Something to consider: Because it can shoot .357magnum, the manual also states it can continuously fire .38spl+. That means if you just basically want a lighter, more durable version of a 637/638/642 that also comes with a nice front sight, then this is perfect.
Hogue Monogrip is the best answer I’ve found for my 360PD, without it-full house .357’s is akin to getting your hand stepped on by an angry mule.. surprisingly accurate for sub 2” barrel, I’m always surprised at the range out to 15 meters. Great video 👍
Had my eye on one for a long, long time. Have had a 642 on my ankle except for the shower, the airport, and bed (and even then sometimes) and not sure how much more I’d appreciate the Scandium. But, when you wear a gun on your ankle that much, I can’t help but wonder if some of those ounces off won’t equal less pain. In any case, I’ve had so many handguns (still do) and the J-frame is the one that is “always” ON me.
Great video. I’ve always used my Ruger SP101 as a trainer, so to speak, for snubby revolvers. But in the end, I realized that using a good holster with my SP101 was ultimately my best carry option. I’ve owned numerous light weight revolvers only to come to the conclusion that I’ll stick with the revolver I shoot the best. The one exception I’ve found is my S&W 431PD in 32 H&R Magnum.
I own and carry the 360PD. IMO, this gun should not be carried with the .357 Mag loads for the following reasons: 1.) Excess recoil…extremely painful to handle. 2.) Excessive & blinding muzzle flash due to gobs of unburnt propellant. 3.) Magnum cases will not eject without plucking them free by hand since the ejection rod is too short, but will fully eject spent shorter 38 Spl cases. This is a big deal should rapid reloads be required. 4.) All the .357 Magnum loads deliver marginal gains of perhaps 50 fps extra velocity over the best 38 Spl + P cartridges. The very best load for this gun is the Buffalo Bore 38 Spl +P 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter large hollow point cavity, gas-check cartridge that replicates the old FBI load. Buffalo Bore has optimized this load with a low flash propellant that generates 350 ft.-lbs. at 950+ fps. Penetration is 14” and expansion is .6”. There’s nothing better out there than this offering though there are competitor mfgrs. that duplicate it. Also, lighter projectiles tend to jump crimp from this 11.4 oz. gun, and that can lock-up the cylinder rendering the gun inoperable.
Nice review! I generally carry a semi auto these days, but have a 642 in the safe. After watching this video, I need to get it out, dust it off, and carry it a bit. Ah....memories.
@@joegilbert7661 I’ve worn my Galco nearly every day, all day (barring shower, bed (mostly), and the airport). It’s been at LEAST 4-5 years and the elastic has only just been wearing down. The leather is going strong, and I think I can send it back to Galco for a new ankle band. I’ll look into that this week.
I purchased a Model 342 AirLite Ti some years ago from a retiring Phila police officer who had used it briefly as a backup gun. He told me that this specific model .38 Special only revolver was developed for police agencies that did not approve any weapon that would chamber a .357 for on duty use. This appears to a somewhat rare pistol...it has an aluminum only frame (no scandium) and was only produced for a couple of years. Even with .38 Special, it is no fun to shoot.
I was a teen when they came out and worked at outfitter/gun stores growing up. We were skeptical of the new Scandium material and heard the “horror” stories that seem to plague any new gun thing (even if the stories aren’t true). It’s cool to hear that yours keeps on tickin’. I’ve had my eye on ‘em for awhile.
@@onseki1774 There’s a stainless steel insert above the cylinder on the underside of the topstrap just for that reason, Lol. No returns for service. It absolutely Sucks to shoot with 357 magnums, and that’s why it’s been fed a solid diet of 38 Special +P’s almost it’s entire life after maybe a half dozen cylinders of 357 magnum when I first got it. I can shoot 44 magnums in a regular revolver all day long, but this thing is physically painful with full power 357 magnums.
I’ve had my 360 jam up on me when the last 1 or 2 remaining bullets slide forward on the case and lock up the cylinder . That’s with factory loaded 357 . Works grate with 38.
Love the video will you do the kimber k6s (maybe dasa)? Wondering if twice the weight is worth the extra round and how beneficial it’d be with the recoil
Can you elaborate why don’t carry 357? It’s a more capable round and I don’t see how it could hurt? I know the recoil is more but in the off chance I have to use it, then I want every advantage I can get.
In my opinion, you have a higher risk of over-penetration with .357 magnum, which is not what I want in a defensive round. I have shot a lot of .357 and observed it firsthand. It's what I'm comfortable with. Thanks for watching!
I've thought about buying 1 of these because they are so incredibly light. I have a S&W model 60 .357 mag that I enjoy shooting. It kicks but for me it's still enjoyable to shoot and controllable. It's just a little heavy for carrying in lightweight shorts. It weighs 23 ounces. Cutting the weight in 1/2 has to generate a whole lot more recoil. Not sure I could still enjoy shooting a 357 mag of less than 12 ounces. I'm sure there are those than can and do, but I think it may be just a little too much form me.
I've been thinking about these for years, my thoughts are I'm really not planning on shooting such a light revolver much, but enough to know where the self defense ammo I choose hits compared to the sights and just carrying that particular load, I held one in a gun shop side by side with a model 60 and was shocked at how light it was considering it's basically the same size, it felt like a toy cap gun 7/11 used to sell in the 80's lol I own a 4" S&W 500 so I'm not too worried about the recoil, and you can always down load to 38spl to practice or carry if you want to...
I just picked up a hammerless 340pd and let me tell you that the light weight is worth the price. Loaded with 130grain 38+P on my scale it weighs 14oz. That is lighter than almost any semi auto unloaded without a magazine. This will slip right into any pocket and it's the only gun I literally forget is there. My p365 I always know is there for reference. I highly recommend one of these in everyone's carry rotation.
The 642 Airweight is solid middle ground. It doesn’t shoot 357, but I’d encourage one to seriously examine the ballistic difference between a 38 Special +P and a 357 out of a 2” or less barrel.
I'm sure I'll have some haters show up but I really like my all steel Taurus 856. Heavy enough to use with +P but still very concealable......and it carries 6 rounds. I also carry two speed loaders.
I just shot my 4.25" Python for the first time the other day and after I left the range I was like "Wow this would be sick if it was as small and light as possible". My hand hadn't started hurting yet haha! I think the 360PD is just an amazing little piece of engineering, a no-holds-barred ultralight .357. I'll get one eventually, if I can find one for $600-850, definitely NOT at $1200, that's K6S and King Cobra Carry territory
I got the 340PD. Excellent concealment handgun. Shooting it with the 357 rounds is a bitch. But it’s a great summer carry gun. In the winter i switch off to a Glock.
Is a all steel gun more manageable shooting 357. Or is all steel gun better all the way round for any cartridge, I know it's going to be a little heavier but it handle recoil better. What do you advice me
Very well done video. I have this model and it's a fine little revolver. However, forget shooting .357 magnums in it. It's simply unbearable and unpractical in a shooting scenario! .38 plus p's will get your attention, but are manageable. I also own a Ruger LCR in .38 and a LCRx in .357. The Ruger's are much better overall when it comes to shootability, whether with .38's or .357. In my opinion the only advantage it has over a LCR is it has a slightly smaller footprint, especially in the grip and trigger guard area . Furthermore, it's a few ounces lighter. This makes it better for smaller pockets. In summary the only practical advantage it has over a S&W 442 is a 3-4 ounce weight savings and for a 250% price increase that's a hard pill too swallow!. Thanks for sharing
My dilemma for the last few years has been 340 PD or K6s. I pocket carry so I'm always leaning 340 PD but would rather have the Kimber. To me the 642 is just too butt ugly to own. Thanks for the comparison review.
For pocket, the 340 PD for sure. For ankle, you could definitely pull off the Kimber. But, your joints/bones in general will likely thank you for the PD there as well. Speaking from some years of experience now.
How good would .38spl +P, loaded with like BuffaloBore's Barnes XPB unleaded offering, ...OR... the Underwood LeHigh 110gr Xtreme Penetrator/Defender... be for defending against Black Bears, let's say 225-300Lbs Tops? Would loads like this, say out of this 360PD... OR.. out of my 3" S&W Model 60 be sufficient? Asking because I'm thinking the lightweight aspect of this revolver might help convince my Wife to maybe try carrying it along with her when she goes on these Group Hikes meeting up with people at butt-thirty in the morning and going into Nat'l Forest lands, some known to have Black Bears occasionally cross paths with hikers (AngelesNF for example here in SoCal). As I'd feel better about her having this, rathter than just the BearSpray, (since it's deploy isn't quite as rapid.) If I run with the assumption she'd likely not ever be Ok with firing .357's out of it... would some .38spl +P's be able to hold their own with the kinda not particularly large Black Bears we've got around here in SoCal? What say ye in the peanut gallery? My figuring is a revolver like this, I could likely get my young 16yo son to be able carry it for weight savings and with .357's in it, when we hunt together. And then Mama could carry it or that 3" Mod 60 with her when she goes on hikes into NF's with her Groups. Since I'm out here in SoCal... in OC beach community, seems like we're much more limited in terms of cool thin 9mm compacts. Like.. I have a Sig P238, but I can't buy a Sig 938? or the similar Kimber Micro 9, or the Springfield mini-1911 out here! WTH is up with that, right? So anyway, knowing what I know from hunting about how weight adds up. Figured this could be the hot ticket for a backup gun, for those times when the hike-in is instead a "climb-up" up heinous steep country, where you appreciate anything that can lighten the load! EDIT: I'm currently carrying Glock G29 10mm for my hunting pursuits. Was thinking get a G26 and then have the boy use it when Mama isn't. But honestly I'm not the biggest fan of Glock Triggers. And I keep coming back to the weight savings possible with this 11.4oz device here, makes that sound attractive for something that isn't going to get used hardly ever, but that you're going to be hauling along with you up grueling hikes.
That is a comfortable gun to carry but uncomfortable to shoot even with regular 38 special loads. Its weight is like 12. ounces which is why it stings your hand to shoot it. I recommend a person has another gun to shoot that’s more comfortable to shoot. I have a 5 shot revolver that comfortable to shoot with 38s and 38 plus P and 357 if I had to but it’s made entirely of stainless steel that weighs 24 ounces, at 24 ounces 38 specials of any type are comfortable and nothing stings your hand. Also I don’t know who would shoot 357 magnum out a 2 inch J frame revolver anyway. I got a Smith and Wesson model 65 and 686 for 357 magnum, so I only shoot 38 special out my Taurus 605 5 shot.
I see absolutely no value in a titanium cylinder. Dropping to the alloy frame takes so damn much off the gun, they problems you get from titanium aren't worth losing 2 more ounces.
I agree, dont you have to worry about cylinder erosion with these titanium ones? I've considered getting one of these but I keep going back to the sp101 because stainless steel is much more durable and easier to maintain than something with titanium and scandium
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Owned this exact model 5 yrs a go. And foolishly sold it… now I want to buy it once again and keep it forever.
Loved everything about this gun
Something to consider: Because it can shoot .357magnum, the manual also states it can continuously fire .38spl+. That means if you just basically want a lighter, more durable version of a 637/638/642 that also comes with a nice front sight, then this is perfect.
Hogue Monogrip is the best answer I’ve found for my 360PD, without it-full house .357’s is akin to getting your hand stepped on by an angry mule.. surprisingly accurate for sub 2” barrel, I’m always surprised at the range out to 15 meters. Great video 👍
Incredible gun. Weighs nothing. I carry it every day.
Great gun, I have his brother the 340 PD handy little pocket cannon
Had my eye on one for a long, long time. Have had a 642 on my ankle except for the shower, the airport, and bed (and even then sometimes) and not sure how much more I’d appreciate the Scandium. But, when you wear a gun on your ankle that much, I can’t help but wonder if some of those ounces off won’t equal less pain. In any case, I’ve had so many handguns (still do) and the J-frame is the one that is “always” ON me.
My edc is the Smith and Wesson 340 pd unbelievable gets the job done in 357 magnum it’s a must have gun
Another tuber stated, some metal defectors dont pick up the scandium/ aluminum mix. Never tryed it myself
I changed the stock grip to Pachmayr compact , which covers the back strap and fills my hand better .
Did you end up with a little gap at the top of the backstrap? Mine has a small gap.
Great video. I’ve always used my Ruger SP101 as a trainer, so to speak, for snubby revolvers. But in the end, I realized that using a good holster with my SP101 was ultimately my best carry option. I’ve owned numerous light weight revolvers only to come to the conclusion that I’ll stick with the revolver I shoot the best. The one exception I’ve found is my S&W 431PD in 32 H&R Magnum.
Do you like the 32H&R I have 32H&R S&W long is that a decent cartridge for defense. Let me know
I own and carry the 360PD. IMO, this gun should not be carried with the .357 Mag loads for the following reasons:
1.) Excess recoil…extremely painful to handle.
2.) Excessive & blinding muzzle flash due to gobs of unburnt propellant.
3.) Magnum cases will not eject without plucking them free by hand since the ejection rod is too short, but will fully eject spent shorter 38 Spl cases. This is a big deal should rapid reloads be required.
4.) All the .357 Magnum loads deliver marginal gains of perhaps 50 fps extra velocity over the best 38 Spl + P cartridges.
The very best load for this gun is the Buffalo Bore 38 Spl +P 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter large hollow point cavity, gas-check cartridge that replicates the old FBI load. Buffalo Bore has optimized this load with a low flash propellant that generates 350 ft.-lbs. at 950+ fps. Penetration is 14” and expansion is .6”. There’s nothing better out there than this offering though there are competitor mfgrs. that duplicate it. Also, lighter projectiles tend to jump crimp from this 11.4 oz. gun, and that can lock-up the cylinder rendering the gun inoperable.
Great review, Thank you sir
This gun didn’t bother me at all to shoot 357. Now,the Ruger Redhawk Alaskan in 44 magnum with compact grips definitely feel something with that one.
Nice review! I generally carry a semi auto these days, but have a 642 in the safe. After watching this video, I need to get it out, dust it off, and carry it a bit. Ah....memories.
An aluminum chief should always be carried as a backup.
@@bobjohnson1633 you are correct sir. I need to look for an ankle holster.
@@joegilbert7661 I’ve worn my Galco nearly every day, all day (barring shower, bed (mostly), and the airport). It’s been at LEAST 4-5 years and the elastic has only just been wearing down. The leather is going strong, and I think I can send it back to Galco for a new ankle band. I’ll look into that this week.
I have the 360 PD and the quality is top notch. 👌
Shooting this gun makes you happy....happy it is only a 5 shot and not a 6 shot.
I purchased a Model 342 AirLite Ti some years ago from a retiring Phila police officer who had used it briefly as a backup gun. He told me that this specific model .38 Special only revolver was developed for police agencies that did not approve any weapon that would chamber a .357 for on duty use. This appears to a somewhat rare pistol...it has an aluminum only frame (no scandium) and was only produced for a couple of years. Even with .38 Special, it is no fun to shoot.
I've had the 340PD since the first year it came out, which is farther back than most people think.
Great to carry and a Beast to shoot, Lol.
I was a teen when they came out and worked at outfitter/gun stores growing up. We were skeptical of the new Scandium material and heard the “horror” stories that seem to plague any new gun thing (even if the stories aren’t true). It’s cool to hear that yours keeps on tickin’. I’ve had my eye on ‘em for awhile.
Any problems? Ever have to send it back for service? One look at this and I'm wondering how the top strap doesn't blow up
@@onseki1774 There’s a stainless steel insert above the cylinder on the underside of the topstrap just for that reason, Lol.
No returns for service. It absolutely Sucks to shoot with 357 magnums, and that’s why it’s been fed a solid diet of 38 Special +P’s almost it’s entire life after maybe a half dozen cylinders of 357 magnum when I first got it.
I can shoot 44 magnums in a regular revolver all day long, but this thing is physically painful with full power 357 magnums.
I’ve had my 360 jam up on me when the last 1 or 2 remaining bullets slide forward on the
case and lock up the cylinder . That’s with factory loaded 357 . Works grate with 38.
Were those jacketed rounds?
Non-jacketed rounds are known to do that in very light ones like this.
Good video. To me that 3 oz difference makes a world of difference in a short pocket vs my 642. It's a steep price to pay for it though 😂.
Love the video will you do the kimber k6s (maybe dasa)? Wondering if twice the weight is worth the extra round and how beneficial it’d be with the recoil
AIR WEIGHT!!! Lol great vid dude
Can you elaborate why don’t carry 357? It’s a more capable round and I don’t see how it could hurt? I know the recoil is more but in the off chance I have to use it, then I want every advantage I can get.
In my opinion, you have a higher risk of over-penetration with .357 magnum, which is not what I want in a defensive round. I have shot a lot of .357 and observed it firsthand. It's what I'm comfortable with. Thanks for watching!
@@TheConcealedCarryChannel ok thank you
I've thought about buying 1 of these because they are so incredibly light. I have a S&W model 60 .357 mag that I enjoy shooting. It kicks but for me it's still enjoyable to shoot and controllable. It's just a little heavy for carrying in lightweight shorts. It weighs 23 ounces. Cutting the weight in 1/2 has to generate a whole lot more recoil. Not sure I could still enjoy shooting a 357 mag of less than 12 ounces. I'm sure there are those than can and do, but I think it may be just a little too much form me.
I've been thinking about these for years, my thoughts are I'm really not planning on shooting such a light revolver much, but enough to know where the self defense ammo I choose hits compared to the sights and just carrying that particular load, I held one in a gun shop side by side with a model 60 and was shocked at how light it was considering it's basically the same size, it felt like a toy cap gun 7/11 used to sell in the 80's lol I own a 4" S&W 500 so I'm not too worried about the recoil, and you can always down load to 38spl to practice or carry if you want to...
I just picked up a hammerless 340pd and let me tell you that the light weight is worth the price. Loaded with 130grain 38+P on my scale it weighs 14oz. That is lighter than almost any semi auto unloaded without a magazine. This will slip right into any pocket and it's the only gun I literally forget is there. My p365 I always know is there for reference. I highly recommend one of these in everyone's carry rotation.
The 642 Airweight is solid middle ground. It doesn’t shoot 357, but I’d encourage one to seriously examine the ballistic difference between a 38 Special +P and a 357 out of a 2” or less barrel.
I'm sure I'll have some haters show up but I really like my all steel Taurus 856. Heavy enough to use with +P but still very concealable......and it carries 6 rounds. I also carry two speed loaders.
Not a thing wrong with the 856. It is a proven reliable model.
Compared to the Kimber, when carrying it throughout the day, can you honestly tell the difference between the weights? Thank you.
I just shot my 4.25" Python for the first time the other day and after I left the range I was like "Wow this would be sick if it was as small and light as possible". My hand hadn't started hurting yet haha! I think the 360PD is just an amazing little piece of engineering, a no-holds-barred ultralight .357. I'll get one eventually, if I can find one for $600-850, definitely NOT at $1200, that's K6S and King Cobra Carry territory
I got the 340PD. Excellent concealment handgun. Shooting it with the 357 rounds is a bitch. But it’s a great summer carry gun. In the winter i switch off to a Glock.
Is a all steel gun more manageable shooting 357. Or is all steel gun better all the way round for any cartridge, I know it's going to be a little heavier but it handle recoil better. What do you advice me
All steel
I shot my friends .44Mag version of this and holy hell does it smack like catching a 5lbs sledge hammer that fell from a roof...
Very well done video. I have this model and it's a fine little revolver. However, forget shooting .357 magnums in it. It's simply unbearable and unpractical in a shooting scenario! .38 plus p's will get your attention, but are manageable. I also own a Ruger LCR in .38 and a LCRx in .357. The Ruger's are much better overall when it comes to shootability, whether with .38's or .357. In my opinion the only advantage it has over a LCR is it has a slightly smaller footprint, especially in the grip and trigger guard area . Furthermore, it's a few ounces lighter. This makes it better for smaller pockets. In summary the only practical advantage it has over a S&W 442 is a 3-4 ounce weight savings and for a 250% price increase that's a hard pill too swallow!. Thanks for sharing
A .357 is plenty for a little snubby to handle, not very pleasant at all. Still a nice little gun.
Most painful gun I ever shot ! I love my 642
My dilemma for the last few years has been 340 PD or K6s. I pocket carry so I'm always leaning 340 PD but would rather have the Kimber. To me the 642 is just too butt ugly to own. Thanks for the comparison review.
Got the same problem
She’s the biker bitch though. Always down, and not bad at all.
For pocket, the 340 PD for sure. For ankle, you could definitely pull off the Kimber. But, your joints/bones in general will likely thank you for the PD there as well. Speaking from some years of experience now.
How good would .38spl +P, loaded with like BuffaloBore's Barnes XPB unleaded offering, ...OR... the Underwood LeHigh 110gr Xtreme Penetrator/Defender... be for defending against Black Bears, let's say 225-300Lbs Tops?
Would loads like this, say out of this 360PD... OR.. out of my 3" S&W Model 60 be sufficient?
Asking because I'm thinking the lightweight aspect of this revolver might help convince my Wife to maybe try carrying it along with her when she goes on these Group Hikes meeting up with people at butt-thirty in the morning and going into Nat'l Forest lands, some known to have Black Bears occasionally cross paths with hikers (AngelesNF for example here in SoCal). As I'd feel better about her having this, rathter than just the BearSpray, (since it's deploy isn't quite as rapid.)
If I run with the assumption she'd likely not ever be Ok with firing .357's out of it... would some .38spl +P's be able to hold their own with the kinda not particularly large Black Bears we've got around here in SoCal? What say ye in the peanut gallery?
My figuring is a revolver like this, I could likely get my young 16yo son to be able carry it for weight savings and with .357's in it, when we hunt together. And then Mama could carry it or that 3" Mod 60 with her when she goes on hikes into NF's with her Groups. Since I'm out here in SoCal... in OC beach community, seems like we're much more limited in terms of cool thin 9mm compacts. Like.. I have a Sig P238, but I can't buy a Sig 938? or the similar Kimber Micro 9, or the Springfield mini-1911 out here! WTH is up with that, right? So anyway, knowing what I know from hunting about how weight adds up. Figured this could be the hot ticket for a backup gun, for those times when the hike-in is instead a "climb-up" up heinous steep country, where you appreciate anything that can lighten the load!
EDIT: I'm currently carrying Glock G29 10mm for my hunting pursuits. Was thinking get a G26 and then have the boy use it when Mama isn't. But honestly I'm not the biggest fan of Glock Triggers. And I keep coming back to the weight savings possible with this 11.4oz device here, makes that sound attractive for something that isn't going to get used hardly ever, but that you're going to be hauling along with you up grueling hikes.
🤷🏻♂️ I shoot a Taurus poly .357 and it doesn’t hurt.
I do work with my hands tho.
That Taurus is 6 ounces heavier and has a bigger, cushier grip...maybe that helps a little? I shot the Taurus and it was not near as bad as this.
@@TheConcealedCarryChannel
Good info.
I have a menagerie of snub noses; would like to get ahold of a S&W airweight .357.
Cannot find one anywhere.
I freaking do love the grip.
Say what you want about Taurus, they have recoil-absorbing grips figured out.
I put J-frame grips on mine. Much better in the hand
the other guy is going to feel it more tho
Self defense? Wanna pocket carry? Hammerless, nix that extra bulk holster.
That is a comfortable gun to carry but uncomfortable to shoot even with regular 38 special loads. Its weight is like 12. ounces which is why it stings your hand to shoot it. I recommend a person has another gun to shoot that’s more comfortable to shoot. I have a 5 shot revolver that comfortable to shoot with 38s and 38 plus P and 357 if I had to but it’s made entirely of stainless steel that weighs 24 ounces, at 24 ounces 38 specials of any type are comfortable and nothing stings your hand. Also I don’t know who would shoot 357 magnum out a 2 inch J frame revolver anyway. I got a Smith and Wesson model 65 and 686 for 357 magnum, so I only shoot 38 special out my Taurus 605 5 shot.
I'll bet it even glows when orcs are about...
Lost me at Kimber...
I see absolutely no value in a titanium cylinder. Dropping to the alloy frame takes so damn much off the gun, they problems you get from titanium aren't worth losing 2 more ounces.
I agree, dont you have to worry about cylinder erosion with these titanium ones? I've considered getting one of these but I keep going back to the sp101 because stainless steel is much more durable and easier to maintain than something with titanium and scandium
you get used it.