Just found a Rossi 720...

[Lucky 7]

Wandered into my favorite LGS today and surprise a Rossi 720 for $225. The timing, trigger, and fit were good to go so I put it on layaway (will pick it up in 2 weeks).

I was wondering how people received this gun and how they hold up in the long term. Also, since I reload (and the .44Spl is an iconic reloader's cartridge) does anyone have pet loads for the .44 Special they would mind sharing?

Regards,
Lucky

 

[RidgwayCO]

Nice snag on the Rossi. I think you'll like it.

I've had my M720 since 1996, and it's performed flawlessly. As far as reloads, I like mine with lead bullets weighing 200gr or less. 6.1gr of Trail Boss under a 200gr LRNFP bullet has proven to be accurate and comfortable, especially in the 30oz M720. YMMV.

 

[MCgunner]

I've owned 7 rossi handguns over the years, still have 2. The one problem I've had was a firing pin that broke on a 971. A smith fitted a K frame firing pin to it and fixed it. It was an old interarms gun bought in the early 90s. Firing pins have been about the only issue I've heard about with the Rossis. Seems to STILL be an issue, but it's an easy fix for a good revolver smith.

If you like the big bore, go for it. It's a good gun.

 

[snooperman]

I had one years ago and wish I had it now as..

it is a fine 44 special. I think you will also like it.

 

[Lucky 7]

MCGunner:
I'll be sure to double check the firing pin. Thanks for the heads-up.

Ridgway:
Did you ever happen to use TiteGroup or Unique with you loads? (J/W as that's what I have on hand) Also, you've put me at ease about the durability of the gun a bit (overall). Even at a low round count per year (less than 2-500rds/yr), I'd say your sample has held up well.

Regards,
Lucky

 

[RidgwayCO]

I've used both TiteGroup and Unique in my .44 Special reloads.

Unique is a classic .44 Special powder and performs well, but I've had problems with metering. I do have Unique on my powder shelf, but don't use it much except for handgun shotshell loads, or for testing.

On the other hand, I'm not a fan of TiteGroup. It's very dense and dark, and a double charge (or triple charge in some cases) could be difficult to spot. It also has produced some of the most tenacious brown stains I've ever seen on brass. They almost look like a lacquer, and I became concerned that if they were staining the brass that badly, what were they doing to the chamber? I have a small amount of TiteGroup remaining, and it'll likely be feeding the lawn soon...

 

[Arizonagunrunner]

720 is Awesome!

My 720 was new when I got it. I carry it as a ccw in a Ted Bourdon holster. I carry Blazer Gold Dots in 200 grn for personal defense. I also reload my own. I shoot 200 grn roundnose. My load is 6grn of Unique. It is a nice stready load. Not hot, and not a squib either. My 720 is a fixed sight/bobbed hammer version. I love it. I also have a Taurus 431. I carry it as well ccw. I think the 44 Special is A#1 for a self defense caliber. I know if I have to ever shoot someone, this combination will do the job.
Good luck, and happy shooting

 

[Lucky 7]

AZGunRunner
That's exactly the info I was looking for, thank you. BTW, what kind of holster do you pack your Rossi in (IWB, pancake, crossdraw, etc) and how's the recoil with the Gold Dots (.38+P, .357, .45ACP, etc range)?

Regards,
Lucky

 

[Arizonagunrunner]

I carry the Rossi in a Ted Bourdon holster. It has a forward cant to it. It is like a high rise that hugs the body. It is great for my ccw. The Gold Dots shoot with authority. Similar to shooting a 45 ACP from a 5in . Shooting the reloads I make are like a stout 38 special +p.
I alternate my Rossi and Taurus for my ccw. I feel totally comfortable packing the "Big Bore" Special around. Anyone ever tells you that you are undergunned packing the Special, excuse yourself from that conversation.

 

[Lucky 7]

Great info. I shoot a couple thousand .45s and .38/.357s a year out of various makes so no worries, just more of the same.

Turns out Hoffners doesn't make an IWB for the Rossi so looks like I'll be tapping Ted Bourdon for a pancake rig.

Also, know anything about the Hornady 165gr? Saw these at a LGS for ~$1/rd...

Regards,
Lucky

 

[Arizonagunrunner]

no. I no nothing about them. Iprefer 200 grainers for the 44 special. Especially the 720 and 431

 

[dallascj]

Good find on the 720. I have one that I carry in a Tucker Revolver Texas Heritage IWB holster and I am surprised how comfortable this gun is to carry. The factory grips are also comfortable to shoot and tuck against my side really nicely when carried. You will love that gun.