360PD

[HOUSTON RICK]

I had sworn that I had all the small carry firearms that I needed, but what does need have to do with it. I have held the 360PD unloaded and I cannot believe the weight or lack thereof. I could carry it all day and not notice, it may be different loaded, but still I was amazed. The trade off is that it kicks like two mules, but if you need to use it, are more likely to have it when you need it and can maintain your accuracy who cares. It strikes me as incredibly easy to carry, and secure in the car when I am in the office. I have read the posts and seen no drawbacks other than price and recoil. Any holster ideas, or holsters made for it. Thank you for your current thoughts on carrying this revolver.

 

[Rhj2]

Never had a 360pd but I did own a 340pd with the silver finish. Pretty, when new. After two years of carry it looked like ****. Couldn't stand it. Traded it in on a 9mm shield. Took the gun shop over a year to sell it. Don't know if the dark finish will peal off. I wouldn't bet money that it will stay on.


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[Wee Hooker]

Congrats! Love my 360PD. It is astonishingly light and a great shooter! Hands down it is my favorite "do all" snubbie.

I lucked into mine some years back when a guy traded it off after firing only two 357 rounds through it. I got the (otherwise new) gun and 48 rounds of 357 ammo for $500 otd
That said, I have made two mods to mine "to ice the cake" over the years.
First, I bobbed the hammer. This allows snag free pocket carry but still leaves me enough for SA cocking/decocking while plinking/target shooting.

Second, I upgraded the grips to 405 crimson trace. Not so much because of the laser option (which is nice, btw) but the fact that they fill the hand "just right" and cover the back strap with recoil absorbing rubber. With these grips, range sessions with 38 +P is not punishing in the least.

Attached is a pic showing the bobbed hammer . It still wears the factory grips here though.


PS> Holsters are a personal thing. I just use a Stickey Brand IWB. It's very light, comfortable and gets the job done. The sticky doubles as a decent pocket holster as well.

 

[cre8ors]

I had the scandium. 357 and it took off skin in my palm and the trigger guard would hit my finger and take off skin. Very brutal to fire and I sold it. I should have kept it and just used. 38 special plus P rounds and it would probably have been decent to carry.

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[Bill In Texas]

Nice pickup Rick!

 

[GCF]

... I have read the posts and seen no drawbacks other than price and recoil. Any holster ideas, or holsters made for it. Thank you for your current thoughts on carrying this revolver.

I have had an M&P340 as my EDC, for over a year now. Hammerless version of the 360 - w/ a coated stainless cylinder. Mostly pocket carry, w/ a DeSantis Nemesis. Speer Gold Dot .38WSPL +P / SB - on the street.

For the occasions when I'm not wearing something baggy - w/ big front pockets (my Wranglers for example), I carry my 340, or 640-1, in an Andrews Custom Leather OWB pancake. Sam calls it his Saddle Style. It has a nicely done suede lining, conceals a j frame sufficiently under a T shirt, presents effortlessly, is unbelievably all day comfortable, & (although other's mileage may vary) is well worth the few months wait / few bucks extra - over an off the shelf brand.

The black coating, has held up very well (evidenced by the recent attached pics), & even w/ the steel cylinder, it is an absolute treat to carry.

If you haven't bought yet, you might take a look at the 340. I don't view the hammerless DAO, as a drawback. It enhances pocket carry (which is SO NICE in our 6 month long Texas summers), & is available w/ NO LOCK. The sighting system, is a big plus as well, & it points naturally.

Initial cost aside, the scandium alloy (seriously overbuilt), S&W 300 series J frames, are all winners - in my book. Either way, I'm pretty sure YOU'RE GONNA' LOVE IT!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

"If you haven't bought yet, you might take a look at the 340."

After a visit to the LGS, I ordered the 340 PD, but please keep the conversation rolling.

 

[michpatriot]

340 revolvers

These little pocket cannons carry so easily...all day long in the pocket, I've pocket carried a lot of handguns in the past: Kahr PM9, P380, Seecamp, Glock 26and36, Rohrbaugh R9s and a couple others, and out of all these the 340revolver is king in my book. Reliable, light as a feather and accurate. The care needed in cleaning the titanium and restrictions on bullet weight is far outweighed by the other attributes of these handguns if you ask me. I will admit that I'm not interested in shooting my EDC 340PD more than I already have to prove its reliability, I have a second 340 that will serve as the range slave...I firmly believe in the 2 is 1 theory and anything can break if used enough, a twin than I can wring out at the range while I hone my shooting skills, gives me the peace of mind knowing even if I have something go sideways with my range slave I won't be without my EDC. I think that I was on the right trail 20plus years ago with a model 37 38special but somehow got enamored with semiautos, funny how I now find myself having gone full circle back to a snub for my pocket.

 

[usmc2427765]

During my duties as a firearms instructor for my PD, I had the opportunity to observe an LEO that wanted to qualify with this weapon as a primary weapon which required him to fire 50 rounds for qualification. Being young and still had those teenage hormones raging inside him, he want to use magnum ammo. I put him on the line with me close behind him and waited for the show. The first 5 rounds hurt, the second hurt more and the next 5 drew blood and I stopped the firing not because he wanted to stop, but rather, because we could not eject the spent case without a leather mallet. That was my was experience with the 360PD.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

I have your guns first cousin. It's the 360-j. I wanted the SS cylinder and red insert front sight. It's a hand cannon to be sure. But sure easy to carry. I usually just drop it in my front pocket. I carry a reload in a speed strip in my back pocket.

 

[oddshooter]

I've had my 360 PD for 7 years and it is my carry in the backcountry. I'm a light in the butt senior and I hitch up my pants all day carrying anything but this little mule. It's there when I need it !!

This is not a range toy. I use a glove with the Miculek death grip. I got a new rubber grip that covers the metal backstrap, unlike the factory grip (stupid move S&W). I shoot enough 357 mag to keep familiar with the gun and no more.

I did not feel recoil at all in the middle of a dangerous situation. My focus was entirely somewhere else besides my palm.

It does what it is supposed to do perfectly. However, it doesn't do anything else. Never get this for a new shooter !!

Prescut

 

[Dragon 1]

I WISH THEY STILL MADE IT WITH A HAMMER SPUR. HOUSTON RICK YOU WILL LOVE IT I HAVE THE 340 PD. I USE THE KRAMER POCKET HOLSTER I FIND IT TO BE A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY BUT GREAT POCKET HOLSTER. I USE A INSIDE THE WASTE FROM MILT SPARKS SUMMER SPL. I DON'T CARRY ON BELT WITH THAT SMALL GEM I JUST FEEL IF I AM GOING TO CARRY A BELT GUN IT WOULD BE BIGGER HEAVY GUN IS FOR THAT. SORRY I AM JUST WEIRD WHEN IT COMES TO A SMALL GUN FOR BELT CARRY. USE CCI GOLD DOT 135 PLUS P 38SPL OR THE CORBON DPX 110 PLUS P IN 38SPL BOTH GREAT LOADS. THEN GET A TRIGGER JOB DONE MAN SHIPPING WOULD BE CHEAP TEDDY JACOBSON IS IN YOUR BACKYARD. I THINK SUGERLAND TX IS FAR FROM HOUSTON TX TO DRIVE BUT SHIPING SHOULD BE CHEAP. GOOD LUCK YOU HAVE A GREAT CARRY GUN.

 

[michpatriot]

During my duties as a firearms instructor for my PD, I had the opportunity to observe an LEO that wanted to qualify with this weapon as a primary weapon which required him to fire 50 rounds for qualification. Being young and still had those teenage hormones raging inside him, he want to use magnum ammo. I put him on the line with me close behind him and waited for the show. The first 5 rounds hurt, the second hurt more and the next 5 drew blood and I stopped the firing not because he wanted to stop, but rather, because we could not eject the spent case without a leather mallet. That was my was experience with the 360PD.

If the cylinder is extremely dirty after shooting lots of 38special and then the longer 357 cartridge is then stuffed in on top of the 38 carbon build up in the chamber, you will always end up with hard ejection. Simply clean after shooting 38 and this will never happen. I personally have never experienced this problem with either of my 340 revolvers. Sounds like a newb 357 owner practiced with a lot of 38special then went to qualify with the 357 so he could carry the 357 but neglected the cleaning step between.

 

[getoff]

i had both a 360, and 340 airlight at one point. gone back to my 442. to tempted to fire full house mag stuff, and paid the price. not sure the .357 is any better in a snubbie than .38+p short barrel ammo... sure throws a heck of a fireball however! 'choot 'em, and light 'em on fire all at once!

 

[Old cop]

I have both the 340M&P and the 340PD and the PD has become my EDC. I've tried all the 380s and much prefer a revolver for self defense, likely b/c I carried and used one for most of my 30 year LEO career.

 

[Det-Sog]

After a visit to the LGS, I ordered the 340 PD, but please keep the conversation rolling.

I love mine!!! The best pocket rocket revolver ever made IMHO. I carried a 642 for years as a Police BUG, and this blows it away from a carry point. For what it it designed for, IMHO this is the perfect compact EDC revolver. I can put this in a pocket and carry all day, completely forgetting it's there. 5 x .357 and I feel pretty safe.

WARNING - This is NOT a range gun for target practice. It's a "carry gun" only. Even standard pressure .38s will sting and eventually wear you out. My tolerance without gloves is about 10-15 rounds. If I wear mechanics gloves, I can go through a whole box of 50. For "me" I notice where the grips connect with the backstrap, it tends to cut into my hand and draw blood after about 20 rounds without gloves. With gloves, .357 Mags are sadistic, but dooable. I've never had an issue with the trigger finger getting injured. I might spend a day at the range... But this little sucker only gets fired enough (25 +/- rounds) so I can stay competent, then goes right back in the pocket holster. Your results may vary, but IMHO, THIS IS A KEEPER.

<-- For this reason, I'm going to put on a set of CT grips on after a few pay days. Everyone with the CT grips say that the recoil becomes at least manageable.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have a number of guns for the range. This gun will kick like three mules and quickly sting my hand. There will be pain involved. This is pure carry with enough range time to be effective. I will not "enjoy" shooting it at the range, nor will it win any beauty contests. However, it is so light that I will not hesitate to carry it all day, and should I need to use it whatever the recoil - so be it.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I have a number of guns for the range. This gun will kick like three mules and quickly sting my hand. There will be pain involved. This is pure carry with enough range time to be effective. I will not "enjoy" shooting it at the range, nor will it win any beauty contests. However, it is so light that I will not hesitate to carry it all day, and should I need to use it whatever the recoil - so be it.

Again, with the right replacement grip, it's not bad at all. I shoot our clubs yearly snubbie match with mine. ( by choice. I have others.) Be prepared to toss the factory grips and get something that covers the backstrap with rubber.

 

[GCF]

... Be prepared to toss the factory grips and get something that covers the backstrap with rubber.

That, or stick to +P. Gold Dot SB, or Buffalo Bore.
I'm thinking quite adequate - for bad breath distance social occasions...

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

After a number of snafus, the 340PD is now in my pocket.

 

[Usmc5811]

I think you will like it. My 340 M&P goes everywhere it's legal to carry.

 

[cometpx4]

Airlites

I have 2 337's (11 oz .38 with titanium cylinder and exposed hammer a 342, (11oz. .38 centennial version) a 360 m&p , and a 360SS from a limited Talo run about 10 years ago. I got 2 337's Only Because they Are So HArd To Find And I Ran Across Them NIB So Jumped On them.
Titanium in the pocket in Spring/Summer , one Of the slightly heavier (13oz. Versus 11 Oz ) 360's In Fall\ Winter.
I never carry anything Other than .38, They carry as good As any .380 , More Reliable, More Power, And I Range With Them All The Time. Its Not That Bad At all .

 

[Hasbeen1945]

Rick, tell us about the snafus. I carry my 360 j every day in my front pocket. Shorts and boat shoes are regular wear. I'm 6'2" and around 295. Large pockets. The only negative thing about the pistol is the small hammer. I have to be real careful cocking for single action. Thumb will slip off real easy.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Rick, tell us about the snafus. I carry my 360 j every day in my front pocket. Shorts and boat shoes are regular wear. I'm 6'2" and around 295. Large pockets. The only negative thing about the pistol is the small hammer. I have to be real careful cocking for single action. Thumb will slip off real easy.

Since it is for pocket carry, I went for the hammerless version.

 

[SAWBONES]

I have two 340PDs (the older one with the "orange toothbrush" plastic front sight ramp, the newer with the green fiber-optic front sight).

My original intent in buying these, like most who purchase these featherweight little guns, was to have a truly lightweight CCW gun with a really potent cartridge.

When I first bought them a decade or so ago, I shot 20-50 rounds of nearly all available commercial premium .357 Magnum loads through them, in bullet weights from 110 to 158 grains, to determine which loads had the best accuracy and precision.

I'm not "recoil sensitive" at all, but this testing for accuracy and precision wasn't pleasant.

I wouldn't say shooting those loads was exactly painful, but it was not fun by any means.

I do think the .357 Magnum loads give some meaningful increase in terminal ballistic effect over the .38 Special+P loads, BUT...
my experience after prolonged testing was that the better .38 Special+P loads were simply both more accurate and more precise in these lightweight guns than any of the .357 Magnum loads.

I don't know why, and it wasn't a matter of flinching or other problems related to hold stability, as far as I could tell.

In any event, the single most accurate & precise load in these little guns, in my hands, was the .38 Special+P Speer Gold Dot 135gr JHP (no difference between the standard & "short barrel" varieties, as far as I could tell), so that's what I have ever since carried in mine.

As always, "YMMV".

The older I get, the less enthusiastic I am about carrying heavy guns.
Over the past 30 years I've trained and qualified and CCW'd with full size 1911s, HK P7M8s, Sig-Sauer P220s, various Glocks in a variety of calibers, a number of different S&W and Ruger revolvers and other guns, but now, in my seventh decade (and never yet having needed to draw "for real", and being both situationally-aware and cautious), I'm often content to carry the little 340PDx, especially, but not only, in hottest weather.

Best.

 

[Signal_20]

I carried a 360PD on duty before I retired and as an off duty after that and have never had a more pleasant gun to carry. You don't even know your carrying it most of the time. The smallest I had before is my Kahr PM40 and it is definitely heavier to wear even though it is one on the smallest 40 calibers you can buy. I wear the 360PD every day and pretty much never carry the Kahr anymore.

The 360 is definitely not a fun range gun with 357's but I have been in a couple of shootings and believe me recoil will never cross your mind if that happens. Too many people buy a carry gun only to find out it is a PITA to carry in civilian clothes especially in a hot climate like Florida then the gun stays in the car or in your night stand where it does you no good at all so get one you will carry and be proficient with it. I shoot the 360PD every year to qualify for nationwide LEO carry using 38's to qualify then shoot a handful of 357's to be familiar with the recoil. Bottom line is you do not want this gun as a range gun but it is very hard to beat it a a comfortable EDC gun. By the way most of the time I carry in a pancake belt holster.

Jim - Orlando

 

[les.b]

Houston Rick,

I'm with Old Cop (well, I'm an old cop too...) I think that your choice of the 340 PD is the best pocket carry gun ever devised!!!!

Here is mine at the top. I have a thing for these "40" series guns.

I have been carrying mine now for several years, and occasionally carry one of the others. For example, the 640-1 Pro Series weighs twice as much, but has the best sights I've ever seen on a J frame. I'd like to see a 340PD with these same sights!!

Best carry ammo in my opinion is the .357 Speer 135 gr Gold Dot short barrel ammo. Speer must have recently ran off a new production, it was unobtainable for several years around here, but I recently re-stocked up on line....expensive, but the best.

Best Regards, Les

 

[civileng01]

This is my 360 with a 638 hammer installed to make for a "bobbed" profile.
Regular civilian here but I carry this every single day either ankle or front pocket. I work heavy construction and so it usually rides on the ankle just inside the top of my boots which overs extra support from 5 am to 8-9 pm. The only time I wish I had something smaller is when pocket carrying with some thin suit pants usually then I switch back to the ankle. I've made it a point to carry daily since San Bernadine shooting. I'm thin waisted and tuck my shirts in so waist carry has always been difficult to conceal comfortably with anything I've tried thus far. Bottom line is even with an active lifestyle I haven't found a better edc.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

After a few more usual shipping snafu's it has been delivered and is range ready

 

[cmj8591]

Here's mine. I have shot it quite a bit. Mostly with light 38's and it's not bad with them. In fact, with a light, 158 grain, lead 38 bullet, it is quite accurate. My only change was the installation of the Apex carry kit which smoothed out the DA trigger a lot.