M360J Grip Frame

[BookerT]

Greetings to all,
Just purchased new from Gander a 38 spec. M360J.
I removed the rubber grips and installed some stags. As you can see there is a hole at the bottom of the grip frame. It looks like it could be for a lanyard. A call to S&W did not produce an answer of what it is or if a lanyard was available for it. I'm hoping that some experts here can give an answer. Some searches on the net indicate that this model was for a order to law enforcement in Japan. S&W could not confirm. Going to plug the hole with a plastic insert to keep the dirt out. Thanks for your time. The photo shows me holding a .22 casing which is about the size of the hole.

 

[photoman]

I can't answer your question but it is highly likely a special order gun. With the serial number on the side below the cylinder release, it was probably for a law enforcement agency of some sort. They often require the serial number to be easily read without having to open the gun or remove the grips.

 

[BookerT]

Thanks Photoman44, I'm hoping to install a lanyard along the lines of the old 1917.

 

[photoman]

Is the hole threaded?

 

[BookerT]

No, not threaded. The best I could measure the diameter was 3/16"

 

[Alnamvet68]

I have the same handgun, and have wondered about that hole; pretty much explains why the serial number is below the cyclinder release latch, instead of the traditional laser engraved S&W logo. While I did have a long conversation with a gentleman at S&W who said he worked on that production line that built my 360, he did say that my gun was built in July of 2012, that there were less than 5000 of these guns built, and that the 2012 built 360 J's come with stainless steel cylinders as opposed to the carbon steel of earlier models. He also went on to say that the gun is the exact same gun that the M360 357 mag is, with the exception of the cylinder reamed to allow only 38 cal rounds to be chambered. He would not, or could not confirm whether this gun was built as a contract gun for some LE or foreign military. I have a strong suspicion this odd model is/was part of a contract gone sour, and find it more curious the gun has never appeared on the S&W web site or in any catalog since it was initially manufactured, which I believe was around 2009.

I like the gun since it is a beefed up magnum frame, cylinder, and barrel, using scandium for the frame, stainless steel for the cylinder and barrel, and melonite as the finishing material. I could do without the hole in the grip base, as well as the ILS, but in the end, I own a unique and "mysterious" model.

Here's to finding out the real story behind this little gem.

 

[Alnamvet68]

Is or are there any S&W reps who are members here, who may shed light on this anomalous J frame?

 

[BEA]

I bought a 360J in 38 Spec yesterday.I will take the grips off later to dertemine the hole. The grips extend so that my little finger is on it.It is more of a black finish than blue.I note a small aluminium plate at the frame where it intersects with the forcing cone.The barrel does not indicate +P.The frame has "airweight" on it.It has an exposed hammer. The fired cartridge was in Sept 2012. I find no reference to this revolver on the S&W site other than in 357 mag.

 

[WC145]

I bought a 360J in 38 Spec yesterday.I will take the grips off later to dertemine the hole. The grips extend so that my little finger is on it.It is more of a black finish than blue.I note a small aluminium plate at the frame where it intersects with the forcing cone.The barrel does not indicate +P.The frame has "airweight" on it.It has an exposed hammer. The fired cartridge was in Sept 2012. I find no reference to this revolver on the S&W site other than in 357 mag.

The hole will be there, it could very well be for a lanyard loop, the grip cross pin intersects the hole so that it would secure the lanyard loop in place. No one seems to know for sure.

The little steel plate is a blast shield to protect the top strap from flame cutting, they're on all of the scandium frame revolvers except the 315NG.

The 360 is a .357mag the 360J is .38spl only, made on a 360 frame and uses the same cylinder as the 360 except the chambers are cut for the shorter .38spl cartridge. All "J magnum" frame .38spls are +P rated.

 

[VirMagnus]

I just received one as a Christmas present from my wife, Bud's was super slow on shipping. We like it so much we ordered another one for her. Bud's has them listed under "autos" for some reason, probably the only reason they are still available. These guns are a freaking steal at $480, I love it. Now I just need to find some nice grips and swap out the front sights

 

[Alnamvet68]

I just received one as a Christmas present from my wife, Bud's was super slow on shipping. We like it so much we ordered another one for her. Bud's has them listed under "autos" for some reason, probably the only reason they are still available. These guns are a freaking steal at $480, I love it. Now I just need to find some nice grips and swap out the front sights

Altamont's....never leave home without them.

 

[VirMagnus]

View attachment 96792

View attachment 96793

Altamont's....never leave home without them.

That's what I was planning on

My wife wants the grip in the bottom picture, it's gorgeous

 

[WC145]

I got mine from Buds a few years ago when they first came out, it was $409. It has a carbon steel cyl where the new ones are stainless, well worth the $80 difference. They're great guns, definitely one of the better deals out there.

 

[Dave Baird]

I plugged my hole!!!

 

[L Pete]

My one year old 360J does not, repeat, does not have a stainless steel cylinder. It rusted pretty quickly after I started using it for carry. I think a lot of mis-information is being spread about this. Once again, it is a newer model made in 2015.......

 

[OLDSTER]

360J

I got mine from Buds a few years ago when they first came out, it was $409. It has a carbon steel cyl where the new ones are stainless, well worth the $80 difference. They're great guns, definitely one of the better deals out there.

This one I also bought a few years ago when they first began to show up. As I recall a little less than $400. It is .38+P and carbon steel cylinder. It is my favorite J frame ( of 3 that I own). It has over 500 rounds fired

 

[Dave Baird]

John, I see you have your hammer spur as stock. I have been tempted to trim mine back a bit, but: one, not sure if necessary; two, I am pretty good with tools but it will probably still look like bubba. Any thoughts? I did read one of the guys on this forum survived a shooting because the aggressor snagged his Saturday Night Special while trying to draw it.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The M360J was originally ordered for a Japanese police agency. Hence the "J" in the model designation. The hole in the bottom of the grip frame matted up with these special funky looking grips that are available only in Japan.

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think it had anything to do with a lanyard. Though that's a good use for it.

Curiously, S&W keeps putting the hole there (and the s/n under the thumb piece), even though these guns are obviously being made for the domestic market and those funky grips aren't even available in the US.

 

[326MOD10]

^^^^^^^

Actually if you google Smith and Wesson Japanese Police Revolver 360J some model ones that are for sale in Japan will pop up.

In the pictures it will show the grips and the lanyard ring that is attached to the bottom of the grip. I do believe the lanyard is standard gear in their country for the police on patrol but I may be wrong.

I was informed that these are not a standard US item and only surface when there is an overrun or a cancellation of an order. Someone made mention somewhere that the Japanese Police may be transitioning to semi-autos so that is where the glut of them came from as of last year. Not sure those are accurate facts though.

I had mine cut for 9mm by TK Custom and love it. Bought an older pair of J Frame Bianchi Lightning grips for it, which added a little weight, but gave me a covered hammer of sorts, covered the hole and absorbed some recoil. Still fits in my shorts pocket.

 

[OLDSTER]

360J

Here it is. The S&W Japanese law enforcement 360J. Should answer some debate issues on this thread