SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE
Posted May 25, 2023
SC &380PD
The Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite SC &380PD are two reliable, lightweight .357 revolvers that are perfect for self-defense. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, Smith & Wesson has been producing firearms since 1848. The 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD are the latest in their long line of handguns, designed for the modern age.
The lightweight, yet sturdy frame of the 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD revolvers is constructed of Scandium Alloy, while the cylinder and barrel are crafted from stainless steel. The frame is slim, allowing for easy concealment and making these revolvers ideal for personal defense. The smooth, integral rubber grip provides excellent control and recoil management. The revolver's finish is protected by a durable matte black coating that adds to the overall look of the gun.
Both the 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD weigh in at 20 ounces due to the use of Scandium Alloy, making them an excellent choice for concealed carry and self-defense. The barrel lengths are identical at 2.25 inches, which greatly contributes to the revolvers' compact size. The sights are also streamlined, with the front sight being a ramp-style blade and the rear sight being a square notch. This makes it very easy to acquire the target for fast, accurate shooting in defense situations.
The 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD feature Smith & Wesson's trademark double-action/single action firing system. This allows for a light trigger pull in single action mode for precision shooting, while a longer pull in double-action mode still ensures safe use of the revolver. The long double-action trigger pull also reduces the chance of accidental discharges when the gun is drawn.
When it comes to ammunition, the 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD are capable of chambering both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, making them very versatile firearms. This provides the shooter with the ability to use both the milder .38 Special rounds for target practice and the more powerful .357 Magnum rounds for self-defense. The revolvers have a capacity of five rounds and are equipped with an internal safety that further reduces the risk of accidental discharges.
The reliability of the Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD revolvers is superb, and they have proven to be very reliable firearms in both range environments and actual defensive situations. The revolvers are also designed with a Yoke retention system that securely locks the cylinder in place even when the gun is being fired. This is one more level of assurance that these handguns will perform when they are needed most.
In summary, the Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite SC & 380PD are excellent revolvers for the modern shooter. They are lightweight and easy to conceal, and feature a reliable firing system and durable construction. The gun's versatility in being able to chamber both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds is very beneficial, and the five-round capacity provides enough support for self-defense. The Yoke retention system provides yet another level of assurance for users, allowing them to feel confident that their weapon will perform when it matters most.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight, aluminum alloy frame makes the S&W 360PD AirLite easy to carry all day.
• Compact design allows for great maneuverability and fast drawing.
• Low perceived recoil makes it easier to shoot accuracy.
• Good capacity of 6 rounds in .357 Magnum or seven in .38 Special.
Cons:
• Expensive compared to other revolvers.
• Single/Double action trigger pull can be heavy for those with weaker hand strength.
• Durability of the exposed hammer may be questionable due to its lightweight construction.
• Unconventional cylinder release mechanism may take some getting used to.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite revolver is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, .38 caliber revolver that is reliable and easy to carry. It is particularly popular among individuals who engage in target shooting and concealed carry. While it is an excellent choice for these activities, individuals who are looking for a concealed carry gun should also think about their state or jurisdiction’s regulations regarding what size and capacity the handgun must be.
The Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite should be avoided by individuals who have smaller hands or may be unfamiliar with handguns. This revolver requires a significant amount of manual strength to open and close the cylinder, which can be more difficult and uncomfortable for individuals with smaller hands or those who are not used to handguns. Additionally, it may be more suited for experienced gun users due to its lightweight size.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite | Kimber K6s | Ruger SP101 |
|---|---|---|
| 7.2in | 6.62in | 7.2in |
| 5-round cylinder | 6-round cylinder | 5-round cylinder |
| 12.2oz | 23oz | 26oz |
| .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Double action only | Double action only | Double action only |
| 1.875 in | 2 in | 2.25in |
| Scandium aluminum | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Features / Specs
•Model: Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite
•Caliber: .357 Magnum
•Action: Double-action Revolver
•Barrel Length: 1.875"
•Capacity: 5 Rounds
•Overall Length: 6.3"
•Weight: 12 oz.
•Grips: Synthetic
•Sights: Fixed Front with Groove Rear
•Finish: Matte Black
•Frame: Scandium Alloy
Popular Accessories
- Hogue monogrips
- Crimson Trace Laser Grips
- LaserMax CenterFire Laser Sight
- XS Big Dot Sights
- Trijicon Night Sights
- Galco Stow-N-Go Holster
- Blade-Tech Total Eclipse Holster
- Gemtech Tactical Suppressor
- Safariland Kydex Paddle Holster
- LaserLyte UTA Ultra Compact Target Laser
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite is a reliable and accurate revolver. It is designed with a light yet strong aluminum alloy cylinder. This feature reduces recoil and makes the firing process more comfortable. The revolver was built to fire magnum rounds accurately, and it does so with remarkable consistency and power. The rifled barrel and adjustable rear sight give the shooter the ability to make precise shots. The gun features a double/single action trigger, which allows for quick and easy firing. It's lightweight and comfortable design make it ideal for concealed carry and personal protection. With all these features in mind, it is clear that the Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite is one of the most accurate and dependable revolvers on the market.
