Author Topic: Rossi 38 or 357 for wife? (Read 1223 times)

LONG286 · « **on:** December 06, 2005, 04:59:01 PM »

Hey guys, new to the forum here, looking for some advice...

Looking to get an inexpensive revolver for my wife, so I came upon the Rossi models. My wife is tiny by standards, about 4'10 and 100 lbs wet. She has a Walther P22 she shoots it with no problems. I am wanting a revolver for her because of ease of operation, espically if a bad situation ever came about.

Wondering how good the Rossi models are? I was looking at the 2 inch barrel models, mainly because of the cheaper prices. Also what caliber to get her, 38 special or the 357 magnum? I want her not to be afraid of it and be able to shoot it with some accuracy.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Kevin

greenjeans · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2005, 03:00:42 PM »

The only Rossi I have ever owned was a .22 LR and never had any problems with it. Traded it to get a Ruger Single Six. If you get the .357 she can shoot .38's in it, but it will be bigger. The snubbie .357's are not a lot of fun to shoot and she would likely be uncomfortable with them. You might want to take a look at the Taurus Model 85. It is only slightly more expensive than the Rossi and there are three of those in my family now and never had a problem with any of them. S&W and Ruger both have nice small ones, but you will pay considerably more. I'm sure you will get some more opinions, but if it is going to be her gun, get something she is comfortable with.

Welcome to the Forum. Lots of good advice here.

Ahab · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2005, 09:18:32 AM »

I'm with greenjeans. My daughter carries the model 85 and likes it a lot. My wife has the Taurus Titanium .357 snubby. She has no problem shooting full house loads and does better than most.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2005, 12:11:21 PM »

I had a rossi 44 special 5 shot and it was a fine gun it didnt have the fit and finish of a smith but it was dead realiable and shot well

LONG286 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2005, 06:51:41 PM »

Thanks for the advice. I am going to look into the Rossi 38 I think? My local shooting ( www.kvgc.com ) range has a Rossi 38 there in stock. They also have a used Taurus Model 85, they were holding it for someone but I think he never came to pick it up. If they still have that I might take a hard look at it.

Thanks again for the advice and I will let everyone know what I get and how the little wife likes it!

Kevin

Blaster50 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2005, 01:10:14 AM »

maybe another one to consider would be the Ruger .32 cal Single Six

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6515&return=Y

I have been looking at this model for my wife and granson

dealers around me can get them for about $360 new

sweet looking and feeling little wheel gun...

:grin:

papajohn428 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2005, 08:43:27 AM »

Whatever you choose, make sure she likes the grips, or change them out. Pachmayr used to have a display stand with all their styles of grips mounted on plastic guns, so you could see how each one fit your hand. The other thing to consider is trigger reach, if she has tiny hands and short fingers you need to make sure she can get enough leverage to squeeze off a shot double-action. Having a trigger job done is also a good idea, to smooth and lighten the DA pull. But if it doesn't fit HER hand, she won't shoot it well, or have much confidence in her ability to shoot it. Try as many as you can get her hands on, she'll know which one is best for her! Good Luck!

PJ

LONG286 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2005, 02:53:39 PM »

Thanks for the reply's.

I think I was so concerned about the kickback and not scaring her that I totaly forgot about the fit to her hand and also the heavy trigger pull. Just a couple more things I will have to take into consideration.

We have a gun show coming to town this upcoming weekend, I am planning on taking her to fit one to her hand.

Kevin

LONG286 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2005, 03:00:29 PM »

Thanks for the help guys.

I think I was so concerned about the kickback and her being afraid of it, that I totaly forgot about the gun fitting her hand. She does have small hands so I am going to have to take that into consideration now.

We have a gun show coming to town this weekend, I plan on taking her to try out some different revolvers to see what she likes.

Kevin

Old Griz · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2006, 07:51:50 PM »

:cb2: Rossi? Why a Rossi? Do you hate your wife? Get her something good, like a Ruger or Smith and Wesson. A Rossi?

sixgun_symphony · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2006, 04:46:11 PM »

Check the used gun market for a .38 caliber Colt Police Positive revolver. These are really good guns for people with small hands.

Froghunter · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2006, 03:49:58 PM »

LONG286

My wife is about the same size as yours. I purchased her the Ruger SP 101 in 32 H&R Mag. I reload and started her with light loads and at the present time she can shoot the full loads. Her hands are small and she sometimes has problems shooting it in single action. This is after about 50 rounds. Her thumb gets tired. Another neat little revolver is the Black Widow in 22 and 22 Mag.

Good Luck and Take Care!