| Author |
 Topic  |
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
 Posted - 09/26/2010 : 07:50:51
|
I purchased this handgun about 5 weeks ago, and Friday was the first chance I had to take it to the range. I had been carrying it in an Uncle Mikes size 3 pocket holster as a BUG in the meantime, backing up my M&P 40c. I purchased 50 rounds of Atlanta Arms ammo from the range, and set up my target. The range is an indoor range, and I was the first one there and claimed the alley of choice. #9 out of 10. I like being on the end but not against the wall.
I proceeded to shoot the first 5 rounds, and with this being my first time shooting a snubnose 357 mag, I had expected a bit of a wallop from the recoil. Well, there wasn't that much to my surprise. My first shot was with the hammer back. Fairly accurate at 5 yards. Next four were double action pulls. Not as accurate but all within the manstopping zone. I finished off the box of 50, and then asked myself why the recoil wasn't that bad. I looked on the box and saw that they were 125 gr. SJHP bullets. Ok. My carry load is a 158 gr. Hornady XTP. Loaded 5 of those in the cylinder, and I then noticed the extra wallop I had expected. Totally manageable, though. Still not what I had built it up to be by any means. Shot 15 rounds of the Hornadys and called it a day with the 360. This was the first weapon of the range session and I was feeling good about it. Yes, my hand was a little sore.
The trigger was exceptional. It was smooth throughout the entire DA pull, much better than my other wheelie, the 629 44 mag. No hiccups through the pull from start to bang. In SA, it is almost too soft of a pull. Tough and bang. I like that in target shooting but if I held a person at gunpoint in a SD situation while waiting for the authorities to arrive, I would fear that an accidental discharge could occur fairly easily. I recommend not having a revolver in hammer back mode with someone on the other end if you are in that situation and feel confident that the perp isn't going to be able to jump up and at you very quickly. In DA mode you can keep the finger on the trigger and not risk AD.
Being an indoor range, I was able to see how much muzzle flash there was with this little cannon. Quite a bit, but the flash went east west and not north. This could have been the flash coming from the clearance between the cylinder and the barrel, or it could have been from the muzzle. The flash in no way hindered my ability to see the target immediately after each shot. The lighting at the range wasn't bright by any means; just a little mood lighting if you will.
I got her home and proceeded to clean her up. Cleaning a wheelie as opposed to cleaning my 1911's is a cinch. The bore and cylinders were cleaned and the plate behind the cylinder was cleaned. The gun was wiped down at the end to remove any residue and fingerprints, and she was placed back into my Uncle Mikes pocket holster and laid to bed for a while. She had a long day.
 |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
hkguy
Advanced Member
USA
2067 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 07:59:08
|
| well done :) and a solid review |
God created all men....
... Sam Colt made them equal |
 |
|
|
yankeejib
Advanced Member
USA
3031 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 10:35:42
|
| And you're liking that hammer too, right? |
Sincerely,
Professor Stu Padasol
"Doing what others find difficult is talent. Doing what others find impossible is genius."
"Why be difficult when with a little more effort, you can be entirely impossible."
I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1250 feet per second.
God did not create all men equal, Sam Colt did.
"The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is."
 |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 10:44:18
|
quote:
Originally posted by yankeejib
And you're liking that hammer too, right?
That was one thing I forgot to mention. The hammer is not an issue when drawing from the pocket. My issue with drawing from the pocket is the size of my hand. I have large hands, and it is often difficult to get them in and out of my pockets without anything in them. I have practiced drawing with my thumb on the hammer to reduce the snag factor. Once my knuckles clear the pocket opening, the gun slides free and is ready to fire. I've even practiced firing with gun in pocket and me on my back firing upward (unloaded of course). This could happen IMO. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
808Shogun
Senior Member
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 13:41:55
|
| I have no issue with the hammer on my Snubby, I draw the pistol with my thumb on the Hammer. Even though I practice 90% of the time shooting my Revolvers Double Action, its nice to have the Option of cocking the Hammer single action. I love shooting my 357mag Snubby, Watching the flash. The Lanes on the side of me stop shooting because of the boom. |
 |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 15:19:33
|
quote:
Originally posted by 808Shogun
I have no issue with the hammer on my Snubby, I draw the pistol with my thumb on the Hammer. Even though I practice 90% of the time shooting my Revolvers Double Action, its nice to have the Option of cocking the Hammer single action. I love shooting my 357mag Snubby, Watching the flash. The Lanes on the side of me stop shooting because of the boom.
Oh having the hammer is definitely better than the hammerless version (340). I like having the option of cocking and shooting SA when I want to. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
Joshua
Advanced Member
3382 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 16:58:50
|
Thanks for the post DG. I really wish I could get a 357 magnum snub nose.
Do you know what the model # of the hammerless '360' is  |
 |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 17:07:26
|
quote:
Originally posted by Joshua
Thanks for the post DG. I really wish I could get a 357 magnum snub nose.
Do you know what the model # of the hammerless '360' is
The M&P version is the 340. I have yet to see a regular 340, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
LKline
Jew-Jitsu Master
USA
5029 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2010 : 17:12:38
|
quote:
Originally posted by Joshua
Thanks for the post DG. I really wish I could get a 357 magnum snub nose.
Do you know what the model # of the hammerless '360' is
the 340 is the hammerless 360
I took my 360 to the range today & let a few folks shoot it. They got off 1 or 2 shots before surrendering it back to me. One of the old time pistol guys made it through all 5 (every one inside the 9-ring) and stated that it was a beautiful, albeit brutal, little revolver.
The guy in the booth to my right thought I was shooting a massive cannon based on how loud it was.
I guess this is the "Noisy Cricket" from Men in Black.
 |
|
|
|
Joshua
Advanced Member
3382 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2010 : 12:52:25
|
I never even considered that! The award for most compact fictional service caliber would probably go to the Noisy Cricket wouldn't it?
Deadguy mentioned being a recoil junky so it still be perfect for him! |
|
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2010 : 12:56:59
|
| oh I would welcome it at least for a few shots. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
DirtyHarry
Starting Member
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2010 : 12:14:01
|
| I have had my S&W 360 M&P for over a year and let me tell you it is one easy piece to carry. Deadguy, I have big mitts as well. I carry my 360 in the small of my back in a uncle mikes soft belt clip holster for now. I am focusing on finding a good holster for it. I have had several "J" frame S&W's and was never disappointed. But this 360 is sooo light you don't even realize your carrying it. As for recoil I have no problems controling it with 357 mag ammo using the Hogue grip. This is definitely one of the best backup/bug guns. I'm keeping this till the day I die. |
Want to know what's wrong with the world today, people done gone put their Bibles away, their living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land.
Simple Man, by Charlie Daniels |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2010 : 12:32:05
|
| Same here DirtyHarry. It's a keeper for sure. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
Keith
New Member
93 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2010 : 19:53:28
|
| I love my M&P 340. It is my "Just running to the corner store" gun. Toss it in a pocket and go. |
|
|
|
WahWah
Average Member
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 14:20:37
|
Add me to another list of owners. I'll give my report once I it is delivered and I had some time with it at the range.
@deadguy, that Uncle Mike's IWB holster looks good.
Any recommended ammo brand? I'm thinking about Gold Speers in both .38 sp +P and .357, but I'm willing to try others.
I'm scared to death about the .357 recoil. I'm gonna look for a Hogue grip to go with it as well.
@DirtyHarry let me know if you were able to find good holsters for it.
I imagine myself to have at least 3: 1. IWB, 2. Pocket and 3. Ankle
|
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 14:41:09
|
| It already comes with a rubber grip but it is a short one. Not as much to hang on to as say the Ruger SP101. I have Hornady XTP's in mine, 158 grain. The Speer Gold Dots would be a fine choice as well. You can get some 125 grain ammo to "warm up" to the 158's and you will be ok. Glad to see you got it. You will enjoy it. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
LKline
Jew-Jitsu Master
USA
5029 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 15:29:08
|
Carrying Double Tap 158 gr in my 360 and holy mac it is harsh.
I tried shooting 1-handed as Jason suggested and loosened up the arm but not the grip & BOY did it make a difference. Fighting the recoil on this weapon is not a good option. |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 18:16:45
|
| It doesn't make much sense but the one handed shooting makes a world of difference with this revolver. It's unlike any semi auto I have shot. One handed shooting with semis RARELY produces better results, or less felt recoil, than two handed. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
WahWah
Average Member
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2011 : 12:01:08
|
Went to the range on Saturday to try out my S&W 360 so I can put it in my carry rotation.
.38 Spl rounds were nothing. I could fire those all day.
Went with 5 rounds of .38 Spl +P. Again, no problems, could fire these all day.
On both of the above, the accuracy on the little snub nose was excellent.
Then jumped right into 158 grain .357.
First shot - BIG grin. It was accurate and at least with a fresh hand, the first cylinder wasn't bad. I was a bit worried b/c if you looked at YouTube, people shooting the .357 acted like there was some sort of high voltage electric shot going through.
2nd cylinder - Ok. The pain was DEFINITELY there. I called it a day after 10 rounds, but I was HAPPY to report that the .357 158 grain rounds is a doable round in this little pocket rocket. I thought I was gonna go only with .38 Spl +P, but having a .357 Magnum 158 grain Gold Dot Speers makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
In a life/death situation, this round is very doable and I'm sure 10 rounds can be fired without you feeling anything.
But for practice, yikes - it was going to bruise badly if I continued beyond, but it is good to know the gun is accurate and I can fire it decently. This is with the stock grips. I did not add or change grips or add Hogue Grips to these yet.
Holsters - DeSantis Nemesis is great. Very well made. It is high enough to cover the hammer. Make sure if you buy a holster that there is a layer covering the hammer from your body. I tried carrying it in a DeSantis Nemesis Holster - WOW. I had to keep checking to make sure it was there. I even fell asleep with that in my front pocket as I laid face down.
I also bought the Galco Tuck N' Go and it is made for a hammerless J Frame. The hammer kept digging into my gut.
I'm super satisfied with this and knowing I can go .357 Mag with this little baby just brings a smile to my face.
My only paranoid concern was I kept checking the hammer on the Galco Holster. I had this weird feeling that I would accidentally pull the hammer back by moving it on my body or laying down weird. I had no worries with the DeSantis and I'm sure the CrossBreed holster that I've ordered for it won't be a concern, but an open top holster that didn't protect the hammer made me feel uncomfortable.
Thanks again CCF for recommending such a great firearm. I'm actually thinking that I need ANOTHER snub nose ... ugh ... what have you guys done to me?
|
Wah ... wah ....
 |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2011 : 12:19:58
|
HA! another satisfied, but bruised, customer.
Glad you liked it. Did you shoot one handed? |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
WahWah
Average Member
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2011 : 12:25:20
|
quote:
Originally posted by deadguyDid you shoot one handed?
I forgot to actually. I should have. But this wasn't my usual range and they were REALLY picky about what I ammo I could use or not. I had to sneak in 5 rounds of the +P b/c they wouldn't let me shoot it. I wasn't supposed fire to any ammo I brought in, but b/c it was my first time and I didn't know, they let me. (Yes, they wanted me to buy and use all their ammo, even for my own firearm).
They only offered 1/2 hour increments so I was rushing to get whatever breaking-in/range time I could.
Not planning on going back ... but it was so close to my home. :(
|
Wah ... wah ....
|
|
|
|
WahWah
Average Member
USA
652 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2011 : 15:26:42
|
quote:
My only paranoid concern was I kept checking the hammer on the Galco Holster. I had this weird feeling that I would accidentally pull the hammer back by moving it on my body or laying down weird. I had no worries with the DeSantis and I'm sure the CrossBreed holster that I've ordered for it won't be a concern, but an open top holster that didn't protect the hammer made me feel uncomfortable.
Let me update what I found on this in case anyone else is concerned. I put snap caps in the 360 and then tried to manually cock the hammer while it was in the holster. Not gonna happen. The reason is the pulling of the hammer requires the cylinder to rotate and right now, there is a lot of surface area of the holster covering the cylinder. It's not moving. I tried is just now with all the strength I could muster in my thumb. It's not moving while you wear it.
However without the pressure of the holster up against your body, it will rotate the cylinder, but with resistance and cock the hammer back. But it appears it won't do it without someone trying to create that action. Once again, up against your body with that pressure ... not moving. |
Wah ... wah ....
|
|
|
|
Tigershack
Junior Member
329 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2011 : 14:02:00
|
Great thread and thanks to deadguy for sending it to my attention. I thnk I may get the Smith 360 before I get a k frame 7 shot .357. Maybe.  |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2011 : 14:30:27
|
| it's a great little pocket or IWB cannon that can go in any pocket or on any belt. It's just that good. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
DW345
Starting Member
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2011 : 16:46:01
|
| Can anyone tell me why the S&W 360 states on the barrel "No less than 120 grain bullett"? Can a less powerful bullett hurt the revolver? |
|
|
|
deadguy
I see dead people
7298 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2011 : 19:05:34
|
quote:
Originally posted by DW345
Can anyone tell me why the S&W 360 states on the barrel "No less than 120 grain bullett"? Can a less powerful bullett hurt the revolver?
I've wondered that as well DW. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Review: S&W 360 .357 mag
