Rossi 971 2.5"

[catmath 1911]

Hey,
Just put a Rossi 971 2.5" on lay-a-way at the local Gunstore. Gun looked to be in very good condition, with every cylinder locking up extremely tight at full lockup. I just couldn't resit, what with the unfluted cylinder and all
Anyways, I had the Clerk remove the grips, and the gun still had residue from the packing grease(or oil), this gun is in good shape. I also scored the original box and manual.

My question is, what grips fit this gun? It has a square butt, and looks to be the same size as a K-frame S&W. Also, I have gathered that this is a decently made pistol from the limited info I have found on it. Anyone have any stories, or experiences with a Rossi 971? I am anxiously waiting till the end of the month to pick it up.

Andrew

 

[Josey]

I hate to put down your purchase but, get something else. These revolvers go out of time easily and break down on a regular basis. I wouldn't trust it. Sorry.

 

[Denmark116]

I too hate to harsh you purchase, but if it is only on lay-a-way it might not be too late to go back and get something else...

Around here the grips on the Rossi's are usually black electrical tape.... if you get my drift...

See if you can get a new or used Ruger SP101, S&W, or Taurus... You cannot go wrong with any of these... some are just more right....

Best of luck....

 

[seeker_two]

Let me be the contrary voice here....

I've owned three Rossi's before (2 3" J-frame .38's & a 971 4") and I have nothing but good things to say about them. All were accurate and reliable. Great values for little cost. The only reasons that I traded them off was that "something better" came along--even though that "something better" wasn't always better. :banghead:

That being said, I wouldn't buy a Rossi unless it was a later (1995 or newer) model. Rossi had QC problems early on, but recent models are great buys.

If I found a good deal on a Rossi snub & enough money in my pocket, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

 

[WVleo]

Hi, Bought a Rossi M971 SS 2.5 .357. It has fluted cylinder tho ! I love this revolver . Put 300 rounds of .38 and 200 rounds of .357s thru it with zero problems . The factory rubber grips make shooting the .357 comfortable. $190 otd for this pistol for a great shooter . .......WVleo

 

[tbige]

I LOVE my Rossi 3" stainless .44 Special. Way more gun than I paid for. Superb fit and finish. Think you'll be very happy.

 

[catmath 1911]

Thanks for the replies. I think that it will be all right. I checked it out pretty good, and it is built very well. There is no endshake, and hardly any horizontal movement in full lockup. The Bore was is good shape, as well as the cylinders. I found a pic on the internet of what it looks like, see below.

Also, Josey and Denmark116, have you had a bad experience with the specific revolver I purchased, or with a rossi product in general? (not a flame, just curious)

Andrew

 

[catmath 1911]

Also, does anyone know around what time the Unfluted 971 was made?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[shooter58]

You guys do realize that the Rossi's, for the past 3 or 4 years, are produced by Taurus. Taurus bought them out about 4 or 5 years ago. I have had a couple of the Rossi's and found them to be good guns.

 

[Shootcraps]

I bought a Rossi .357 snubbie about 6 years ago and it was a great gun. Really good for CCW.

 

[Josey]

Yes. I have had three. They went out of time, failed to lock up and had weak springs that couldn't ignite CCI primers. The grips fell apart and even the cylinder release latch crumbled and fell apart. I didn't know it was a solid cast piece that is pressed on, it looked like it screwed on. I have had a couple of Taurus that were good. I would pay more for a better firearm.

 

[catmath 1911]

Thanks for the replies. I hope that the revolver I bought is a good one. I used Jim March's article to inspect it, and it seemed fine. I guess time will tell.

Andrew

 

[jdmb03]

Rossi's are nice guns, I like them better than the Taurus models. I once had a 971 and it worked great. I'm looking into getting a model 720 .44 special. I think you will be happy with it.

 

[SASS#23149]

We have a rossi .44 special,and it is a good shooting gun,and well worth the money spent.I am very surprsed by the horror tales that some have posted here.I've known several people who've owned them and been happy.keep it clean inside and out and you should be a happy camper.

 

[Ala Dan]

Another Happy Camper

My wife owns a 2" stainless, square butt Rossi .38 Special
that she bought NIB in late 94 or early 95. Its a good gun
for the $208.00 she paid for it; and quite frankly I like it
much better than I do Taurus revolvers. Most likely, your
971 will serve you well?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[tbige]

jdmb03: I've sent you a PM.

 

[catmath 1911]

Thanks for the follow-up guys. I got the revolver thursday, and it shoots wonderfully. The trigger is very crisp in SA mode, and is exceptionally smooth in DA mode. The gun has tight lock-up, and all cylinder line up perfectly and lock-up tight. I noticed that the box has 1-24-94 written on the label, so I am assuming it is from around that time. I bought this pistol as a home defense revolver for the Fiance'. (I have my Glock 19 tio keep me company) It will probably see a diet of .38 spec for practice, and 38 +P for defense use. I appreciate everyone's input on this thread. Stay Safe!

Andrew