Any thoughts on the Rossi 5 shot 38 with 3 in barrel?

[JeffDavis]

I wandered into Academy Sports last night and found the above mentioned gun on sale for $209 and tax (down from $249). It has a nice thick set of rubber grips that feel great in my hand.
I anticipate a heavy trigger, but can live with that.

I am considering one (or two) of these revolvers as a knock-around or car gun, or a stash gun in the house. I have searched the forums here for info, but have not found anything new.

For the price they are asking, why not?

I love a 3 in barrel, and this one is similar in profile to an L frame with the full underlug. Looks to me the rear sight trough could be deepened a bit with a file to see better.

Tell me what you think

Jeff

[Lloyd Smale]

I had a 44 special in that configuration and although i pretty much think rossi guns are junk that 44 special was a pretty good gun.

[krod47nw]

I had one of the smaller 5 shot 3" 38 specials.  It was about the size of a S&W J frame.  I bought it cheap from a guy that needed money about 15 or so years ago.  It turned out to be a pretty good gun.  I put some rubber grips on it, and shot many rounds through it.    It was reasonably accurate, and never failed to fire.  The fit and finish was not terrible nor was the trigger.  I don't think I would shoot +p ammo in it though.  I sold it last year for more than I originally paid for it.  the guy who bought it loves it.   Me being a S&W guy, I was pleasantly surprised with the Rossi.


Kevin

[Graybeard]

I've owned a grand total of one Rossi revolver so my judgement of them is clouded by that one sample.

I bought one a bunch of years ago likely in the early '80s if I were just taking a guess and I really am. It was an SS five shot I think with a short barrel perhaps 2" or 3" I don't recall as I have tried hard to forget that gun.

I bought it because in looking at it and holding it and a S&W side by side the fit and finish on the Rossi actually was apparently superior to the S&W but wow was it ever not up to the function of a S&W. I bought it because it was over $100 cheaper and appeared better finished.

That had to be one of if not the worst handguns I've ever owned. It absolutely would NOT fire a full cylinder double action without jamming. It didn't matter if I shot fast or slow it was not capable of firing a full cylinder DA. I was able to get all fired in single action most of the time. It sure didn't stay at my house long before I took it back to the dealer I got it from.

I have no clue how they are today but Taurus owns them now and that is not good in my opinion based on my over all experience with a bunch of Taurus revolvers. Now Rossi lever action rifles are a different matter and they seem to be an excellent product so I can't rule out the possibility that current Rossi handguns are as well. I doubt I'll ever try another to find out tho.

[Frank V]

A friend of mine had one, it was a DAO 3" .44Special. It looked nicely finished, shot well, & was handy to carry. If I were interested in one, I'd look it over really well, & look at the timing, how the cylinder locks up, is the crane loose or tight, any obvious signs of sloppieness, & if it passed the visual, I'd buy it. I think the foreign made guns have come up considerably in quality in the past 10 years & deserve a look. The new Taurus handguns I've seen lately look pretty nice.  Of course it's always nice to buy American!
Frank

[gcrank1]

+1 on it passing all the preliminary checks that you should give any proposed 'new' gun (new or used). If so, I believe even frugal me would go for it. Ive had a twin, or at least similar, to the Rossi mentioned and it is 'satisfactory', but I have not, nor ever plan to shoot it a lot. My handloads are 38S&W equiv., and less, with a light (130ish gr. bullet). For carry it has 5 factory, large cavity hollowpoints.

[JeffDavis]

Thanks for the replies to date. I took another look at it the other day and glad I asked here first. I found the cylinder has a lot of play from side to side when locked up. Also had more endshake and cylinder gap than I would ever want. I think my driver's license could have almost fit between the barrel and the cylinder face. Definately going to pass on that one.

I tell you what, it's funny how a guy can fall under the sway of a potential new toy hard and fast (an expensive and regretful situation for sure). Kinda like being in the bar at last call and the only women left to go home with have a coyote ugly face or an Adam's Apple!

Thanks for helping me out. Looks like I will be admiring the Bisley Blackhawk 44 Special down the street! Hey, she looks like Shania Twain right now. No possible way she'll look like MARK TWAIN in the morning!!!