So my wife wants her first Smith. She has here eyes set on a M360 357 black with stainless controls and cylinder (see picture). She has significant range time with my 45 but limited time with a lightweight 357 platform.

I have found little info on this particular model so I wanted to get all of your opinion on this firearm, thoughts about it and any 1st hand reviews you can share.

Thanks a million

Chris

Attached Images

m360.jpg (8.6 KB, 32 views)

I don't recommend that she shoot .357 through an Airweight due to the recoil, but she will probably be OK with .38 special. My wife enjoys shooting .38 through her 637, which is very similar in weight and size to the M360. For any kind of extended range time she wears a shooting glove to mitigate the recoil.



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I've shot .357 through these airlight revolvers and do not recommend it. Although I'm elderly (70) I am big and strong but could not handle a follow up shot w/this thing. If I'd not had a very tight grip it would have come right out of my hand.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I have a 360J and highly recommend it as an alternative to the MUCH more expensive .357 version of the 360. Since she probably won't be firing .357 in it anyway – it would make sense to me to get the cheaper version, and spend some of the remaining money on practice ammo and range time. I think - if I have my math right - you could buy a 360J or 638 and still have enough money left over for a Shield 9mm ... versus what a .357 version will cost ...

I just bought the exact pistol. I wanted the SS cylinder and the red insert front sight. That said it's pretty stout with +P. I loaded some 357's with AA 5 stating load and gold dots. Still stout. The grips don't help at all. I just bought some Pachmyers. They are soft and I think it will be a big help.

I am a fan of lightweight J-frame revolvers, but if you are not familiar with these guns, you need to try one before you buy it. These guns have substantial recoil with 38 special ammo. I know experienced shooters who avoid +P ammo in these guns because it is uncomfortable. I recommend that you rent or borrow one if that is possible.

Choosing grips that fit you well can help mitigate recoil, but it probably will not totally resolve the issue. Of course, each shooter may perceive felt recoil differently, but many people find that a lightweight 38 has more recoil than a full sized 45.

Choosing a heavier gun makes a huge difference in felt recoil. An all steel model 60 is much easier to shoot than the 360. And a larger heavier gun like the 686 is very easy to shoot with 38 special.

All of these revolvers are quality guns, but you should make sure that the one you choose will fit your needs.