I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 360 Revolver in a Galco Stinger Holster

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posted on May 18, 2018
Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today we have a Smith & Wesson Model 360 Airweight .357 Mag. revolver carried in a Galco Gunleather Hornet holster. We're also carrying a Streamlight ProTac HL-X flashlight, an Ontario Knife Company Spec Plus Alpha Survival blade, a Bear & Son Cutlery Gatco Scepter 2.0 and a Readyman Wilderness Survival Card.

Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 360 Airweight ($770)

While the Model 360 is a new model out from Smith & Wesson in 2018, there’s a whole lot about the design that’s tried and true. Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers have been a popular personal-defense option since the introduction of the original J-Frame in 1950. Since then, the company has rolled out a number of enhancements to the design, and the latest iteration is the Model 360, chambered in .357 Magnum.

This revolver, part of the Airweight lineup, is built with a Scandium-alloy frame and a short 1 7/8-inch barrel. Even with the unfluted five-round cylinder, the gun weighs in at just 14.9 ounces, unloaded. When you’re in the woods, a light self-defense gun goes a long way toward shaving weight off your kit.

Holster: Galco Hornet Holster ($72)

When it comes to predator defense, speed is key, and the Galco Hornet is purpose-built to facilitate fast stings from your holstered revolver. The holster is particularly designed to be worn in the appendix-carry or crossdraw position. When combined with the open top and slight rear cant, this provides a quick-access package that enables users to get their gun up and running quickly.

One thing to note, though, is that the open-top design isn’t as secure as some of the strap-fitted carry rigs typically seen for field use. However, unless you’re planning to do some belly crawls or rock climbing, the Hornet will serve solidly in nearly any outdoor scenario.

Tools: Readyman Wilderness Survival Card ($12.99)

The whole premise of preparedness is to have all the tools with you that you might need, particularly when it comes to outdoor survival. However, that list can get pretty long, and each piece of gear weighs down an otherwise nimble carry kit. Enter the Wilderness Survival Card from Readyman. This unique credit card-sized tool provides more than 20 different key survival implements, such as arrowheads, fishhooks, saw blades, needles and more. All of this in a package weighing less than half an ounce.

Flashlight: Streamlight ProTac HL-X ($135)


Staying alert and alive out on the trail or on a hunt demands knowing exactly what’s around you, even in darkness. In these scenarios, it helps to bring enough light, and the Streamlight ProTac HL-X definitely has enough, providing a blinding 1,000 lumens and a total run time of an hour and a half. The light is a multi-fuel design, so it can use a rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123As. Medium, low and strobe modes are also available.

Knife: OKC Spec Plus Alpha Survival ($42.80)

If you’re out in the woods, your daily carry folder just isn’t going to cut it in a potential survival scenario, so we turned to Ontario Knife Company and its Spec Plus Alpha Survival knife. Completely made in the USA, the blade is constructed from high-carbon steel and measures 5 inches long. The full-tang design features a textured rubber handle purpose-built for grip and durability. Each knife ships with its own belt sheath complete with snap enclosures that keep it secured until needed.

Knife Sharpener: Gatco Scepter 2.0 ($39.99)

Of course, having a knife in the woods doesn’t do anyone any good unless it’s sharp, and that’s where the Gatco Scepter 2.0 comes in. This compact, pen-sized sharpener features two tungsten-carbide blades designed to put a razor-sharp edge on your field knife. However, that’s not the only feature of this survival tool.

The Scepter 2.0 also provides users with a tapered diamond rod designed to sharpen blade serrations, spear tips and even fish hooks. You can even start a fire with the magnesium rod contained inside the diamond sharpening rod. And, in a pinch, the tool can be used as a defensive striking implement, thanks to a pointed tip.

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