Smith & Wesson Model 360 - AirLite Sc Kit Gun 357 mag

[Dogshooter]

Was thinking about buying one of these to pack when in the back country. It is extremely light. My only concern is the blue book price. It shows a very steep drop in value from new/unfired to 98%. Anyone have one of these and is the drop in value due to their not holding up well to use? Any insight would be appreciated.

[KN]

I would think they would hold up all right. The drop in price is probably due to the fact that not too many people will pay that much for compact 357 when they can buy a taurus alot cheaper. I realize thats comparing apples to oranges but most people won't be too concerned with the weight difference. Personally I think they are a pretty neat gun, and if thats what I want then thats what I'll buy, the resale value doesn't mean much to me. Just my $.02.    KN

[Mikey]

Dogshooter:  I wouldn't have any concerns about that revolver holding up to what it is advertized to shoot.  My first concern is whether it is enough caliber with enough poop from that snubbie to adequately protect yourself where you hike.  My second concern is whether your wrist will take the punishment from shooting 357s in a 11.5 oz revolver.  My third concern is whether the load recommended for those featherweights will be sufficient to offer the necessary protection for you while in the woods.  

I've a S&W Airweight Bodyguard in 38 Spl that I carry frequently, and at 13 oz empty that is about as light as I would want to go.  I've shot a friend's Titanium snubbie in 38 Spl and realized that it was too light for my shooting prefernces.  If I'm going woods walking, I'm packing something that will get me out of any hot water I manage to step in, no matter how much I try to avoid it.  It will start with a heavy frame 357 and go through the 44 Mag to the 45, depending on where I'm going to go.

I'm even considering a Cimarron Arms SAA repro in 45 Colt, in 4" nickle - nice and light with a big slow bullet, my favorite.  If I think it is going to get worse than that I will take a long arm.  

Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Dogshooter]

Thanks for the input guys. Actually, the only reason I carry it is for the two legged varmints and I will probably never carry anything but 38 specials in it anyway. Just can't see paying the same price for a 38 and not being able to shoot 357's if I ever decide to.  I spend a lot of time up in the mountains in the summer and have been running into more people every year up there. I just really like the idea of the weight reduction.

[KN]

It should foot the bill real well!  KN

[S.B.]

I wouldn't let someone elses ideas of value scare me off. Look at any of the "gun for sale sites", there's an awful lot of gun that in my opinion are over priced because somebodys book says so. Most of these are still for sale, too.
Value, just as beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.  A good handgun in the back country is a valuable tool, second only to a good sheath knife.

[williamlayton]

jest got won-not to bad but then i have only shot the 38 in it so far-maybe very far-the felt recoil is not as bad as i had hoped,ups, thought.

[Dogshooter]

Say, Bill. If you don't mind my asking, what did you have to pay for your's?

[williamlayton]

if this ever gets back to my wife i will deny, deny ,deny and demand to see the evidence---after s&w and uncle  $700---lordy that hurts tu say.
does that mean im'm stupid---oh no please don't answer that.

[Dogshooter]

The local gun shop here in Wyo where I live gets about that but just across the state line in Utah the same gun sells for $569.