In the shooting world, there is an ongoing debate that will likely never be entirely resolved: Glock vs. Sig Sauer. Go to any firearms forum or discussion group, and you’ll hear the merits of each touted by their respective fans. However, there is another kind of shooter – the one who will look past the polymer-framed semi-autos and instead be drawn to the big framed revolvers. The brand new Smith & Wesson Model 350 will undoubtedly appeal to those individuals.
The hefty hunting revolver is the first to be chambered for the speedy and light-kicking .350 Legend straight-walled rifle cartridge – the Winchester round that was launched to much fanfare in 2019 due to its affordability, performance, and shootablity.
“The 350 Legend is one of the flattest shooting straight-walled cartridges on the market today,” explained John Myles, senior manager of new products at Smith & Wesson.
The .350 cartridge has steadily gained popularity, especially in states that only allow rifle hunting with straight-walled cartridges. It is noted for having light recoil and flat-shooting trajectory to ranges of 200 to 300 yard – making it ideal for the Smith & Wesson 350 Legend revolver.
“If you’re looking for a hunting revolver, the Model 350 is it,” Myles added. “It is great for medium-sized game and especially whitetail hunting.”
Not Another Six Shooter!
The Model 350 is a double-action/single-action revolver with a seven-round capacity. It features an all stainless-steel construction, a ported 7.5-inch barrel with red ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight system, as well as a Hogue rubber grip.
The revolver is also built on the company’s popular X-Frame, its largest handgun frame, which is also the basis for the monstrous S&W Model 500 revolvers, the most powerful production wheelgun on the market today.
Pow, Right to the Moon (Clips)
A unique feature of the Model 350 is that its cylinder requires the use of moon clips for loading and unloading. These are a circular device that clips into the recessed rim of a “rimless” cartridge and provides a base so they can be used in a revolver without the cartridges falling clean through the chambers.
Many revolvers chambered in 9mm, and .45 ACP accept moon clips and half-moon clips, and some shooters like these as the clips can speed the reloading of a revolver.
Smith & Wesson Model 350 Specs:
- Chambering: .350 Legend
- Capacity: 7
- Action: DA/SA
- Overall Length: 13.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 8.75 inches
- Twist Rate: 1:18
- Weight: 71.5 ounces
- Sights: red ramp front, adjustable rear
- Grip: Synthetic (Hogue)
- Cylinder: Stainless
- Frame: Stainless
- Finish: Satin stainless
The Smith & Wesson Model 350 revolver is now available at select retailers. MSRP is $1,599
What the Experts Told 19FortyFive
“While I am not a fan of Smith & Wesson, I can see why they keep creating and selling such popular revolvers: they make the company millions of dollars,” explained a former executive for an international firearms manufacturer that asked to keep his identity anonymous. “This gun will surely sell quite well and continue the fine tradition of Smith revolvers, but I question whether this gun is really needed in the marketplace or if it’s just a pure sales tactic to increase profit margins. My gut tells me Smith knows there was a demand for a new revolver of this size in the marketplace and knew it would sell, and they made it happen.”
The former executive also made an interesting remark about new gun models overall, telling 19FortyFive that “[I]n many respects, guns makers are following what Apple did years ago and create products they knew would be popular and trend even if there was no need for them – at least not until they were created. This new Smith model to me feels like that.”
Expert Biography: A Senior Editor for 1945, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
