Smith & Wesson 351C vs. Ruger LCR

[bsfloyd]

Hello gang - I'm looking to add a 22 magum DA for carry (would like an option for pocket carry when needed) and I'm considering the S&W 351C and the Ruger LCR.  I was hoping to find the 351PD locally (in which I would be comparing it to the LCRx) but my between my local gun shops the 351C is what is in consideration.  I have zero experience between these two and would appreciate any user feedback between them that you all could offer.  Both are new and priced similar with the Smith being just a bit more.  Perhaps there are others I should look into?  Thanks!

[45MAN]

NOT SURE THE RUGER LCR (NOT THE LCRx) IN 22 MAG IS CURRENTLY MADE. I HAVE A 22 MAG LCR AND IT IS AN EXCELLENT POCKET GUN. I WOULD JUST PUT IT IN MY FRONT PANT POCKET, NO HOLSTER, NO NOTHING. NOW I USE A 327 LCR AS MY EDC POCKET GUN.

[bsfloyd]

Thanks for the reply, 45MAN - and I think you're right. I looked at many snubbies yesterday and the LCR may have been the 22lr version. They did have the 22 magnum which may have been the LCRx. They did have the 327 as well, which is nice because of all the different rounds it can fire - but the lower cost of the 22 magnum has me looking at them.

[45MAN]

Oct 10, 2023 8:49:18 GMT -5 bsfloyd said:

Thanks for the reply, 45MAN - and I think you're right. I looked at many snubbies yesterday and the LCR may have been the 22lr version. They did have the 22 magnum which may have been the LCRx. They did have the 327 as well, which is nice because of all the different rounds it can fire - but the lower cost of the 22 magnum has me looking at them.

I HELPED MY Compadre OSCAR GET A 22 MAG LCR BUT IT TOOK SOME LOOKING FOR A WHILE ON GUN BROKER

[bobm]

From what I’ve read you have a better chance of getting a better trigger with the LCR. Apparently a lot of the 351s have very poor triggers and the recommendation is not to buy one without getting to see it in person first

That being said I’ve bought two S&W43Cs this year and those triggers were fine.

[bsfloyd]

Thanks for the tip, bobm. From the videos I've watched so far of the 351, your statement stands true. They do say that it naturally smooths out on it's own, or a spring upgrade helps. I plan to go back to the gun shop this week and look further into them both (if they are still there - 22 revolvers seem to go pretty quick in my area). I have not dry fired either of them, but I have read that the Smith is more of a 11~12-ish pound trigger pull, and the Ruger more of a 9~10-ish pound pull. I don't mind a heavier pull as long as it's smooth. If there's alot of stacking going on, that's a different story. One user commented that after about 1000 dry fire trigger pulls that his 351 smoothed out, lol. I also like a double action trigger that lets you know/feel where the break is going to be.

I didn't ask the shop owner about his dry fire policy, but I think for DAO revolvers it is almost a must...

[bula]

OP, reasons for choosing the 22mag chambering ? 

[bsfloyd]

Oct 11, 2023 10:35:50 GMT -5 bula said:

OP, reasons for choosing the 22mag chambering ? 

Sure thing!  Two reasons that go hand in hand (no pun intended) - I like pocket carry, which I personally attribute to a smaller and lighter firearm.  I know the LCR is available in larger calibers, as are the Air Lite Smiths, but I also need to factor in my aging and partially damaged hands.  The recoil of the larger caliber and lighter weight firearms aren't a very good mix for me.  And because I believe in training with what I carry, I feel the 22 magnum (which is a bit more powerful than the 22lr) is a good option for me.  I have considered going with the 22lr, but my hands can still take the 22 magnum.  Perhaps one day I may be relying solely on the 22lr.  I know the debate on if the 22 a good enough round for self defense, but I sure wouldn't want to get shot with one, or six, or eight.  As we know, 22 can be finicky in some semi automatics.  Because of this I am more comfortable carrying 22 in a revolver.

[bula]

Try amongst what you are gonna try, the Federal 50gr HP 22mag loading. 

[bsfloyd]

Oct 11, 2023 16:00:05 GMT -5 bula said:

Try amongst what you are gonna try, the Federal 50gr HP 22mag loading. 

Thanks for the tip - will do.

[grandpa]

I have no experience with the Ruger but I have a 351C that I pocket carry in sweatpants because my model 60 is enough weight to pull those pants down! The airweight .38 J-frames are not controllable enough for me, thus the .22 magnum.
My 351C has a trigger that is good enough for self defense purposes. Rimfire J-frames require a heavy hammer spring for reliable ignition so be careful if you try a reduced power spring for a better trigger.

[bsfloyd]

Thanks for the added info, grandpa! The Smith is definately lighter than the Ruger by a few ounces I believe. I don't like to mess with the construction of carry guns for the most part - could possibly give a prosecuting attorney a reason for argument if ever had to use in a self defense situation. But, I understand what you mean about the springs and rimfire.

[rjm52]

Doesn't the 351-C have a flashgap protector in .22 Magnum... If so and you shoot it a lot it will end up back at the factory for replacement...

It was the reason I sold my two Airlite .41s and kept the Taurus Titanium Trackers...

Bob

[bsfloyd]

Oct 16, 2023 6:56:28 GMT -5 rjm52 said:

Doesn't the 351-C have a flashgap protector in .22 Magnum... If so and you shoot it a lot it will end up back at the factory for replacement...

It was the reason I sold my two Airlite .41s and kept the Taurus Titanium Trackers...

Bob

Hmm, good question - I will need to look more into that when I visit the LGS this week.  That is a good deciding factor.

[grandpa]

My 351C has the flashgap protector but it's not a revolver that I plan to shoot a lot. I don't expect any need for replacement but if there is I'm sure S&W can handle it.