Opinions needed......Rossi 351?

[Goldsworthy]

I need a dedicated nightstand gun. It will probably spend most of its life being bored.

Anyway, I can afford a nice S&W (model 640 comes to mind); BUT, if I decide to buy something less expensive...say a Rossi 351...then I can also buy something I can actually enjoy out at the range with my son.

What say you? Buy the Smithy and save up for a shooter, or buy the Rossi and a second gun with the money left over?

thanks and God bless!

 

[Fremmer]

Save your money and go with a Smith or a Ruger.

 

[shockwave]

The Rossi isn't a bad choice at all. Doesn't have to spend all its time on the nightstand, either. Lots of fun to shoot at the range. For a HD gun, you can go up to at least a 4" barrel, too. The 351 is more of a CCW, and you could certainly consider the 971 for this application.

 

[gglass]

The Rossi will be a good choice, right up to the moment you need service. Be prepared for a wait time measured in months, not weeks.

Ask me how I know.

A Smith or Ruger would be a much better choice.

 

[Goldsworthy]

What went wrong with your Rossi?

 

[8emem]

My local gun shop stopped ordering/stocking Rossi's a few years ago. Too many problems with customers bringing them back. Same with Charter Arms. If you still want to roll the dice, a Taurus should fit the needs you described. If it were me I would shop around for a used Smith or Ruger, there are some deals out there. In the end, you typically get what you pay for...

 

[snooperman]

I have one and ...

can not find anything bad to say about it. I have put about 2500 reloads through it over the years and it functions very well, and the trigger is as smooth as silk now.

 

[ArmedBear]

Given various reports ranging from total non-function to perfect operation for thousands of rounds, I'd say that the Rossi doesn't have design flaws, but the company seems to have some significant quality problems. You might get a great gun, or you might not. And you might find out right away, or later.

In layman's terms: Do you feel lucky, punk? Well, do you?

 

[bflobill_69]

Do you want to put your life and the life of your loved ones in the hands of a ROSSI?

+1 S&W or Ruger...

 

[Sam1911]

Considering that you could order a security company trade-in S&W Model 64 from J&G for $249 which would be perfectly suitable for night-stand duty -- and have a gun that you and your son could quite enjoy every single range trip, and which would be something he can look forward to inheriting ... uh, Rossi?

 

[Goldsworthy]

Okay....Okay. I do not want to roll the dice.

I did just get back from the local Gander Mtn. They had a S&W 640 as well as a sp101. I held them both and really fell hard for the Smith. Guess I'll save up for it!

thanks for your input guys!

 

[ohio58]

S & W Snubby

I collect older Smith and Wesson snubbys in .38 special - i just love these little guns. My top 3 i keep close by. A model 36 no dash Chief's Special
(1971) .38, A model 60 no dash ( 1966) .38 , and a 6 shot Model 10 snub
(1962) in .38 special. If you look around, you can get a nice one in the $400 range depending where you live. I would pay the little extra to get the Smith. You really cant go wrong with these guns. Just my 2 cents worth.....

 

[DNS]

I've got a Rossi 351 and its a great carry gun - big thumbs up.
A Ruger would be a good choice as well as an old Smith.
New S/Ws scare me - talk about quality issues.

Mike

 

[GojuBrian]

I figure from what I've read, why take the chance??? Get an older smith or ruger like the good folks here are saying. It pays to listen!

 

[Goldsworthy]

Anything wrong with a new S&W?

 

[frankiestoys]

If your going to get a revolver and it's only job is to be a watchmen at your bed side, i don't see why the Rossi would be a bad choice.
With that said i don't own one, so i would recomend a Ruger sp 101 in 3''. The sp can be your friend for many jobs if you decide to take her out.
Smiths are nice i own a couple but Rugers are a better value and although some have said that Smiths are not what they use to be, i know mine haven't given me any trouble.

 

[Paladin7]

Older S&W Revolver every time...

Check out J&G Sales, they have police trade in Smiths at very good prices. Should fit the bill nicely...