Rossi cylinder tightness

[dashootist]

Saw 38spl 5-shot Rossi snubby at Academy. Guy behind the counter didn't want to unlock the trigger lock. Saw same revolver at gunshow for $200 brand new. I thought it's a spanking deal. The kid behind the counter didn't want to cut the zip tie. So I couldn't test the trigger pull. Without holding the trigger, the cylinders were very loose in rotational and end-to-end direction for brand new guns. Is the cylinder suppose to lock up tighter with trigger pulled on Rossi revolvers?

 

[dfariswheel]

No.
Most modern revolvers are deliberately designed to leave the cylinder slightly loose at ignition.
This allows the bullet passing from the chamber to the bore to force the cylinder into alignment.

The only modern DA revolvers that lock up tight when the trigger is pulled are the older Colt's like the Python and Detective Special.

However, there should be no back and forth movement of the cylinder.
This is known as cylinder end shake and is a bad thing if it gets much over detectable.

 

[dashootist]

Is 0.001 end shake considered good or bad?

 

[Kymasabe]

I had a Rossi for a few years, was ...ummmm, can't remember the model number, I think it was 851. Was a blued .38, long barrel, full underlug, vented I think, adjustable sights, finger groove grips. Paid $300 brand new and it was really a decent gun. Trigger wasn't as nice as my crusty old S&W but it still had a decent break, was accurate and comfortable to shoot. Sold it to a friend who now years later still shoots it regularly and says it's been a great gun.

 

[weregunner]

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=20084.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3639.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=27013.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9149.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=247.0
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?t=296217.0

I do not own a Rossi 351/352, but do own a Rossi 462 in .357 magnum. It is a 6 shooter and not 5 like the 351 or 352.

It mostly digests +P .38 Specials, 125 gr. .357 magnum light loads,130-140 gr. full power loads and all with no problems.

I've had my 462 for over 5 years now. It is giving sterling service.

I also like and own Taurus 856s. Both the Lyte version and the full weight model. That's 6 shots in a Taurus 85 type cylinder and frame.

 

[joepav]

This dosen't answer your cylinder question. But I have a Rossi R46102 and I love it. The only problem is that it is hard to find any co. that deal parts. Or any after market parts at all. If you need a part you have to call the H.Q.

 

[Slamfire]

This is a Rossi M88 in 38 special.

I was surprised at how accurate it was, the trigger is great and it shot to point of aim. For $188.00 it was a deal.

As to cylinder tightness, well you have to cock the thing and let the hammer forward to really tell.

These pistols were standard 38 Specials only. I called the factory center and the guy there told me of a number of Rossi's that came in with blown cylinders due to +P loads.

 

[Ledgehammer]

Where did you get the grip for you m88? I have the same gun with the checkered wood. Looks pretty good but will be more fun to shoot with the rubber style. Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Cylinder end shake of 0.0001" is good.
From your original post, it sounded like end shake was really bad.

Colt had the tightest specifications for cylinder end shake with a max of 0.0003".

As to cylinder tightness, well you have to cock the thing and let the hammer forward to really tell.

Again, this isn't how these guns work.
The only modern DA revolver that locks tighter with the trigger pulled are the older Colt's, like the Python and Detective Special.
All other DA revolvers are designed to allow the cylinder to be loose at ignition. While they may seem to lock up tighter this is nothing but pressure against the cylinder by the action. When fired the built--in backlash allows the cylinder to be loose.