Purchased a new Model 360 at a local gun show yesterday, the dealer had all his guns discounted so I feel that I got a fair deal at $552 out the door.
Looking somewhat forward to some range time with it but I expect it to be uncomfortable with hot .357 loads.

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Congratulations on the new addition to the Family

Yes, firing full power 357 Magnum in ANY J-frame is not a fun experience.

But then it was not designed for comfort.

The J-Magnums in all of their different construction and variations were designed to give the maximun power in a minimum packages so that on the day you take that wrong turn and end up in a OH **** scenario that caught you by surprise

Now 357 Magnum in a J-frame is not for everybody and that is OK but for those that can handle it, there is much comfort knowing what you are carrying

357 Magnum in a J-frame is controllable and probably not half as bad as the Internet stories make it out to be.

I have been carrying a J-magnum since their introduction in 1996. There is a 340 in my pocket right now. It is loaded with full power 357 Magnum ammunition and I have qualified with this combination.

But NO, it was not FUN

I have other Smith and Wessons for FUN shooting

You got a nice gun for the $, IMO. I'm not familiar with this unfluted version of the 360, is that a steel or titanium cylinder? I believe I can see the ammo caveat on the bbl: no bullets less than 120grs. Re ammo: there are medium power magnum loads that recoil less. My favorite is the CCI Blazer .357 158gr JHP. Other members swear by the R-P Golden Saber.

Obey the ammo restriction on the bbl: do NOT fire 110gr or lighter weight magnum ammo. There are some dramatic photos on the Forum of what remains of a Ti cylinder after the owner violated the warning.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Nice gun, love mine. Although slightly larger then original, some "tamer grips" will be easier on your hands. Can still carry in your pocket.

Having carried a 360 for a few years a respected your comment "looking somewhat forward to some range time." I understand the inclusion of the qualifier somewhat. Bring some range 38s along or its gonna be a quick visit.

Now I just say No to scandium.

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Just hanging with my dogs

Scandium Alloy frame, stainless steel cylinder, no ammo restrictions that I see.

Buy a set of larger/softer grips for practice at the range & keep the small grips for CC. Your hand will thank you for it.

These Pachmayrs are plenty cushy & have a flat backstrap which I like better than the pointier factory grips.

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Waiting for the break of day

One time event.
I was trying out some magna grips on the 60-14 stainless steel frame when I first picked it up.
Never shot a j frame magnum before.
Started out using the synthetic factory grip that covered the backstrap and filled in the front.
Shot .357 ammo not too bad. I thought the recoil would bend the wrist or hit the hand.
So changed to the magna. Had alot more room for my fingers and I unknowingly did not have my trigger finger tight enough to keep away from the fronstrap during recoil. Big mistake.
Recoil caused my trigger finger to hit the inside of the metal trigger guard.
Best description it felt as if I hit my finger full force with a steel straitedge ruler like a blade.
I always use more finger and make sure all finger grip is tight.
Like I said this was a one time event for me.

First trip to the range today, I have shot many J frames but this was the first .357, wow, that's a handfull!
Very comfortable and accurate with my 38 special reloads.
I ran the "load 5, shoot 4 and measure the COL of the 5th test" my reloads (both .357 & 38 spcl) with a light crimp did not move, factory Hornady 158 gr Critical Defense did but not even close to reaching the cylinder face. Is that a big deal, can I run them thru my Lee factory crimp die like I do my reloads?

If you're going to use the Hornady ammo for self defense, I would not mess with them.

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Centennial Every Day