Ruger LCRx 1.87" .22 Magnum vs Smith & Wesson 351C .22 Magnum

These two .22 Magnum snubnoses share a 1.87" barrel and nearly identical 6.3-6.5" overall length, but they're built for different carry roles. The S&W 351C weighs 11.5 oz with its scandium alloy frame and holds 7 rounds in a fully shrouded DAO Centennial-style action. The Ruger LCRx carries 6 rounds in an aluminum-and-polymer frame at 15.4 oz, with an exposed hammer that enables single-action use. The S&W is 3.9 oz lighter and carries one extra round; the Ruger trades both for the SA option and a Hogue Tamer Monogrip standard.

Pick the Ruger LCRx 1.87" if:

• You want single-action capability for deliberate shots — the 351C's enclosed-hammer DAO design has no SA option at all
• You prefer the Hogue Tamer Monogrip and Ruger's friction-reducing cam DA pull, which owners consistently rate as smoother than the S&W Airweight family
• You want a replaceable pinned front sight ramp that swaps to tritium or fiber-optic without milling — the 351C's XS White Dot is fixed

Pick the Smith & Wesson 351C if:

• You want the lightest .22 Magnum J-frame available at 11.5 oz — 3.9 oz lighter than the LCRx, a meaningful difference for all-day pocket carry
• You want the 7-round cylinder versus the LCRx's 6 — one extra round in a snubnose meaningfully shifts the capacity calculus
• You pocket carry and the fully enclosed Centennial hammer profile eliminates the snag risk that the LCRx's exposed hammer introduces during the draw

Both are American-made DA-capable snubnoses chambered in .22 Magnum with 1:9-1:14" twist barrels, sub-2-pound carry weight, and similar overall envelopes. The decision splits cleanly on action type: DAO with enclosed hammer for snag-free pocket carry (351C), or exposed hammer with SA option for trail use and deliberate shots (LCRx).