I've been thinking of adding a revolver to my collection, and have been stumped and stymied by a lot of what I've come across. In order to reduce the confusion my post might create, let me specify my wishes.

First, I have three semi-autos in 9mm and one in .45ACP. My first thought was to add a 9mm revolver (e.g., Taurus 905, Ruger LCR) so I didn't have to add another caliber to my stash. However, a lot of folks have very negative feelings about Taurus, and the Ruger is just butt-ugly (to me). Some have also said that a .38 special can actually shoot smoother than a 9mm. I have no empirical evidence to support this, but I listen to, and read what I can.

So, I've come across a now-discontinued Model 360. This meets my primary requirements: It's a snubbie (2" or less), pocketable, and pleasing to the eye. I've found several at Gunbuyer, and they are within other limit$.

One question I have is about grips. It appears there are/can be two different style grips. Lacking specific terminology, I can only describe them as "elongated" and "square butt." To me, the "classic" snubnose has the squared grip, and that's what I like about the 360. However, I've seen them both ways. Are grips interchangeable? If I land a 360 with the elongated grip, can I change it to the other? S&W still offers a variety on their site, even though the gun itself is "archived."

Any other suggestions for a semi-shooter looking for a (small) wheelgun?

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Eschew Obfuscation.

There are as many choices of grips for J frame revolvers as there are shooters who own them. Everyone is different and most of us have a drawer full of grips that did not work for us. Your choice is a round butt and there are a number of grip choices for your gun. Others can weigh in with brand names.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

That 360 is a load with .357 rounds, and not much more forgiving with .38's. Might want to think about a model 60-14 . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

don't shoot 357 for starters... 60-14 is too heavy to pocket carry for me, I have one of those. I just picked up a 360 myself, love the weight, can't beat it for pocket carry, or for looks. Has everything fp is looking for. It's not a range gun or anything I'm looking to shoot 100 rds through... a little practice and in the pocket it goes... my vote goes to buy it!! You'll love it, especially if you put some combats on it. If I remember, I'll post a couple pics with some different grips..

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Jack C

If you are referring to a currently available model 360 Scandium in the $400 range, that one is in .38 Special. It will recoil pretty well with a heavy .38 load, but the previous version in .357 would be quite brutal.

As noted above, it has a round butt frame and there are all sorts of stocks that will fit to make it look however you like. Just as important, you want to be able to control and conceal it effectively also, and this may determine what type of stocks to get. Be sure to use a pocket holster if you carry it there, and good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

based on your description, is it this one?



I'm enjoying it and considered it a bargain.

As best I can tell, it was destined for Japan LE (not confirmed).

Model 642/442 grips should all fit fine. Keep in mind, this model has a hole at the base of the butt for a lanyard. The large grips conceal this, but many other grips will not.

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Best Regards,
Mark

That's the one.

Here's an update: I purchased one off Gunbroker.com. The price was good and the seller very responsive to my questions.

Now I have to wait for it to be shipped to my LGS (they're beginning to know me well there!).

And yes, it's .38 special (+P capable). I'll just have to suck it up and add another caliber to my shelf.

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Eschew Obfuscation.

Here's 3 of my Scandium framed pocket rockets...
The1st one is the new 360, then the 351c 22mag, top one is the 637-2 ported barrel with a CT grip..

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Jack C

I like the grips on the first two! I believe the one I'm getting has the third (without the laser). I'm hoping to swap them out for something like the first two.

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Eschew Obfuscation.

BUY IT-YOU'LL LOVE IT My very favorite J frame. I shoot a box of "range plinker" .38 and a hand full of carry Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. at least once a month. Recoil no harsher than my 637 or 442. These things are sort of an anomaly; they show up for sale every now and then, but are never in the S&W catalog. Usually a "dealer exclusive". And they are a terrific buy at $400-$450 when they do appear

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John

Since this has turned into a show off your 360J thread...

Mine is from the first run of them back in 2008. I received it from Bud's, put 50 rounds through it and sent it to Pinnacle High Performance Guns for a 9mm (9x23) conversion and some other work. I carried it as my BUG my last 6 years in LE. I sent it back to Pinnacle last year and had Mark fit a titanium .38spl cylinder to it so I can swap back and forth. These are great little guns, rugged and reliable, one of S&W's least known products and yet, dollar for dollar, one of their best small frame revolver offerings.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I had a 360 in 357, ouch. Then I missed it and bought the 360 in 38. Kinda ouch. I still prefer to carry my LCP. But I love my 360. I bought it from Kentucky Gun in Decemberish. It was about $370 shipped, no FFL from my excellent LGS. Sweet.

Attached Images

20160207_103908.jpg (63.9 KB, 48 views)

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Just hanging with my dogs

I picked one of these a couple weeks back and I'm loving it! Great gun for the money. I really like j frames and wouldn't mind getting another of these 360j.

I just picked it up today. Right now, it's sitting in the gun safe in my car, in its original wrapper. As soon as I find some good target shooting ammo, I'm going to give it a proper break-in!

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Eschew Obfuscation.

Think it's about time I break mine in too.... came across some extra grips I forgot about....


uploadfromtaptalk1455945485029.jpg

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Jack C