S&W 360 Airlite .357 Questions

H

Higgins

New member
I had a chance to handle a S&W 360 Airlite .357 today at a gunshop. I liked it (at least the concept), but it raised a couple of questions in my mind.

First, if you don't know, the 360 Airlite is the size of a small J -frame .38 and weighs something like 13 ounces because it is made out of Scandium/Titanium. So it's small, and extemely lite, yet is chambered for .357 magnum and supposedly is just as durable and strong as larger steel revolvers.

So, my questions are, what is the intended purpose behind this pistol - concealed carry only? Would it make a good home defense gun? Second, is .357 magnum in something this small and lite really shootable or "usable" as a self-defense/home defense gun? Or is .357 in something like this just impracticable for more than the first shot?

(I held a 686+ in one hand and the 360 Airlite in the other. It was like a Harley being compared to a Huffy. Hard the believe the Airlite handles the same load as the 686-sized S&W's).
 
Get the airlight with the Kit Gun barrel and sights ! It is more powerfull:eek: and the sights are able to adjust from what you can (.357) to what you will shoot. If you plan on shooting more than 500(ouch) rounds a year buy a k frame or larger gun.
 
I have one of the 340pd Scandium models. I'd say it's main purpose in life is to be easy to carry. That's what I have it for - something I can keep in a coat or pants pocket easily, as a backup gun or when I just can't wear my Colt Defender or HK P7M8.

If you're looking for a pistol for home defense, get something a bit more weighty - it'll be easier to shoot accurately. More importantly, it will be easier to PRACTICE with, so that you can make sure you're good with it.

The Scandium airweights are fantastic as backup guns, or as pocket carry guns when you can't conceal something else; I wouldn't recommend them as a range/home defense sort of gun, though.
 
ouch

I have a model 19 Smith with a 2.5 inch barrel and that snub really bucks with full house magnums. Keep in mind that it's a K frame. I shudder to think what those airlites are like. I would have to agree with the previous poster that you would be better off with something more hefty.
 
I think the Airlite SCs are for lots of carry and little shooting. Not that the Scandium frame isn't tough, it is a matter of the toughness of you hand.

I have a S&W 340 .357Mag Airlite SC. It really slaps my hand when shooting 158 gr .38 Specials. It's nice that it can shoot the .357 Mag but I can't see my hand shooting it with .357 Mags.

Rich
 
If light weight isn't the most important thing, get one of the all stainless steel models. My S&W M60 is certainly more comfortable to shoot than my S&W M340. Comfort and shootabiliby generally goes up with the size and weight.

Rich
 
I was at a range a few weeks ago, and another shooter let me try his 360 or a very similar model. I fired my own Federal No. 38G lead Plus P .38 loads in it, because neither of us had any 125 grain or lighter ammo available. I think the rule on these is to not use lead bullets, as the very rapid and violent recoil may cause some bullets to jump the crimp.

That didn't happen, but the recoil was indeed exceedingly unpleasant. It was FAR greater than with my stainless steel M60-7, which I had just been shooting, and well above my M66-3 with Magnum loads. In fact, I think I have less disturbance from M29's with full .44 Magnum loads than the lead HP's gave from that little Chief. I'd hate to shoot .357's in one!

These are purely ease-of-carry guns that won't sag a pocket like a steel gun will. If you use a holster, a steel gun is preferable.

If home defense is the primary need for a gun, you don't need a .357. The blast indoors may render you deaf. I'd suggest a steel M64 or M65 or M66, and use lead Plus P .38 ammo indoors, even if the gun will chamber Magnums. These models will also provide a sixth shot; those J-frame snubs are five-shot items. Finally, the larger gun will better intimidate some thugs.

Lone Star
 
Thanks for all the great replies. Everyone echoed what I already suspected about the brutal recoil on the Airlites.

This information helps make the decision to go with a M65 or 66 easier. It also saves me money, as the Airlites are almost 3xs the price for a good, used 65 or 66.

. . . then again, I just read in the paper today that with the elections over, the Ohio Senate intends to push forward with a CCW law, one that has already passed the House. That's a notch in favor of the Airlite.
 
Good luck, I hope they pass that CCW law! Then, with our new pro-gun Attorney General in Michigan, hopefully we'll get reciprocity with your state.

Then I'd be able to drive all the way to Florida while carrying. :)
 
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