ROSSI OR CHARTER ARMS?

[johnny blaze]

I am looking at some snub nose revolvers. I want stainless steel.
I have been looking at the Smiths, but I really do not like the lock (personal thing). Trying to find a pre lock model.
I am looking at the Taurus models. I like some of the models they have.
I have ran across some really good deals on Rossi and Charter Arms.
On the warranty on these two, the Rossi has a lifetime warranty, if it was imported after Taurus took control.
On the Charter Arms, I am not sure what the warranty is.
Anyone have any information on these two companies - Warranty, quality, trigger pull, etc.?

 

[GreenFurniture]

Hold out for the pre-lock Smith.

 

[steelhead]

From talking to people that have acutally owned a Rossi revolver, they have all been pleased and had no issues. Other than disdain from Smith and Ruger owners . As for CharterArms, there seems to be more QC issues and more general talk about problems. I don't know anyone that owns one unlike the Rossi's.

If the cost difference isn't much, I would be more comfortable getting a new or used Taurus than either of these. You can also find good deals on pre-lock S&W's but probably not as cheap as new Model 85 Taurus.

 

[tank mechanic]

Have you checked out the ruger sp101? They usually run around $450 or so.

 

[steelhead]

Have you checked out the ruger sp101? They usually run around $450 or so.

While the SP101 is a fine revolver, I think the issue here is to find a reliable but still very affordable revolver. Used SP's should run around $275.

 

[ranger53]

I've got a rossi 38 spl rated for the +p loads. It's a 5-shot blued barrel snubby. I really like the handgun. It's my CCW. Very accurate! Got it new for 240.00 dollars OTD. I use 125 gr. HP in it.
tommy

 

[Jackal]

The little Taurus 85's are solid, good little snubbies. I don't think you can go wrong with one.

 

[johnny blaze]

I am kind of still holding out for the Smith without the lock.
I am going to use this just for a back up, and sometimes for single carry.
I have been looking for awhile now. I think that the Charter Arms is totally out of the picture. The Rossi is alright from the reports.
The Taurus is real strong maybe.
Anyone know of any of the pre lock 642's, 638's around for sale? I just cannot make myself carry my model 38 blue S&W snubbie (really good condition) for fear of messing up the finish. That is why I want a stainless/alloy.
I found a 638 pre lock, but the 600.00 tag (did not sell) is a little steep. That is the only pre lock hammerless that I have seen.
The Ruger is a fine revolver, but they never really fit my hand.

 

[TonyB]

I have a Rossi 461..2"357..it cost $`150 used....it's a good shooter,accurate and reliable..trigger was crappy,but 1 trip to Taurus and alot of shooting made it better.No expierence w/ Charter arms.
here's my picks:
1)smith and wesson
2)Ruger
3)Taurus/Rossi
4)others
if the gun passes the revolver check out and is what you're looking for..go for it.Of course I also wear Wal-Mart shirts,not the Gap.
I wouldn't hestitate buying a Rossi or Taurus.I've had several Taurus revolvers and autos,with no issues.

 

[Confederate]

I agree. Charter Arms is not a revolver that will stand up to a lot of shooting. The actions are stiff and the trigger pulls seem to get heavier as you get closer to ignition. Rossi hasn't wowed me with its customer service lately, so I can't recommend them, either.

Taurus does offer some economy backup revolvers that are okay, but stay with Smith or Ruger.

 

[Diamondback]

I've owned 5 small frame Taurus revolvers.......not a problem with a one.
While their resale is not that of a S&W, I can endorse them wholeheartedly.

Also....think about picking up a nice, used, pre-lock, S&W J frame that's been well treated...they are not hard to find; many folks tend to buy them for night stand/desk drawer duty and they rarely get used. I was recently on the "hunt" to replace a M36 I sold off several years ago when funds were tight......they started popping up all over the place once I was ready to buy; prices ranged between $225-$320.....ALL in excellent condition. I saw some nice, older model 60's recently for about $325....that's a good buy !
If you are concerned about "hammer snag" a good smith can bob the hammer......... and there you are !

- regards

 

[Ala Dan]

Between the two selections you mentioned in the opening thread, the
Rossi wins hands down; as the newer Charter's just are not what they
are cracked up too be~!

 

[kimbernut]

Carry Revolver

Hold out for the S&W,or a Colt ,or a Ruger. IMHO Unless it was a last resort I would not trust a Rossi or a Charter Arms to defend my life. I have seen them both shot loose and jambed up so tight the cylinder would not turn. Yes they will fix them but if it happens in a defense situation you may not care anymore.

 

[MCgunner]

Hold out for the S&W,or a Colt ,or a Ruger. IMHO Unless it was a last resort I would not trust a Rossi or a Charter Arms to defend my life. I have seen them both shot loose and jambed up so tight the cylinder would not turn. Yes they will fix them but if it happens in a defense situation you may not care anymore.

Do you trust your life to a Kimber, kimbernut? I wouldn't. I've seen too many of 'em that were jammamatics to trust one. Okay, I'm being sarcastic, I know guys with good Kimbers, but I also know a few that were taken back for refunds. With 1911s, that seems to come with the territory, though. Been there done that with other brands. I own two Rossis now and they've never NOT gone bang. They're revolvers, after all. The only revolver I ever owned that was THAT bad was an RG, nuf said?

If a Rossi shot loose prematurely, my first question is "what was he shootin' in that thing?" and second would relate to round count. I had about 25,000 rounds through my M971 of assorted .38 and .357 magnum when I traded it. It was still tight. I had probably 7 or 8K through my M88 when I sold it, some +P stuff for which it wasn't rated, and it was still tight and accurate. I must say, I'd rather have a new Rossi than a worn out Model 10 at twice the price.... Used Smiths for any sort of affordable price are a crap shoot around here.

 

[ranger53]

There is a Rossi that been looking at real hard. It might not be worth a flip. It's a 38 spl with a 4" barrel, +p rated and what I noticed is it has a vent. rib and adjustable rear sights. It looks impressive! Like I said it might not be worth a crap, but it sure does trip my trigger as far as looks! I haven't seen any other 38 spls. with adjustable rear sights.
tommy

 

[Diamondback]

I had about 25,000 rounds through my M971 of assorted .38 and .357 magnum when I traded it. It was still tight. I had probably 7 or 8K through my M88 when I sold it, some +P stuff for which it wasn't rated, and it was still tight and accurate

I owned a Rossi M971 years a go and foolishly sold it off in a "fit" of downsizing. It was a fine revolver, and I wish I had it back. I've owned two 3" Rossi M88's and they too were reliable and accurate. My 4" stainless Rossi M518 is a 22LR....and she is pure joy to shoot.

I like the concept of the current small frame 6 shot 2" Rossi .357......it brings to mind the Colt Magnum Carry, which on the used market commands a kings random.

Rossi's are well built and trustworthy revolvers in my relatively worthless opinion.

- Regards

 

[tinygnat219]

Silly question here, you won't consider a S&W revolver because of the "lock" thing. So, you are looking at a Taurus revolver from a company that pioneered the system?

Either one is a nice revolver.

 

[coltrane679]

It is trivial to disable the lock on a S&W--Google is your friend.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I own a couple 2 inch Rossi revolvers, one stainless. Good guns and I count on them as backups.

I've only owned one Charter Arms. The old 44 Bulldog. I never had any trouble with it. Wish I still had it.

I own many S&W revolvers. Of course they are good guns.

I will not buy any new S&W with the PC lock.
At the S&W tables at the gun shows I don't slow down since they sold their soul to the devil.

 

[MCgunner]

I like the concept of the current small frame 6 shot 2" Rossi .357......it brings to mind the Colt Magnum Carry, which on the used market commands a kings random.

Yeah, if they offered it with a 3" barrel, I'd be all over it. I don't want a 2". It's a little ligher frame than a K, but a little heavier than a J, just right as Goldilocks once said. I have a 3" Taurus 66 I picked up the other day that fits the bill, though, even if it's a little heavier gun.

Rossi's are well built and trustworthy revolvers in my relatively worthless opinion.

Well, IMHO, your opinion is worth more than someone who's never actually OWNED a Rossi. I've owned 7 of 'em (includes a carbine I still have). Currently just have one 3" M68 and a M511 Sportsman .22 Kit gun. Both are very accurate. I traded my M971 for my .45 Colt stainless Ruger Blackhawk (plus a little cash), a move I do not regret. I wish I could have kept both, but I WANTED THAT .45, and it's a fantastic gun.

 

[bestseller92]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=65358580

 

[JoeG52]

Hold out for the pre-lock S&W or fix the lock with some Loctite.