.38 snubs - Taurus vs. Rossi

[TheFrontRange]

A whole herd of you have cited .38 snubs as either primary and/or backup CCW pieces. I'm considering the purchase of one as a backup.

I've seen some very good used Taurus Model 85 and Rossi (not sure of their model number scheme) .38 Special snubs at some recent gun shows, just their plain-Jane blue-steel models.

Can anyone offer handling/shooting comparisons of these two? Are there any pitfalls of either model I should be aware of? Plus, do you have better recommendations for a low-priced ($200 range) .38 snub (or other caliber/action type)?

Thanks to all!

 

[10-Ring]

As long as you can inspect the prospective revolver 1st & you're happy w/ its feel & function, you should do ok. By function, I refer to the trigger...not to heavy or gritty

 

[Arub]

Dry fire before buying in a extra fast double action mode, as if you life depended on it - it might.

I bought a Rossi 642 or 462, not sure which. Felt wonderful, including grip, pointing and trigger squeeze in both DA and SA modes. DA was a slow to moderate pull while getting used to it. I used it for carry for several months. On day at the range I decided to practice defensive shooting - draw and engage multiple targets quickly in DA mode. The cylinder went out of time on several occaisions and jammed the gun on two.

Sent it back to Rossi (Braztech? now). They returned it only marginally improved. Sent it back again, still waiting on it.

Their turnaround time the first time out was stellar, they just didn't fix it. I had even included a couple of spent casings with the pin indent in the primer grossly off center is illustrate the point that the revolver would jump time. We'll see how it functions after the second trip back.

Another note, Taurus owns Rossi. Although the Rossi was less than I expected, quality wise, I have a Taurus M85UL that is tight and has not yet failed. I would still test and inspect thoroughly any Rossi or Taurus product before purchase.

 

[Nick96]

As mentioned previously, Taurus and Rossi have common ownership (kind of a Chevy Vs. Pontiac choice). From what I've read (have never owned either one), it's a mixed bag with Taurus & Rossi. Seems like 70+% of owners like them, the rest have not been satisfied.

I personally favor Rugers. The 2.25" barrel Ruger SP101 in .357 is about the size of a steel frame Taurus 85, and a few ounces heaver. If you are looking for smallest and lightest, the hands down winner is S&W J frames. I think you will find the quality of the Ruger's and S&W's to be quite a bit better than Taurus or Rossi. If funds are an issue, the Taurus or Rossi should be servicable. But if you can go the extra $100 to $200, I think you will be much happier with a Ruger or S&W in the long run.

 

[4thHorseman]

Yeah, I have to agree with Nick.

 

[Kahr carrier]

If I Had to pick I would pick the Taurus, but I prefer S&W or Ruger if you save an extra $100-$150 you can find a used S&W or Ruger Sp101 .As you were saying you wanted the snubbie as a back up gun -potentially your life could depend on it,I would trust a S&W or Ruger with my life ,I dont know about Taurus??If you buy a revolver you might want to read JIM MARCHES thread on checking out a revolver its the top thread. Happy shooting.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Thank you all very much! I'd forgotten about the possibility of an SP-101 from Ruger, that would be a great choice. I may just do some more saving and scout for one of those or a nice used Smith J-Frame as recommended.

 

[VictorLouis]

To the best of my knowledge,

Rossi still maintains an actual rebound-slide in their actions, which are essentially a clone of S&W innards. This is a valuable safety feature which is absent on all Taurus'. They depend, instead, solely on the hammer block.