S&W Airlite Revolvers, anyone know about them?

[RAGGED]

I know I could read all about them but would rather have some people with first hand experience let me know what they think, more specifically how are they build, do they hold up pretty well? I’m looking for a new snubby to carry around here and there but more importantly I would like to have a light rig to take out Prairie Dog hunting, thus the need for a revolver as id be loaded with snake shot. I don’t plan on shooting this a ton, so not too concerned with prolonged comfort during a long shooting session. I’m specifically looking at the 360 PD 357M/38+P, can pick them up new for around $500 or so. So let me know what you think, also any other worthy units to check out that would fit this need, looking for 357M, real light weight, short barrel ect.


SKU: 163063
Model: 360PD
Caliber: .357MAG/.38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Red Ramp Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Chiefs Special Style
Finish: Blue / Black
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Scandium Alloy/Titanium/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 12 oz.

[FJ540]

Where are you getting a 360pd for 5 bills?

http://www.google.com/products?q=360pd& ... =N&start=0

[sigsteve]

Yea, I know there not fun to shoot at the range. Too light and too much recoil! If it's for purely a CCO or BUG it would be a fine choice.

[cmj685]

I shot one at one of Bill's shows. Shooting .357 magnum out of it--I lost interest after 3 shots. Wow did that hurt!

[Pinnacle]

totally the right gun for your purposes. small light - slips in pocket - i would get rid of the wood grips. FYI That is why these little guns seem to kick so hard.

[ijosef]

I don't own one, but a coworker of mine and I went shooting and I had a chance to shoot his .38 special only version of the same. It was a sweet, sweet little revolver. Very accurate for a snubnose and a great trigger in both DA and SA. However, for $800, it better be! I don't know if I'd want to shoot the .357mag version though.

Perhaps the DA/SA version of the popular 642 would be more to your liking. It's also priced more affordably.

[Pinnacle]

I dont know why you would want 357 in a Snubbie - BUT in this case as a snake gun - I would recommend it in 357.

[westhope]

I prefer the aluminum frame / steel cylinder models versus the titanium cylinder. And also in 38 Special.

The Titanium cylinder models cost a lot more. The reduced weight over the steel cylinder is not really noticeable for me when carrying but the increased recoil is very noticeable. Hurts!

357 Magnum is also way too much. Hurts! 38 Special +P for a carry load and practice with light or standard 38 Special. Shot loads can be purchased in 38 Special.

Otherwise the SW J-frames are great. I have at least 4. Pocket carried a SW 442 daily for years. Other brands are fine too.

For me the new Ruger LCR feels a lot different than a SW J-frame. Not really to my liking, but has a nice trigger.

Also, consider a 3 inch barrel. Much easier to aim. Not much harder to carry. Hard to find.

[DanM]

Smith & Wesson is bringing some J-frame models to market with 2 & 1/2 inch barrels. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the ejector is then long enough to get the spent casings out of the cylinder. My 2 inch 642 is a two-handed affair to reload because of that. Handled a couple of these at the last Shooter's Show - now on my 'to buy' list.

[westhope]

Smith & Wesson is bringing some J-frame models to market with 2 & 1/2 inch barrels. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the ejector is then long enough to get the spent casings out of the cylinder. My 2 inch 642 is a two-handed affair to reload because of that. Handled a couple of these at the last Shooter's Show - now on my 'to buy' list.

I think that is a great idea!

[RAGGED]

Smith & Wesson is bringing some J-frame models to market with 2 & 1/2 inch barrels. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the ejector is then long enough to get the spent casings out of the cylinder. My 2 inch 642 is a two-handed affair to reload because of that. Handled a couple of these at the last Shooter's Show - now on my 'to buy' list.

The one I REALLY want is the 386PD (discontinued) had the black Airlite frame, Titanium cylinder, 7 shot, 2.5" barrel, 17.4 oz, would have been perfect for my needs. Worst of all CDNN had the 386PD's in stock last year for $549 with a $50 mail in rebate, $499 for a new one, I should have got one then.

[1911fan]

That was the reason for the 3" NYPD jframe, two issues, ejection and hits. it was found that the 3" barrel carried just as well, and hits and ejection went up by a very large amount.

[FJ540]

Any idea when the 2.5" is going to be available?