Rossi 971

[303 hunter]

I recently picked up an Interarms era Rossi 971 .357 magnum revolver with a 2" ported barrel. It's polished stainless with unfluted cylinder.
Cylinder lockup is very tight, and it appears to have been shot very little.
What are some opinions on this revolver?

 

[Haywood]

I had a 971 2" with no compansater. It was excelant shooter and carry gun. I felt it was as good as any S&W. I was a dumb ass for selling it. At the time I felt the need to thin the herd and fund another project that never materialized. That's one of the few guns I miss.

 

[PapaG]

Have one. Way better than what they're selling now. Not my first choice for carry but goes with me in the truck every day. Likes .358156 gc over 13.5 Alliant 2400. Yeah, 2400 is "too slow" but it seems to work for me.

 

[OCM]

I got one on a trade that had a broken rear sight. Replaced the sight with a S&W L frame (?) sight that fit right in.(Rossi has a plastic notch blade). That gun has the smoothest action of any I have, including Colt and S&W. Who would a thunk it.

 

[Arizonan]

What GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!! Na. I am only joking
I bought one new in 1998. It was $219.00 with tax. I gave it to my son. It shoots good, looks good. As for accuracy. It will kill you dead on at 25-30 yard no hold over. Reliability has been spot on. It digest mostly reloaded 38 Special. But it does consume several 357 rounds. I give it two thumbs up. Bluing has stayed tremendous also. I have a model 720 in 44 Special I wouldn't part with it for anything. It is my go to ccw weapon.
I believe I got two awesome weapons for less then $500.00. Both new.
Enjoy your Rossi

 

[45tex]

I have a newer 461 .38 that I really liked. Sweet trigger. Decided to trade it one day. The buyer fired one shot and it locked up tighter than a safe. $73 to send it back. Wife did not ask just paid the FedEx a%%holes. Its supposed to be on its way back from its Florida vacation. It will be a safe queen then and worthless.

 

[303 hunter]

I shot a coyote in my back yard with the Rossi last night. WOW what a muzzle blast! Blinded me for a second, but hit the coyote in the left shoulder going clean through taking out the right shoulder, and I could've stuck my fist in the exit hole. Round was a 158 gr Hornady XTP with a stout load of H110. I think the Rossi is a keeper.

 

[ljnowell]

Have one. Way better than what they're selling now. Not my first choice for carry but goes with me in the truck every day. Likes .358156 gc over 13.5 Alliant 2400. Yeah, 2400 is "too slow" but it seems to work for me.

2400 is definitely not too slow. It's THE classic powder for 357 and all I use in magnum loads. Though with a 158gr bullet I use 14.5gr.