just purchased from buds, came in today and there is a hole on the bottom of the backstrap/handle (next to where the serial number is stamped) what is this and is it supposed to be there

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson it is a laynard hole.

Personally, I don't know anyone who would want to attach a laynard to a J-frame snub. I think it is really more of a lightening cut. My guess is that they felt is was an area where they could remove material to reduce weight and not affect the over integrity of the revolver.

what do you mean "lightening cut"
thanks

Hopefully it came with the pin that goes through the holes. Which is held in place by certain types of grips ( Ones that leave the backstrap exposed).

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Watch & Pray

The hole is there to accomodate a pin - a lanyard with a snap on the end was supposed to clip onto the pin so you wouldn't lose the gun during strenuous activities.

As the pin is very small, people take the grips off and then the pin falls out and is frequently lost.

Ward

My gun did not come with a Pin to attatch the lanyard, where may I find the one that will fit my gun

They did absolutely everything possible to cut the weight on these revolvers. That prolly saved a very small fraction of an ounce.
I have a 340PD with the cut. I can't see any situation where I would want a lanyard, but somebody else may.

Phone S&W, they'll probably send you one free. They sent me a replacement after I lost one changing grips.

A section of coat hanger wire trimmed to the right length works too.

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"I also cook."

How old is your 360? It is possible that Smith & Wesson discontinued the laynard.

If you remove the grips, you should be able to see the two holes that the pin would go through. If the holes are not there, then there is no place to install the pin.

1) any part numbers I can fill this with
2) pics would be helpful
3) is this the same hole everyone else was thinking
thanks
snubb

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360SMUDGE3.jpg (27.7 KB, 297 views)

Not even close. That's new to me.

edit: I was thinking of this.

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"I also cook."

I just ordered the same one from Buds. As S&W description states it should have the same stainless steel cylinder. Ill let you know if mine has that hole when it gets here. How long did it take for yours to come in? Also how do you like it?

Honestly. It's the most accurate snub I own. Great point and shoot. Very tight gun. 357s are rough but manageable. Let me know if yours comes with the same hole.

Will do. Does yours have the stainless cylinder or carbon steel? Buds description contradicts s and w's

Buds stated carbon. However. S+w. Told me it was stainless

I have e-mailed S&W and asked them what the difference between this Model 360 from Bud's is (SKU: 160357) and the one listed on their web-site (SKU: 163074). I have not yet received any response.

If anyone on here knows the differences, please advise. I also do not know what grade stainless is used in the M&P revolvers for their cylinders. Some grades have magnetic properties and some do not.

And, I have NO idea of what the hole you pictured is for or about.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

I've never seen a hole like that and can't imagine what it's for.

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Centennial Every Day

My 360J (same gun as yours only in .38spl) has the same hole, I never thought anything of it about it. But, since you brought it up I just took off my grips to look a it and it is for a lanyard loop. to install the lanyard loop you would remove the roll pin that goes crossways through the hole (and holds your grips in position) insert the base of the lanyard loop into the hole and drive the roll pin back in. The base of the lanyard loop has a notch in it to accomodate the roll pin, that keeps it from falling out. Since I don't have a lanyard loop on my gun the hole is just a good place for dust to get in.

There, now you know. Nothing to worry about.

ETA - here's a pic of a lanyard loop for a S&W 1917, different gun, same idea. Imagine the base inserted in the hole in your grip frame and the roll pin fitting in the notch.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Anyone do the magnet test to theirs? Smith says its stainless

It's a lanyard loop. Gun was special order for china or japan. Supposedly they ordered guns with a lanyard hole. I guess that's why buds got a discount. It's actualy pretty cool.

These are probably a production over run for the Asian order. Lanyards are still used by police outside of the US. The crosspin for the lanyard may have been installed or not. One would have to examine the hole or take the grips off. I bought a 360 years ago when they first became available. It had the lightning cut and the small pin through it to attach a lanyard or wrist strap. My new m340M&P has the same set up. Bob!

Mine came in today. Same hole in the bottom. Trigger breaks like glass. Snag this deal while it lasts.

I have been trying to find a lanyard that would go into the hole. If you find one that would work with this set up, let us know.
snubb

Call S&W customer service. Several years ago they sold me a half dozen of the screw in (threaded) type lanyard rings. They may have the style you're looking for in stock.

Finally got to shoot my 360 yesterday. It is a dream to shoot......with 38 specials and plus p however the 158 gr 357 loads are a bit rough. I ran two cylinders before my trigger finger was a bit cut up. How does the recoil compare to the 158gr to that of the 125 gr loads?

but I am just wierd that way, i kinda like the recoil

I am impatiently waiting on mine. If anyone finds out how the lanyard attaches please post.

BTW I got mine in yesterday. Same hole.

I found that the SKU# for the Model 360 revolver from Bud's was the same as that listed on the S&W site for their collaboration with TALO and that they were one and the same. I contacted TALO and was told that the cylinder for this SKU#160357 was indeed stainless steel, as listed on the S&W site.

So, I am now wondering what is going on. If it is, indeed, the same SKU# and has a stainless cylinder why is it able to be sold by Bud's at this far lower price? For all of those that purchased it, good for you.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

I called smith and gave them my serial number. they emailed me back with what it left the factory with........stainless steel cylinder.

I guess that means we all did well. My pops just ordered one to match last week after a range session with mine. Awesome litte carry piece, and a great gun to pack around.

Its amazing how easy this thing slips in a pocket. I have heard of "forgetting a gun was there" but this takes the cake. I can honestly say that its hard to tell its there.

What do you carry yours in I'm looking for a leather holster for it