Smith & Wesson Model 360PD

About the Smith & Wesson Model 360PD

The Smith & Wesson Model 360PD is a five-shot, double-action/single-action J-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, and one of the lightest .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced. Weighing just 11.4 ounces (323 grams) unloaded, the 360PD achieves its extraordinary lightness through a scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder, both space-age materials that dramatically reduce weight while maintaining the strength necessary to handle .357 Magnum pressures. The 'PD' designation stands for 'Personal Defense,' reflecting the revolver's purpose as an ultra-lightweight concealed carry weapon. The 1.875-inch (48mm) stainless steel barrel liner is housed in a scandium alloy shroud, delivering compact dimensions of 6.375 inches (162mm) overall length, 4.25 inches (108mm) height, and 1.31 inches (33mm) width. Despite its exposed hammer allowing both double-action and single-action fire, the low-profile design minimizes snagging during concealed carry draws. The double-action trigger pull peaks at approximately 15.5 pounds (69 N) during its travel before breaking at approximately 4.5 pounds (20 N), while the single-action pull measures approximately 4.5 pounds (20 N). A red ramp front sight and fixed rear notch provide simple, snag-free aiming. The Hogue Bantam Monogrip wraps around the frame to provide the best possible purchase on this tiny, powerful revolver. The cylinder accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, though Smith & Wesson recommends a minimum bullet weight of 120 grains for .357 Magnum loads.

The Model 360PD represents the extreme end of the concealed carry revolver spectrum - the lightest practical .357 Magnum revolver ever produced. Smith & Wesson's use of scandium alloy (a frame material originally developed for aerospace applications) and titanium (for the cylinder) pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in a full-power magnum revolver. The result is a revolver that weighs less than many loaded semi-automatic magazines, yet can deliver the same terminal ballistics as revolvers weighing three times as much. The 360PD has earned a reputation as one of the most brutal-recoiling handguns in existence relative to its weight, with experienced shooters often comparing the experience of firing .357 Magnum loads to catching a baseball bat. Despite this, it remains popular among dedicated concealed carriers who subscribe to the philosophy that the best defensive gun is the one you actually carry - and at 11.4 ounces, the 360PD is always easy to carry.

Smith & Wesson Model 360PD specifications

The 360PD is part of Smith & Wesson's AirLite series, which uses scandium alloy frames and titanium cylinders to achieve dramatic weight savings. At 11.4 ounces, the 360PD is roughly half the weight of the stainless steel Model 60 that shares the same J-frame dimensions and chambering. This extreme weight reduction comes at a significant cost in felt recoil - firing .357 Magnum loads from the 360PD produces punishing recoil that many shooters find difficult to manage, and some find outright painful. Most experienced owners recommend practicing with .38 Special loads and reserving .357 Magnum ammunition for carry only. The titanium cylinder requires the use of jacketed or plated bullets; lead bullets can jump their crimp under the severe recoil and bind the cylinder. The companion Model 340PD features a fully enclosed (concealed) hammer for true double-action-only operation, eliminating the possibility of single-action fire but providing a completely snag-free profile. The standard Model 360 (non-PD) uses a stainless steel cylinder instead of titanium, weighing approximately 14.9 ounces. SKU 163064 is the standard production model. MSRP is approximately $849-899. The loaded weight estimate includes five .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 12.6g each.