Mod 360J in 38 Special sku 160360

[Ashlander]

I bought an interesting snubby, a Model 360J (SKU 160360). Unlike the 360PD (with the titanium cylinder), this one is an all black J-frame with scandium frame, stainless steel cylinder (black melonite), ramp front sight, and 1.875 inch barrel. It's new production (spent case dated 3/3/14).

I can find photos of them on-line going back to 2009, but it's never been pictured in any of the annual S&W product catalogs. It's apparently manufactured in special runs from time to time. It's rated plus P.

Any history would be welcome.

 

[colt_saa]

Correct, it is an uncataloged variation.

Mine was manufactured in 2008. At the time it was a Bud's exclusive offering, not sure if it still is.

BTW, the cylinder is carbon steel, not stainless.

 

[Ashlander]

Colt: Thanks for the info. I had not known they go back to 2008. I understand though that while the early 360Js had carbon steel cylinders, more recently the company switched over to stainless ones with the Melonite finish. The ones on mine certainly are Melonite coated (not blued).

 

[kaaskop49]

Just like I won't buy a product that says on the packaging "sea salt" (sounds icky), I am turned off by the word "melonite." Makes me think of cantelopes and honey dews, both of which I hate.

I recently saw this gun at a show and was less than impressed. The non-stainless cylinder is a no-go for me and the gun seemed less well built than regular aluminum frame Js. YMMV

 

[Ashlander]

Kaaskop49: Yeah, when I hear the word "melonite" I do not think in terms of tough or strong. S&W uses it though on all their M&P guns, so apart from the name, it seems to work.

I shot the gun today and it seems fine. The scandium frame and stainless cylinder seem to be a good combo, though I like my all-steel Model 60-14 better (looks and feel).

 

[BLUEDOT37]

360J

My son bought one new about two years ago. They are a nice litle gun. A little reminiscent of a Night Guard. I can't help you with their history but info does seem to be sparse on them.

Do you have the box for the gun? This may help, concerning whether the cylinder is carbon or stainless steel on the new ones. Does it list a cylinder code? I found this in a post some time ago.

360J feature codes?

Would someone please explain the following feature codes:
05-A2-SM-GR-B2-SF-SB-FA-CC-ZB

Poked around and found this info from Fjestad BB:

Action: A2 - single action/double action
Frame size: SM - Small/Compact
Grips: GR - rubber grips
Barrel: B2 - two piece
Sights: SF - fixed rear
Sights: SB - black blade front
Frame material: FA - alloy
Cylinder: CC - carbon
Finish: ZB - Blue/Black


Here's a few ads I had found on the 360J also, FWIW
.

 

[WC145]

Like colt saa, I bought mine back when Bud's was selling the first run of them. I picked it up specifically for a 9mm conversion project and it has been a great little gun. I've carried it practically every day for close to five years now and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Ashlander]

It came in a S&W blue cardboard box, but the only info on the factory label are as follows:

Serial No. CVMxxxx
SKU 160360
Model 360J
Caliber 38 SPL
Type REVLR
Barrel 1.875

It also has the numbers "030314 which corresponds with the date on the spent casing envelope (3/3/14).

 

[Ashlander]

Here's an old post from 12/27/12 by Alnamvet68 in a thread entitled "S&W 360 .38 Special:

[T]he Model 360J is chambered only for the 38 special. This is one unique handgun in that it is built with a scandium frame, and depending on whether it is an earlier model, or a most recent production, comes with either a carbon steel cylinder, or stainless steel cylinderl, all finished in melonite. Of course, if one was to change out the cylinder for one that accomodates a 357 mag, then it would be safe to use 357, since the only difference in the 360J and the 360 or 360 PD is the cylinder...the 360 uses a stainless steel cylinder and accomodates the 357, and the 360PD uses a titanium cylinder which accomodates the 357.

That said, you will not find anything on the S&W site, archived or otherwise, and you will get a variety of responses when you call and speak with S&W as to why the 360J 38 cal only does not appear anywhere on their web site. I am of the opinion that this is a handgun that was built on contract for a foreign LE/military, and for whatever reasons, either they built more then they needed, or the contract went *****...S&W will not say yay or nay on either theory. One last thing, you will notice the serial number is on the left side of the revolver, just under the cylinder release latch, instead of on the butt, where all the J frames have their serial numbers. If you take off your grips, you will notice a hole in the butt which appears to be for a lanyard...

***
I like the revolver because of its shrouded barrel and durable melonite finish, not to mention its light weight...oh, and its a S&W that most "experts" have no clue as to its origins and purpose.

 

[kaaskop49]

Attn Ashlander. I frankly do not care for the secrecy re the composition of the cylinder, carbon steel or stainless. S&W seems to be deliberately not indicating which. With the use of stainless steel almost universal, I wonder why the company would take a step backwards with carbon steel cylinders. BTW, appreciate your likes of my posts.

 

[WC145]

I don't see where there's any big deal. If it is an issue, call S&W and ask. My gun has a carbon steel cylinder, from what I understand somewhere along the production runs they switched to stainless, my guess would be that the decision was based on availability. The gun performs the same regardless of which steel the cylinder is made of.

BTW, there have been numerous threads on these guns over the years discussing all of this stuff. Nothing new or earth shattering here.

 

[clayflingythingy]

LGS had one of these yesterday. Attractive price for an scandium frame, too.

Serial number under thumb latch.

If still there next Saturday I may see if I can work out a trade.

 

[kaaskop49]

LGS had one of these yesterday. Attractive price for an scandium frame, too.

Serial number under thumb latch.

If still there next Saturday I may see if I can work out a trade.

There's always room for Jello... I mean, another J-frame!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[clayflingythingy]

LGS had one of these yesterday. Attractive price for an scandium frame, too.

Serial number under thumb latch.

If still there next Saturday I may see if I can work out a trade.

Traded for it today. Case envelope and label on box dated 01/30/2015.

 

[patrol]

Melonite is an incredible finish...definitely not something that would turn me off based on the "goofiness" of the name. In contrast, I would be much more inclined to buy something with a melonite finish than not.

 

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

How do we know these are Scandium alloy? I don't recall any markings to that tune.

 

[Ashlander]

The 360PD is listed in the catalog as scandium frame. We know the 360J is because before the recent price cut they used to cost a lot more than the aluminum models.

 

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

The 360PD is listed in the catalog as scandium frame. We know the 360J is because before the recent price cut they used to cost a lot more than the aluminum models.

Which catalog do you speak of? There seems to be very little reference information about this model.

 

[Ashlander]

Which catalog do you speak of? There seems to be very little reference information about this model.

I have a 2014 S&W Product Catalog and includes the 360PD (and lists it as having a scandium frame). The 360J (in .38 Special) is a non-catalog gun made from time to time, as I understand it, for odd military and police contracts (the serial numbers are etched on the side of the frame below the cylinder latch). The over-runs or unsold units end up being distributed in the general market.

 

[Fchewy]

I was searching this info awhile back after i bought one and it was made for a Japanese LE contract.