Quality of Rossi Revolvers

[Olympus]

I've tried searching but haven't found anything addressing this. I may haven't tried the right combination in the search box. But I'm making this thread anyway. I've never owned a revolver, but I think it might be time for me to diversify. I know Smith revolvers are supposed to be top-notch and I will probably end up getting one of them anyway.

But I wanted to ask about the quality and reliability of the Rossi revolvers. I don't know anyone that has one to ask what their opinion is of them. I know plenty of people with Taurus revolvers, but none that shoot Rossis. I'm completely in the dark about revolvers, especially barrel lenghts. But I saw a Rossi in .357 at a gun shop that might have been a snubbie or maybe just a little longer. It had the barrel compensated which I thought was a cool idea. But I don't know if that was custom done or what. I haven't found any information about Rossi offering a compensated factory option. I thought it might be a good revolver to start with and the ole lady has always wanted a revolver. I thought maybe the comp would make it a little easier for her to shoot as well. Does anyone know if it's a specific model or it's custom?

What about Rossi in general?

 

[Cougfan2]

In my experience, Rossi's are probably a cut below Taurus in quality although they are certainly serviceable revolvers. The fit and finish is generally not as good as Taurus. As far as a compensated barrel on a snubby, I personally think it is a bad idea from a tactical standpoint. While it may help tame recoil, most self defense situations, particularly in the home, take place at night or in limited lighting conditions. Touch off that snubby in the dark and the flash from the ports is likely to blind you for a few seconds. Not a good thing in that situation. Better off to practice with some light .38 spl target loads and work her up to heavier loads.

My two cents worth.

 

[Olympus]

But is it a factory model or is it custom done? I don't know if you'd call it compensated or ported. The end of the barrel has and square corner notched out of both sides with several holes drilled into the bottom edge the length of the grove. It looks like wasn't done by any amateur that's for sure.

The price they had on it was $325. I'm assuming that's a market, but how much of one?

 

[Storm]

I was just in a shop this morning and another customer showed me his Rossi. It was a stainless 4" .357 with a full underlug, unfluted cylinder and heavy rib above the barrel. It was a beautiful gun with excellent fit and finish. According to the owner it is an excellent shooting gun.

I have a feeling that all Rossi's aren't created equal as this one was most impressive.

 

[ATAShooter]

Just read not long ago in American Rifleman that Taurus bought Rossi.

 

[darrellkansas]

Took my 10 day old Rossi revolver out fot the first time today.Took 100 rounds Winchester 130 gr FMJ flat nose.Out of the 100 rounds fired 6 times I tryed to co*k the hammer and it would move back about 3/8-1/2 inch and stopped,tryed the trigger and same thing.I would finish the cylinder rotation by hand and shoot until the hammer/trigger lock up happened again and again and again turn the cylinder and shoot.
Called Rossi and its going back tomorrow thru the dealer.
We will see how the Rossi cust. service is going to treat me.One thing I can say good so far is they are going to pay shipping both ways since the gun is 10 DAYS OLD.

 

[Bubba613]

I've had a couple through my shop. They are made by Taurus. Fit and finish is at least as good as Taurus. I wouldnt blow 500 rounds of 125gr .357mag through it but for a basic revolver it's fine.

 

[mbt2001]

Rossi's are fine revolvers... Not as fit as Smith's and Rugers, but perfectly fine.

I owned one Taurus Revolver and it broke before 100 rounds were through it. Neighbor had to turn a Taurus Revolver over for warranty. I am a lot more confident in Rossi than Taurus, I know they are the same company now... Hopefully they will not interfere with them too much and take something out of their book, couldn't hurt most likely will help Taurus a lot.

I own two Rossi's, my grandfather has owned 2 or more and none of them have ever missed a beat. FYI all of them have had well over 1,000 rounds through them. I would recommend them to someone on a budget in a New York minute.

I think you should buy a Ruger or Smith if you can afford it because they are US companies. Other than that, Rossi is a fine gun maker.

Just FYI, I bought both of them in the last 6 or so years, the newest about 2 years ago I believe. One 357 snub and One 38 snub... thought about buying the 6" .357...

Anyway I don't like compensated barrels, the sight picture gets obfuscated slightly and eventually there can be some fouling in that area that isn't easy to clean. IMO

 

[saemetric]

Rossi M68

I have a 2" Rossi model 68 in .38 spl. that is as good or better than any J frame Smith I've owned. Mine was made pre Taurus back in 1994. Slick action and great blueing.