Smith & Wesson M360J Sakura
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Service · 2006
Also known as: S&W M360J, Sakura, Model 360J
Overview
The Smith & Wesson M360J Sakura is a lightweight five-shot .38 Special double-action revolver built on the compact J-frame and adopted as a service sidearm by Japanese law enforcement. Based on the scandium-alloy 'SC/PD' family of J-frame revolvers, it pairs a scandium alloy frame with a stainless-steel-lined snub-nose barrel and a PVD-finished stainless cylinder to stay very light while handling .38 Special loads. Named 'Sakura' (cherry blossom), it entered Japanese police and Japan Coast Guard service in 2006, replacing older heavier revolvers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 422 g (14.9 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 48 mm (1.89") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block, Long Double Action Trigger Pull
- Features: Scandium Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Lined Barrel, Pvd Finished Stainless Cylinder, Ramp Front Sight, Integral U Notch Rear Sight, Concealed Hammer Option, Lightweight Snub Nose
Service history
Operators
- National Police Agency · adopted 2006 · as M360J Sakura
- Japan Coast Guard · adopted 2006 · as M360J Sakura
Production
Production years: 2006-present
Japanese law enforcement contract; exact procurement numbers not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The M360J is the Japan-market designation of Smith & Wesson's scandium J-frame; Japanese firearms regulations restrict police issue to .38 Special rather than the .357 Magnum chambering used on the US-market Model 360. Weight and barrel length are converted from the commonly cited 14.9 oz and 1-7/8 in (1.88 in) figures.
Background
Its name, 'Sakura,' is Japanese for cherry blossom - a fitting badge for a US-built revolver reworked to Japan's strict .38 Special-only police rules and issued to officers of the National Police Agency and the Japan Coast Guard.