I have no experience with Rossi products, so I can't comment.
I do have experience with 3 Taurus revolvers: a Model 66 6" .357 7 shot, a Model 94 4" .22 LR and a Model 431 3" .44 Special. The only bad experience I had was with the 94; it was a complete turd. Had I followed the revolver checkout at that time, I probably would have caught the problems it had before I filled out the 4473. Doh! The 94 has long since been replaced by a S&W K-22. Kinda like going from a '94 Geo Storm to a new Corvette.
The 66 was excellent mechanically, and the stainless finish was quite nice as well. Like the 94, it did show more tool marks on the exterior than a typical S&W or Ruger, particularly near the muzzle and on the frame under the cylinder. That 66 had a single action trigger almost as nice as a S&W, and the DA was very close as well. Smooth, with only a small amount of stacking. I ended up trading it for a 4" 686 about 4 years ago. I never really regreted it, up until very recently. I'm keeping my eyes open for another Taurus 66 (used, blue).
My 431 is just plain awesome, especially after I relubricated the internals. The trigger is an equal of a typical S&W, and the fixed sights are well regulated to 200 grain .44 gold dots. Like my 66, this 431 has been 100% reliable. When I get a holster for it, I'm certain this K-Frame sized gun will be a great carry weapon.
As much as I like the 5 shot .44 S&W 696, I just can't justify the price premium when I own such a nice .44 from Taurus for only $268. The fact that it is blued is icing on the cake (my personal preference).
I will say though that Taurus quality does seem to vary more than S&Ws and Rugers, from my own observations. For that reason, I tend to shy away from buying them sight unseen. But YMMV.
My beloved 3" .44 Spl 431. Not a bad looking gun for $268
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