S&W 360 Kit Gun

[benewton]

Per my usual shopping method, I've been prospecting for a new revolver to replace the '74 "issue" Colt DS. I'd like a revolver, in .357 Mag, as it's my winter carry piece and picking brass to reload from the winter NH snow is a loosing proposition.

The selection of choice was the 360 Kit Gun, most probably to be loaded with .38 +P, but there wasn't any rush, since I much prefer the old Colt's trigger over anything I've fired from S&W. And Colt could always come back...

But, my last visit to their site showed only the 1 7/8" version, which I've no interest in. (The short guns WILL shoot, but it's the sight radius which limits the accuracy. Besides, another 50 FPS is always appreciated, given equal recoil, of course.)

So, before I do something drastic to my bank account, like right now, if it's still there, was this weapon discontinued?

A visit to the last place I saw one is planned for tomorrow, so any fast response would be appreciated!

 

[Tom C.]

I have a S&W Model 360 Kit gun. It has the 3" barrel and strange sights. It definitely has some snap with substantial loads. I had to replace the grips. The factory grips are hard plastic. I replaced them with Pachmayr grips. Much better. I also had to file the rear v notch sight to a square notch. I just couldn’t hit anything with the v sight. The gun is really pretty accurate, but very sensitive to consistency of hold.
I think you are wise to consider it a gun for +P .38 that has additional safety margin. I consider it a specialized carry much, shoot little gun. I suspect if you gave it a heavy diet of heavy loads, you would stretch the frame. I also have a Ruger 101 3” that is more pleasant to shoot with significant loads, and bull strong, but I really do my shooting of heavy .357 in a S&W Model 27-2 and Ruger NMBHs.