Okay, so here is the deal, I have owned dozens of revolvers mostly S&W and Rugers. Unfortunately I let all of them go over the last several years. I currently own only one, a S&W model 60 Lady Smith 357 mag. I have been on the lookout for more affordable revolvers. I came across an Amadeo Rossi, 5 shot, stainless steel revolver in 38 S&W. I had the chance to shoot it and it was incredibly accurate and smooth. I have shot S&W, Taurus and Rugers that weren't as smooth, accurate and tight as this gun. It is what I would call a J-frame size gun though I forgot to get the model number. What do you guys know and think of these revolvers?
Rossi revolver quality?
- Thread starter CZ223
- Start date
- Status
351 WINCHESTER
Member
I have shot Rossi and they are very smooth. Different design than S & W, Colt or Ruger, but they are cheap revolvers. I would not trust my life to one if I had the funds to purchase a better gun.
I've owned Colt, Charter, Rossi, Ruger, Smith, and Taurus.
All have worked flawlessly.
In fact, I've seen a lot of J frames that had factory triggers actually inferior to a Rossi or Taurus. Triggers so bad, I'd be ashamed to call it a Smith.
Then, you've got Smiths like my 586. It has a trigger that puts most revolvers I've shot to shame.
All have worked flawlessly.
In fact, I've seen a lot of J frames that had factory triggers actually inferior to a Rossi or Taurus. Triggers so bad, I'd be ashamed to call it a Smith.
Then, you've got Smiths like my 586. It has a trigger that puts most revolvers I've shot to shame.
My only Rossi is the R44102. Great gun so far. Painful will .44 mag loads but .44 special feels great and it still flings a big chunk of lead downrange.
The bluing is pretty good and so is the overall quality. Based on my personal experience I'd say they're pretty underappreciated.
The bluing is pretty good and so is the overall quality. Based on my personal experience I'd say they're pretty underappreciated.
hAkron
Member
I have a Rossi 720 (3" 44 special) and a Cyclops. Both are pre-Taurus but modern era guns (Interarms imported). Both are very nice guns.
Last edited:
wnycollector
Member
I own a newer 4" Rossi R98 .22 and a mid 1980's 3" Taurus 431 44 special. Both are good shooters with smooth triggers.
My Rossi M720 bobbed hammer model was searched out for years, and I finally found it. It is a 5 shot .44 Special, and is accurate, trigger of glass, and frankly is the best carry revolver I own.
I have had several people try to buy it on the spot. I won't sell it.
I have had several people try to buy it on the spot. I won't sell it.
frankiestoys
Member
Like so many others I too have owned or still do S&W,Rugers, Colts and even a few second shelf revolvers like Armcor ,EAA and a Rough Rider but never a Rossi/Taurus but I have considered them I recently looked at the 2 and 3" Rossi models offered by Academy Sports there prices were good and tempting after handling them I was slightly impressed with fit and finish but still not in league with my beloved Ruger's and Smith's . I ended up with a great deal on another J frame for edc .WTS I have a thing for less expensive firearms and don't mind trying one out as long as I can sell/trade it if I choose ...so if you choose buy it ! Who knows it might be a little gem.
JB357MAG
Member
I have a Rossi j frame .38 in stainless from
about 1980 M88-2.
Its been flawless for me, carry it a lot.
Jimmy
about 1980 M88-2.
Its been flawless for me, carry it a lot.
Jimmy
The 1990s Alexander Arms distributed IMO. The Brazilian Taurus I have is nice, but the trigger is like a brick. The Rossi M720 .44 SPC has a trigger like warm butter. Even my 66 year old mother with server arthritis can pull the DAO trigger. She cannot even make the Taurus move the hammer.
IMO the older Rossi's are just great shooting revolvers.
And if you read my earlier posts, you would have noticed that my post did reveal which I thought was better, but....
IMO the older Rossi's are just great shooting revolvers.
And if you read my earlier posts, you would have noticed that my post did reveal which I thought was better, but....
Each individual gun is different. I checked the lock up of a dozen revolvers today, and the best was a Colt, and S&W, I hate to sound like a cliché but the Taurus and Rossi were sloppy, as was the Charter arms.
I would have liked for them not to be so I could save $200 on a revolver, but that;s not the case.
Put the gun in lockup, The website below will explain the various tests you may do while still at the counter. You need not do them all, but check the lockup and head space, it only takes a minute, and the guy will respect you a lot more.
http://thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html
I would have liked for them not to be so I could save $200 on a revolver, but that;s not the case.
Put the gun in lockup, The website below will explain the various tests you may do while still at the counter. You need not do them all, but check the lockup and head space, it only takes a minute, and the guy will respect you a lot more.
http://thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html
Thanks for all the responses
I did look up a lot of pics on line. I believe it is a model 88 but am not totally sure. I hope to check it out today. From what I gather from this thread so far I am not taking a big risk with this revolver. It is tight and smooth and accurate and pretty well finished so I am going to pick it up. Now what I would like to know is which grips will fit it? Are the frames close enough to a Smith that Smith grips will fit properly?
I did look up a lot of pics on line. I believe it is a model 88 but am not totally sure. I hope to check it out today. From what I gather from this thread so far I am not taking a big risk with this revolver. It is tight and smooth and accurate and pretty well finished so I am going to pick it up. Now what I would like to know is which grips will fit it? Are the frames close enough to a Smith that Smith grips will fit properly?
Here is some information. I didn't read the entire thread, but it may contain what information you seek if not. Google should. 
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/r...rossi-rubber-grips-model-m-88-38-special.html
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/r...rossi-rubber-grips-model-m-88-38-special.html
krupparms
Member
I have owned & worked on some of the older Rossi Rov.s . I have had about 5 now, but sold them. Something I regret as they were fine guns. The first one's I came across were rough but then production got pretty nice & they got a good reputation. But after they were sold to Taurus I am not sure . Taurus was making revolvers but I heard they were going to start building all the revolvers at the Rossi plant. I do not know for sure. Maybe someone can tell us? I do know that I would buy one if they are being built like the last one I got. I think it was a 971 VRC, 4" BL. SS .357 MAG. It was very nice . D.A. was perfect as was S.A. . My opinion nice guns before Taurus, now?
- Status
