Smith & Wesson Model 360 Kit Gun
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 2001
Also known as: 360 Kit Gun, Model 360 AirLite Kit Gun
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 360 Kit Gun is a lightweight J-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, introduced in 2002 as a modern interpretation of Smith & Wesson's historic Kit Gun concept using advanced scandium alloy construction. The 'Kit Gun' designation has a storied history at Smith & Wesson, originally applied to revolvers designed to be packed in camping and survival kits for outdoorsmen, fishermen, and wilderness travelers needing a lightweight defensive and utility firearm. The Model 360 Kit Gun features a 3.125-inch barrel, significantly longer than typical J-frame snubnose variants, providing improved velocity and a longer sight radius while maintaining overall portability. Weighing just 12 ounces empty, this five-shot revolver utilizes a scandium alloy frame construction that delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The exposed hammer allows both double-action and single-action operation, with the longer barrel making single-action precision shots more practical than on snubnose variants. The Model 360 Kit Gun distinguishes itself with a HI-VIZ fiber-optic front sight and micro-adjustable rear sight, providing excellent accuracy potential for its size class. Uncle Mike's Combat grips provide secure handling despite the light weight. The scandium frame paired with a stainless steel cylinder creates a durable wilderness companion that can chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. The 3.125-inch barrel length represents the sweet spot for Kit Gun applications-long enough to realize meaningful velocity gains from magnum ammunition while remaining compact enough for pack carry. Designed for backpackers, anglers, wilderness guides, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight defensive option for protection against dangerous animals or as a hunting backup, the Model 360 Kit Gun delivers serious power without the weight penalty of traditional steel-framed revolvers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 172 mm (6.77") |
| Barrel Length | 48 mm (1.89") |
| Height | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 585 J (431 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Scandium Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Silver |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar
- Features: J Frame, Adjustable Sights, Scandium Frame, Stainless Cylinder, Kit Gun Configuration
Base model
Production
Production years: 2002-present
Modern scandium-frame interpretation of the historic Kit Gun concept
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Kit Gun concept dates back to 1935 when Smith & Wesson introduced the original Kit Gun in .22 Long Rifle, designed as a lightweight camping companion that could be packed in a tackle box or backpack. The Model 360 Kit Gun represents a modern evolution of this concept, upgrading from rimfire to centerfire magnum power while maintaining the lightweight portability that defined the category. The 3.125-inch barrel produces significantly higher velocities than 1.875-inch snubnose variants-.357 Magnum ammunition typically achieves 100-150 feet per second more velocity from the Kit Gun barrel, translating to roughly 15-20 percent more energy. The adjustable rear sight, a rarity on J-frame revolvers, allows precise zeroing for specific ammunition loads and makes the Kit Gun suitable for small game hunting within its effective range. The HI-VIZ fiber-optic front sight gathers ambient light, creating a bright aiming point valuable in forest environments or low-light conditions. Despite the 3.125-inch barrel, overall length remains compact at approximately 7.5 inches. The scandium construction makes the Model 360 Kit Gun light enough to carry all day on a belt or in a chest holster without fatigue. Many wilderness guides in Alaska and Canada have adopted scandium-frame .357 Magnum revolvers as lightweight bear protection. The Model 360 variant was specifically developed to compete with Ruger's SP101 in the outdoor market. Trigger pull typically measures 11-12 pounds double-action and 4-5 pounds single-action. The adjustable sights add minimal weight while dramatically improving practical accuracy.
Background
The Model 360 Kit Gun proved you could have a magnum revolver that weighed less than a box of ammunition. Wilderness guides started leaving their heavy steel .44 Magnums in camp, discovering that a 12-ounce .357 on your hip beats a 40-ounce cannon in your tent when a grizzly shows up unexpectedly on the trail.