Model 360 without logo or "Airweight" engraving

[FonziGreen]

Hi guys,

First I would like to send a big thanks to everyone here, I learned a lot and found solutions to a lot of doubts I had in the past.

First post here!! I never had to post before because I usually find what I look for previously answered but this time I can't find anything about it, so here it goes:

I'm about to get my first J frame, it is still at my local FFL, it is a model 360 in .357 and I got to see it when I went to my FFL to start the process. He called me and told me that everything is good with paperwork so I can come pick it up anytime. So the issue is that when I looked at it I noticed that the right side its completely plain black, no marks,lettering or engraving. All the pictures and videos that I saw online display the S&W logo and the word AIRWEIGHT.
Any ideas why? Should I send it back?

I don't have the serial number but I have this info:

Product SM11749

360 357MAG BLK/FDE 1-7/8 SCAN 11749 5RD | SCANDIUM AIRLITE

UPC and SKU 022188870237

Thanks in advance

 

[les.b]

Hey!!! Welcome to the forum!! I don't know the answer to your question, but just wanted to say "Welcome"... I'll bet someone will be along soon who knows the answers!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[Hillbilly77]

I just picked up a 360 last week.
I can't answer your question about the missing lettering, but I can tell you that the logo & the word "Airweight" are both on the side plate and not the frame itself. Not that it matters much, it just seems like the side plate would be a pretty easy fix.

It could've been an oversight that they're missing from your gun.
I'm sure the factory would correct it if you sent it back.

My gun:

 

[WC145]

If the gun is correct otherwise, why would you send it back? The lack of a logo, whether it is or isn't the way it's supposed to be will not have any affect on the guns performance.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Welcome to the Neighborhood and congratulations on the new wheelgun!

 

[ABPOS]

I would say it's just special. A little anomaly they like to do to keep us guessing and keep it interesting for us.

I think it would be kind of cool.

 

[FonziGreen]

Thanks guys!
Im getting it later today, Ill post pictures asap
I actually like it, it looks more "serious" to me.
I just wanted to make sure that there wasnt any weird stuff going on

 

[ABPOS]

If you hang around a while here, you will see there are times where the factory does stuff that has you scratching your head. It's kind of an interesting thing about them.

But you know, I find any manufacture has some anomalies. For example, we owned a 2004 Impala. It was a base model. And all of the models I had ever seen had the plastic runner on the side of the car not painted. The only ones that were painted the same color of the car were the more higher end models with the spoiler, LS, LT I guess. But for some reason those plastic runners were painted the same color as the car on ours. I never once had seen another one like it. My brother and sister had gotten one at the same time. Same model but different color and theirs was not painted either. It is weird.

I say "is" because we sold that to a friend from church when we bought another car. So I still get to see that anomaly regularly.

All things manufactured has little nuances. I could go on about other stuff with other cars. You get the point.

But we see our fair share of these nuances on this site if you hang around long enough.

This is what was normal, but ours was painted.... Weird eh?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I would say it's just special. A little anomaly they like to do to keep us guessing and keep it interesting for us.

I think it would be kind of cool.

Might add value down the road, too.

This is the correct right side view:

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-360-357-magnum38-sw-special-p

(c) Smith & Wesson 2019

If the gun is otherwise right I would be delighted to have the markings in the wrong place!

Just remember that shooting full house magnums in that puppy is going to hurt you. Believe me on that.

 

[FonziGreen]

Pictures

Here it is guys
It looks like the totally forgot the right side of the revolver, there's also no 357 marking on the barrel....
The left side looks normal

 

[Lonestar57]

Wow! Makes you wonder how it got out the door without someone spotting that and also makes you wonder what else has left the factory. If I were you I'd keep it but I would definitely let S&W know about it along with the pics.

 

[FonziGreen]

I will let them know, I have to talk to them about my bg380 too. The slide not locking problem...

 

[ABPOS]

Is the lettering underneath the thumbpiece normal on that model? It almost makes it look like it was some kind of Govt contract gun. LOL.

But wow, super interesting!.

 

[FonziGreen]

Do you mean the serial number?

 

[Bosquebass]

That gun almost looks like a 360J, which is the same gun as a 360 but chambered in 38 special. They were made on special order for the Japanese police a few years ago but were never cataloged by Smith&Wesson. A bunch of new overruns turned up on Gunbroker 3 years ago. The 360J also had the serial number on the side of the frame same as your gun, OP.

Better make sure it will chamber 357 mags.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Is the lettering underneath the thumbpiece normal on that model? It almost makes it look like it was some kind of Govt contract gun. LOL.

But wow, super interesting!.

It's common on the 360 variations. It is because there was a lanyard hole on the bottom of the grip. I have also heard that a government contract called for the serial number to be visible without opening the gun or removing grips.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Well Fonzi, it looks like you got one of the few Japanese S&W revos ever made!

 

[Loyaljeeper]

That gun almost looks like a 360J, which is the same gun as a 360 but chambered in 38 special.

Better make sure it will chamber 357 mags.

Every nonfluted cylinder version appears to be 357 mag.

 

[326MOD10]

Not meaning to be "THAT GUY" but isn't there a requirement by the ATF that the caliber has to be on the handgun?

If it is not marked anywhere else you may want to contact S&W and find out what to do to get it on there. Not sure who would be at fault if it came up but why take the chance.

Nice looking though!

 

[ABPOS]

If that's true he could have a gunsmith punch it if he doesn't want to send it back. I do find it really odd it's not marked with the caliber. You would think that is some kind of mistake.