolvers by placing our strong hand thumb on the hammer before drawing. Our department was in Illinois, and wearing a coat or jacket in the bitter winter weather was mandatory. So we trained our officers to draw the revolvers with our thumbs covering the hammers. We never had a problem with the draw, it was a nonissue for us.
Thanks for the comment. I like DAO because I rarely shoot any of my DA/SA revolvers in SA anyway, so I don't really need the exposed hammer. But I understand why others wouldn't like them. I never try to push my opinions as the answer to anything. The truth is I like them all and if I could I'd buy one of every make and model available.
For anybody who really thinks that the ability to fire real fast is important, a semiautomatic is a better choice. Otherwise the trigger pull in double action on a revolver is too hard for me with reduced grip strength. I practice shooting the pd single action and it’s almost as fast.
I got the 351c earlier this year for my wife after watching your video on it. My Glocks were too much for her to handle with recoil but she enjoys shooting the 351c. She takes it with her in her purse now, and although I know that isn't the best way to carry, I'm just thrilled that she has come around to having something with her. Better to have it in her purse than not at all.
Enthusiast is the word!!
That’s it. All this time making videos and I still get that deer in the headlights feeling in front of the camera sometimes 🤣
Always best to have options. Because every situation is not the same. Single action, double action works best for me.
True.
I bought them both . Love them 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
BOTH is the correct answer! LOL
You forgot what drew me to buy my first 351 PD , the awesome little rosewood grips they used to come with ! What a beautiful little piece they are ! By far my favorite gun for all around use
it is beautiful
I prefer the pd. Very heavy double action trigger pull on the c. Great vid.
Thanks, Buffalo! I always preferred the "hammerless" J frames for defense.
I also was never a big fan of aluminum cylinders. I have an older Model 43 .22 Airweight "Kit Gun" and even though it has not been fired a lot, it has a very distinct "turn ring" on the cylinder.
I have no doubt modern aluminum alloys are better than those used in the early 70s, when mine was made. I had purchased the Model 43 to be a training revolver for my sons and wife. When it developed that turn ring so quickly, I retired it from training duty and got a S&W Model 34, with steel frame and cylinder, for that purpose. I do like the 3-1/2" barrel and ramped front sight of the Model 43, though.
For concealed carry, I prefer wood grips. Rubber grips tend to be "sticky" and can cling to your clothes and leave your exposed when they cling to your shirt when exiting a vehicle or reaching for things on high shelves in the store.
Hopefully, better alloys will make this a long lasting gun.
Hey it's funny you mention the stickiness of the rubber grips, my wife and I were having that conversation yesterday. Like everything else in life it's got it's pros and cons. Yeah I hope the modern alloy lasts because I plan on shooting these a lot. They are great for introducing friends and family to the world of revolvers. Thanks Gary.
@@buffalosoutdoors The scratch on my Model 43 may be more an indicator of a less durable finish than poor alloys. 🤷♂
I wouldn't say it dug into the metal, but a distinct line showed up after just 200 rounds or so. And YES, I thought the extreme light weight would make it an excellent choice as a training handgun for my children and very petite wife. The Model 34 has turned out to be an excellent choice also...and It certainly isn't a heavy revolver.
The rubber grips can definitely grab a light shirt and hold it up to show everyone your gun.
Not an issue in winter for most people, though, and the rubber grips ARE more comfortable to shoot.
Great video. Personally, I like the DA/SA. For the more accurate shot when needed.
Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it.
The hillary hole on revolvers and slide frames of semi autos isn't needed, but some of my favorite handguns have them. I bought a barely used .44 Taurus 6 shot magnum with a ported 4" barrel and a hillary hole off gun broker at a very good price. When I turned the key it locked the hammer up and would not unlock no matter which way I turned the key. I got out a Taurus .44 6 shot stainless revolver with a 61/2" ported barrel and the grips interchanged the guns look the same except for the hillary hole. I took the side plate off and turned the key and it unlocked and I played around and discombobulated the hillary hole, put the side plate on and it shoots fine, da/sa, 1 hand or 2 handed and with 240 grain magnum loads the recoil isn't much, this isn't a light weight revolver, but it is real handy. Your 2 .22 mag S&W revolvers got me real interested, I think later next year I'll find a deal on 1.
That's interesting about the key lock. I haven't had one fail personally but I've never inserted a key into any of mine. I do have a friend who bought a big X frame .460 and he shot it 2 times before the internal lock failed and locked the gun up tight. It was brand new so he sent it back to S&W and they replaced the internal lock but it's made me wary of the locks ever since.
@@buffalosoutdoors I think that why the guy put the .44 mag on gun broker and I got it for that price. I have a Taurus G2pt111 that has a slide lock and when I had it in my truck and went from Missouri to Illinois I took the mag out and locked the slide instead of putting a trigger lock on it.
Both are some awesome wheel guns! Thanks for the comparison
Thank you. I appreciate you stoppin by!
I’ve always liked the hammer on my revolvers . Just old fashioned I guess. But both nice guns . I’ve got an ultra light torus in 38 special.
It was definitely different with no shooting but excellent video as always. Happy holidays
Glad you enjoyed it. I wondered how this one would be received.
Thank You For Sharing ! I Own The 351 C in .22 Magnum
Great little revolver!
Great video! Not a single one of my questions went unanswered.
Love your vid. Going above and beyond with the differences
That 351C looked real sweet when you put those wood laminate grips on it. Even better than they look on the 351PD, IMO. I prefer the Centennial style J-frames but I love them all.
I agree with everything you said!
Great video and presentation brother. I enjoy your input! You're good people.😊😊
God bless all here.
Thank you kindly.
Great job Buffalo, as always. I have both versions of the J frames but in .38/357. I'm with you in that the DA only is my first choice. One advantage the .22 mag has over the .38 is that .22 mags are easier to find in stock as far as ammo is concerned. You might also find that people who complain about misfires are talking about .22LR which is made to a lower quality than is the magnum ammo. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you too!
I love me 351PD and saw a nice used 351C at my local gun shop and went back to buy it but it had sold unfortunately if you see one you need to react as they sell pretty quick
They don't sit for long around here either. People really like these little rimfire Js.
Those are nice! I am jealous. I'm fighting the urge not to be too covetous, but man those are nice! 😊 Have a safe Christmas season and help others share the reason for the season. 😊
Thank you very much, and enjoy your Christmas season as well! I always appreciate your comments.
I still miss old school S&W revolvers with hammer mounted firing pins
I do too.
Great video Buffalo, as usual. I really enjoy the way you are so thorough, fair and honest. I own both of these and enjoy both, personally I like the 351PD more. I do like the C for pocket carry in the summer.
Both is always the correct answer when deciding between two awesome little revolvers! lol I got the "C" first because I hardly ever shoot any of my DA/SA revolvers in SA and figured I might as well not have the hammer but It wasn't long before I was wanting the PD so I had to get it too! Thanks for your comments I always appreciate ya!
I agree. Both is the correct answer lol.
I like both of them:) thanks for the video
You're welcome and thank you for watching.
Mindbuildingsolutions approved!
Excellent video and content.
This is a wonderful video to find, as these are the two revolvers I’ve narrowed my search to. I have a small follow up question: how do these work for IWB carry and how do they compare to single stack semiautos? I don’t have the chance to try them out like that, so I wonder if you could opine. I know people say that revolvers don’t conceal as big as they are across the cylinder, since they’re much wider than 1” pistols. I need to tuck my shirt over them so that’s why I’m more invested in this issue. Thank you! A wonderful video in all regards.
Love smiths
Me too, thanks!
I've long wanted one of these. A few times a year I go hiking / primitive camping with my best friend and we usually both carry. Sometimes I don't, but he always has a cheap Charter .38 on him. More for the 2 legged predators if you catch my drift. When I do carry mine, I have the S&W Perfromance Center Model 637 and I replaced the grip with a smaller one.
But, like the 351PD, the exposed hammer on the 637 is always something I'm concerned about snagging. Especially if I keep it in my backpack hip pocket.
I've always thought the 351C being a good 3oz lighter (and liter ammo, probably) would make for a handy trail gun... But, the price is what has kept me away. Very nice guns though and I appreciate the video comparison!
I appreciate you taking the time to leave the comment. I think the price tag on these little .22 magnum revolvers does turn a lot of people away.
👍🐿👍 Dandy little revolvers. Ta quote Jeff Quinn.
I miss Jeff. One of my all time favorites.
Good comparison video as always
Thank you!
Awesome review Buffalo. Totally agree about that factory lock. If it should fail in a defense situation, then what?
Right. No matter how slim the chances are, there's still a chance. I don't like that. I live with it but it's just unnecessary.
Love this video! Thanks Buffalo!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Buffalo. Thanks, always a good interesting and informative video. Thanks for sharing. Take care.
Glad you enjoyed it and as always I appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos, I know you're busy providing videos yourself!
@@buffalosoutdoors Thanks. Not doing much myself, but I am enjoying others shooting videos. You keep up the good work.
Need help buffalo. Stuck between the 43c and 351c. Im leaning towards the 351c in 22mag but only if the recoil is still little to none. Ik you have both l, so how does the 22mag recoil conpare to the 22lr recoil? Still negligable?
Im with ya Buffalo, 22 mag just rocks!
Thanks!
With the 351c you can fire that from inside your pocket without the hammer snagging.
I hope not. It would burn your leg and blow a hole in your pants.
Haha! I think he's referring to straight out, in a coat pocket @@jerryking3208
@@jerryking3208jacket pocket
Or as Paul Harrel demonstrated, under the covers laying in bed lol.
Yep. I demonstrated that in my 351C review video. Skip to about the 12 minute 22 scond mark- ruclips.net/video/eQulpInqDDU/видео.html
Love them 22 mags!
Thanks!
Best reviewer ever!
^ Buff is someone special
Thanks a bunch! I appreciate that!
@@buffalosoutdoors dude, when you do a review, you are honest, that’s what counts.
I really like the lock mechanism. I have a gun in my car at all times when I’m out of the car I locked the gun so if my car is stolen, they don’t get an operable weapon along with the car.
Very informative comparison. Thanks!
Hello, what is your favorite small caliber revolver? (if you can keep only one)
Best revolver reviews!
Thank you!
It is good to see you again.
Thanks! It's good to be here.
I bought a 351c last year, haven’t seen it ever since my wife took it. It’s a great gun for her though, the 442 was a bit too heavy in weight and recoil for her.
This was the comparison I was looking for. I'd love to swap out the sight for a tritium on the DAO model but wasn't sure if it was a specific footprint
Two sweet revolvers for sure
Thanks buddy!
Nice one Buff! Happy Holidays!
Thank you and Happy Holidays to you too!
I love S&W snubbies. Have some for carry and limited edition. Love to have your 2 to add to mine😅. I have a 442 youd like with ⚖ DC v Heller and 2a on the side plate.Great comparison 👍
Nice review Buffalo .... When I first seen the muzzle end of the revolvers I thought no way are they 22 caliber then I noticed it was recessed in a ways before it tapers down to the actual caliber.
I myself have a fondness for 22 caliber 3 screw single action revolvers in 4 3/4" barrel length I just think they are such a simplistic and beautifully designed weapon.
Thanks. I can see why you see them that way. I do too.
Buffalo we want you to do a review of Charter Arms 4” barrel 8-shot Pathfinder 22. It’s a beautiful revolver with adjustable sights and is very accurate.
I don't have one but I will see if I can find one. It's actually on my list of what I call my "radar" guns. They are ones I am interested in and just waiting to cross paths with.
Don't forget to test and review the Charter Arms "Professional" in .32 H&R Magnum! It is a three-inch barreled SEVEN SHOOTER, designed for inside of belt carry. It now comes in both blue steel and stainless, with maybe both sleek wood and hard rubber grips. NO serious reviewer on the TOOOB or in periodicals has EVER looked at this gun.....................................elsullo
Looking forward to some accuracy testing with different ammunition on these
Unless I get me a mechanical type Ransom rest. accuracy tests with these snubbies just come down to how well I can shoot them and does not represent the inherent accuracy of the firearm itself. They are still fun to do and I very well might make such a video but just keep that in mind. Thanks for the suggestion/idea.
Thank you. God Bless and stay safe.
Thanks, you too!
I unfortunately don't have any experience with concealed Carry but i would probably prefer a revolver with an internal hammer so it cant get caught up in clothing or whatever.
I've carried the 351-C for several years. After putting about 2,000 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense ammo through it, I have never had a single FTF.
Nice guns buffalo. Can't go wrong with either one of those revolvers
Nice
Same with my rim-fire LCRs, the one with the external hammer has a little heavier trigger. Mine have similar use.
The LCR is a great design. Love them.
Cool snubbies as nice comparisons as love em....Good stuff....
Thanks 👍I always appreciate ya my man!
@@buffalosoutdoors 👍👍
Buffalo is the man.
Thanks. Good stuff!!
Glad you liked it!
Still looking for a 351PD to replace my 360PD
So'O wanna-needa 22 mag revolver.As a DAV & 51% NA 22mag was R go 2 round 4 many reasons! been over 18 months of checking 4 pawn shop's & one g/store 4 a used one. Not fussy S&W,Taurus,No name as long as revolver be OK w/me. Gotta messed up hand & 22mag abt all my injured hand can handle now. TY 4 inspiration 2 continue my Quest. Thkful 4 my 22 mag rifle that has provided a lot of game meat over the yrs. So glad 2C 22mag getting rspect it DEserve's .TY Buffalo 4 great work !
2B Honest !!-did see one @ local G/show but inflated price a Taurs for a S&W price then some. Sad 2C folks try'N 2 git double value now for rare guns ;(
That is a problem, especially at the shows. People want more than new prices for used stuff. Continue your hunt, you'll eventually find one priced right.
I put a bright, Tritium front sight on my 351c. Very nice in the dark
Nice. I like Tritium sights.
Just ordered the PD, got a 10% military discount
Got a 351pd and loved it. Until I shot it the first time. The first ejected cylinder broke the ejector star. It has been with S&W for 4 weeks with no updates. Does it take that much to change an ejector star!?
It's funny but when I look at those two .22s I keep thinking how a 3" or 4" barrel would make them more interesting and useful. I've had such, at least in .22LR, and the extra tube seems to me to be worthwhile for many uses, and maybe even moreso with the Magnum.
My first J-frame was a Model 34 Kit Gun with a 4" barrel I'd gotten back in the early '70s to start my then-significant other shooting. It was a very fine piece, well balanced and easy to get good results with, with the good target-type sights. Too bad I sold it in a moment of distress.
Later I had a 3" Taurus 94, an eight-shooter in blue that was surprisingly high quality, also purchased for a similar reason. I even got some Smith-designated rubber grips on it to make it easier to shoot.
It wound up going to a friend who wanted it for his tackle box (where it remains still).
But I'd lucked into a late-'70s Model 63 Kit Gun, the stainless version, also a four-incher and also with fine target sights. I've had this one for a few decades now and it gets called into for training frequently. It wears some really excellent Eagle rosewood grips that are larger and much easier to handle (if not conceal).
All this to say that the extra performance and longer sight radius makes for a more useful revolver in many if not all cases.
Added to that is the .22 Magnum round itself. It's awfully noisy and blast-y in the two-inchers to where it bothers many people, particularly in the indoor ranges where so many people do their regular shooting.
We have a busy training business with an emphasis on the women's intro class- my partner/wife is a former sponsored USPSA competitor and a fabulous instructor- and twice now, we've seen ladies arrive with new 2" .22 Magnums, fire one or two shots in an indoor range booth, and immediately get rid of the guns. Others have gone a bit further, but as far as we know, almost none of the ladies with MRF snubs stayed with them.
Not statistically conclusive, but interesting actual experience.
So, a longer barrel might help the newer shooter who had a broader set of needs than pocket carry deal with the blast and even recoil.
To the snagging hammer issue: all of my "serious" revos have their hammers bobbed. In the cases of the Colt D-frames, interestingly it's quite easy to cock them for single-action even bobbed. Not so much with the Smith Ks, for some reason. So when I am looking for a pocket revo, the old Cobra most often gets the call.
Thanks for your fine videos.
What a great comment. Thanks for this. I really like reading these types of comments. I've learned a lot over the years from comments that drive me to look deeper into certain aspects of firearms and firearm ownership.
Buddy, you do a damn good job.
Many years ago I had a S&W model 37 chambered in 38SPL. I got it used with standard wood grips but changed it out for aftermarket rubber grips that made the gun snag free but just the tiniest top of the hammer proud of the grips so you could cock it for single action. Maybe these grips are still available so you can have the best of both guns
Very cool. I had a S&W 638 with the shrouded hammer like you described (first video I ever uploaded to RUclips nearly 12 years ago). I never thought about grips being made to achieve the same thing.
Thanks for the comeback
I have an older 340 PD and... interestingly.. all the 'experts'at the time said was useless now they say it is gold. it is in .357 mag so not the same. never considered one in 22 mag.... seems they would be 'neither fish nor foul' ?
Only reason I see for lock is transport in box that locked I mean plane long distance incase it get stolen etc
I like wood and the hammer . 👍😊
Can't argue with that! Thanks!
I thought for sure you were going to step back in at the end of the video and fire off a couple shots. Anyhow I prefer exposed hammer revolvers. To me they just look better.
It crossed my mind to fire off at least one round at the end no joke! lol Thank you so much for watching, not many make it all the way to end of my videos. At least that's what my YT analytics tell me.
Interesting revolvers, and in J frames at that. Problem is the only thing I do with .22LR chambered handguns is Steel Challenge. Steel Challenge is drag racing with guns. Shooting Steel Challenge with revolvers is a big disadvantage in Steel Challenge. Being able to quickly reload as with a magazine based pistol is essential. The world's record in Steel Challenge matches is 1.6 seconds for a series of five shot strings of targets. The Master's Division at the Steel Challenge Nationals is an average of 2.7 seconds. Revolvers with .22LR cylinders just don't cut the mustard.
These aren't 22lr.
I used to shoot steel challenge. Last match I shot was about 10 years ago. It was a lot of fun and I met some of the best people at those matches. I never did shoot them with a revolver though. I wish I would have. These aren't .22lr revolvers but I get what you're saying.
@@buffalosoutdoors Was thinking it was a .22LR since I counted ten holes in the cylinder. What caliber is your revolver?
about to order that MODEL 351 C
👍
Hey buffalo, just checking in to see if you are alright with the tornado's rolling through your part of the world. Everything OK with you and your family? If you need anything, speak out. you have a ton of fans who would be happy to help.
Your beard looks GREAT! Isn't it wonderful to not have to scrape razor blades over your most sensitive skin? I bought an Airweight S&W Centennial (internal hammer) back in the nineties for concealed carry, and it had a really smooth and light, long double action trigger. After a year or so I carefully opened up that beautiful side-plate to make sure there was no dirt inside. I was SHOCKED to find a pea-sized ball of dense lint inside! How did that stuff get in? Also, there was ZERO lubrication inside and no sign that there ever WAS any! I dabbed tiny drops of thick oil on all of the rubbing or turning points, and the gun was much MORE smooth and light in its trigger action! Wonderful revolver...........................elsullo
Thanks for the information
You're welcome and thank you for commenting.
I have the pd. I dig it.
I absolutely dig it!
How loud are they compared to 22lr 38 special
Great review - Thanks
Thank you !
You're welcome! Hope you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this review
You're welcome, I hope you enjoyed it.
How many rounds
Greetings Buffalo, I held the 351c at gun shop in here in Upstate NY and I loved it. I just couldn't bring myself drop $810 out the door for a .22 rimfire, maybe someday. By the way, I love the hat you're wearing I'll have to get me one of those. Peace brother.
Thanks for the comment! I get my hats from an online store called Eagle Six Gear. They carry the 2xl flex fit caps that fit my mailbox sized noggin. I don't have any affiliation with them, no discount codes or anything. It's just a place I buy from.
Thanks for the info Buffalo.@@buffalosoutdoors
Hello, I'm French, it's very hard to have a revolver in my Country.. So, I just would like to know if it's ok to shoot in range at 25 mètres ( Yards ) ? God Bless America ;)