NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson 351c Revolver

The .22 WMR has often been discredited as a worthy self-defense cartridge. In fact, the .22 WMR exhibits ballistics comparable to those of a .380 ACP. And when it comes to concealed carry, the objective is concealment and reliability.

Enter the Smith & Wesson 351c—a Centennial family pistol built on the “J-frame”—a seven-round-capacity, double-action only (DAO) revolver weighing in at 11 ozs. empty with an overall length of 6.25”. Smith & Wesson appropriately labels the hammerless revolver "AirLite," and the gun serves well tucked into an ankle holster, pocket or purse.

The aluminum frame 351c features a composite barrel shroud with a 1 7/8” steel barrel liner that saves on weight. The grip frame, wrapped in rubber stocks, yields ample purchase during handling. Its DAO trigger staggers the scale at around 15 lbs. of breaking pressure—a far cry from any precision trigger on the market today. The significant trigger pull should be considered an added safety benefit. Sighting the pistol is provided by a U-notch at the top rear of the frame and an installed XS Big Dot up front, designed to stand out and be easy to find during high-stress situations.

Suggested retail is $689. For more, and to see the gun fired on the range, watch this video hosted by American Rifleman's Mark Keefe. 

For more, visit smith-wesson.com. 

Specifications
Model: S&W 351c
Manufacturer:  Smith & Wesson
Caliber: .22 WMR
Action Type: rimfire revolver
Frame: aluminum
Barrel: 1 7/8”, composite with a steel barrel liner
Rifling: six-groove, 1:18¾" RH twist
Cylinder Capacity: seven rounds
Sights: U-notch rear, XS Big Dot front
Trigger: double-action only; 15-lb. pull
Overall Length: 6.25"
Width: 1.31"
Height: 3.75"
Weight: 11 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, lockable case, lock
MSRP: $689