Taurus/Rossi

[KahrKarrier]

As a kid growing up in S. Florida, Taurus and Rossi pistols were looked upon as junk. Today it seems Taurus has overcome this reputation and is producing some really good revolvers at a reasonable price.
I would like to know if the Rossi side of their jointly owned company is enjoying the same improved reputation. As I study their individual websites, I see that the Rossi Revolvers are slightly cheaper and have a big plus factor over their Taurus cousins in that Rossi 2" revos are six shooters.
Can anyone speak from experience with late model Rossi revos about their quality and reliability?
Thanks----Jed

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've never had either as they're not allowed in my state. My gun shops HATES Taurus and are glad not to have to deal with them anymore. I did hear they made improvements but problems linger. I personally don't like their pistols and since I have three Berettas -- why bother with a poor copy? The revolvers I'd be interested in buying though as S&W no longer makes blue revolvers. I hear the revolvers are better than the pistols for quality -- but again, problems linger. You'd be taking a chance with either Taurus or Rossi. For quality, stick with Ruger or S&W.

 

[Drakejake]

I understand that quality has been variable over the years, but my three Taurus revolvers and one Rossi have worked fine. The finishing is excellent and prices are reasonable. Several years ago I got a new stainless Rossi .357 for about $250. I have shot these revolvers only sparingly.

Drakejake

 

[Drakejake]

Another thought. Taurus has been, along with Smith and Wesson, one of the leading innovators with revolver models. They have revolvers in alloy and titanium. They have produced a .45ACP revolver and at least have promised 9MM, .17 HRM, and .22 (?) bee. They also make very heavy models and ones with long barrels for hunting.

Drakejake

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Never had a Rossi. I've had 3 Taurus revolvers and 3 autos. I still have 2 or each. Mine are well made and work well within their intended roles. Workmanship is very good, but still not up to S&W. Taurus seems to have a bit more QC issues (Millenium series, for instance) than I'd like to see, but I would not have a problem buying another one. I'm looking to get a Taurus 445 next. From what I've heard Taurus edges out Rossi as far as quality goes, but Rossi has some interesting designs too. They just don't look as refined as their Taurus counterparts. Likewise, Taurus revolvers don't seem to be as refined as equivalent S&Ws.

 

[wunderkind]

Imitation=flattery

I'm the proud owner of 2 Rossi 68 .38 snubs. Smooth DA, SA like a 'glass rod.'

Also have a Taurus 82 M&P copy. It's a 4" blued .38 spl. I call it my Barney Fife gun-it's classic looking and could have been in a cop/guard holster from about 1900 to 1990.

It has Pachmayrs on it, so it's not immediately apparent that it's a Taurus. There's ALWAYS someone at the range that wants to try it-and they always think it's a Smith! Many have commented on the nice trigger, and asked if I had it worked on (I haven't).

When I tell 'em it's a used Taurus that cost me all of $165.00 they can't believe it.

 

[Ala Dan]

I know of two good examples of the Rossi revolver's. The
first one is my wife's 2" barrel model 88 (I think ?). It is
the stainless steel, square-butt model that rivals Smith
& Wesson's model 36 Chief's Special of the same design.
Any how, fit and finish on this weapon is above average;
nearly perfect! I haven't shot it, so I can't speak
on the order of its double-action, accuracy, etc.

The second example is a friend of mine's Rossi model 971
(here again, I believe that's correct) 4" barrel, target
sighted .357 magnum. He owns many Smith & Wesson's;
but raves about the accuracy of this Rossi 971! Again, I
can't address the issue, cuz I have not shot it.

But, if these two are examples in the positive form; then
maybe their quality is on the up swing?

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

 

[Arub]

I bought a Rossi 462, 2" six shot stainless revolver about 2 years ago. Trigger rivaled a Smith, both single and double action - smooth and light. After using it for defensive competition I found that it had a timing problem with very fast, quick double action shooting. Primer strikes were very much off center to the point that I had some failure to fires and action jams. Sent the revolver back to Rossi twice, with a full explanation of the problem and sample casings with the off center strikes and double strikes (first attempt to fire was off center to the point the primer would not ignite, second time was a slow trigger pull pretty well centered). To make a long story short, their turn around was quick, but their repairs were ineffective, if they did anything. I subsequently destroyed the gun rather than sell it to some unsuspecting person who might have it jam in a real world defensive scenario.

If you are considering a small, defensive .38 or .357 I suggest you look at the Ruger SPs (5 shots) or the Smith 66 (6 shot, K frame).

 

[10-Ring]

I have owned 2 Tauri, one of their first 380's & still have a 4" 22lr mod 94 revo. Sold the semi auto & still have the 94. The trigger was originally heavy & gritty. Over the years, it has gotten smoother, but is still HEAVY. I have tried a couple of newer examples of Tauri & find they have inconsistent QC...if you find a good one, you'll find none better
As for Rossi, I have only shot one revo...a 4" 38 special. I only shot it one time & it was just okay.

 

[yotehunter]

I have owned a few Taurus revolvers over the years, I currently own a Raging Bull 454. The fit and finish is excellent and it is probably the most accurate handgun I own.
I always look at the taurus's when the local shops get them in and they always look good. Your gunna find good and bads examples in any brand, I will not mention them here because I dont want a flame war going on. Lets just say I have bought better and worse hanguns by the other more popular brands. The best you can do is check it out before you buy, if it all looks good then it will probably be ok.

 

[AUTIGER04]

S&W has been coping Taurus for a while now.

 

[smooth operator]

I've got a 971 & a 461, Both real good guns. Rossi only makes a few models & sometimes that's good. The design is dated but proven. Sometimes I think Taurus cranks out so many new models that there's not a chance to get it right-so to speak

 

[BryanP]

I've never owned a Rossi, but I own 3 Taurus revolvers - a 617S, a 66SS and a 94. All 3 have functioned flawlessly. Are they perfect? No. But they work and they work well.

 

[The Reverend]

Quality

I too have heard the negatives some in the gunshop use on the customers who ask questions about one of the revolver imports. In fact, I can't think of a single positive comment from someone behind.

I began to ponder and consult the forums online and it was a night and day comparison. Many of the owners/users of the foreign made revolvers love them and speak positively of them. Remember, and I say this not to disparage the folk who own and work at traditional storefronts, they are there to earn a living. Everything they do is to that end. Rossi and Taurus weapons are priced at a very competitive level, so the margin above the wholesale cost is marginal. Colt, Ruger, S&W, among others tend to have a greater margin of profit built in to their prices. So if I am a dealer, I am going to want to steer you away from the "lesser" brands so that I can make more green.

Because we are dealing with a product that is typically designed to be used for home/personal defence, some (not all) will verbally tear apart these weapons to accomplish the goal of getting you the buyer to begin considering the "better" brands. To me this is fear mongering and I personally think it stinks..but such is life.

A good piece of advice to remember is this... GET YOUR INFORMATION FROM ONLINE SIGHTS LIKE THR!!!

Ask the users of these products what they think, and go to the store, if that is where you like to spend your money knowledge in hand and pick out your gun. For me I have opted out of the gun store world and make all of my purchases at online auction sights. LESS muck to wade through.

From my perspective the Rossi M971 and the Taurus 85 I owned were just as good as the more expensive "American" counterparts. They functioned, they never failed, and they came with good warranties, if I encountered a problem.

JMHO, FWIW

God Bless!

 

[Okiecruffler]

The wife carries a Rossi M88 that IIRC I bought new in '94. It's pretty much the only pistol she shoots, and I honestly don't know how many thousands of rounds we've put thru it. Action is still as tight as it was out of the box, althought the trigger has gotten quite abit better. It's the most accurate snubbie I've ever owned, and I've toted around S&W and Colt's from time to time. Granted, most of what has been shot thru it has been my WC handloads, but it's been fed more than it's share of +P as well. Fit and finish are quite nice, tho' to be honest I have seen some Rossis with some cosmetic flaws.
When I decided to switch back to a revolver for CCW, I tried everything I could get my hands on. I settled on my Taurus 650. I have a few thousand rounds thru it with no problems, and while it's not as accurate as the wife's Rossi, it will print all 5 into 3 inches at 15 yrds. It will suffice.
My Dad's truck gun is a Rossi 971 that he swears by. It cracked the plastic front sight after about 3 boxes of Golden Sabres, but dad refuses to get it fixed. He doesn't see the point of sights if he isn't shooting past 10 yrds anyway.

 

[22luvr]

Owned 2 Taurus revolvers and a Rossi....

My two Taurus revolvers were first-rate in fit, finish, reliability and performance. (Model 85 and 605) I'd recommend them anytime.

I currently own an older model Rossi model 677 .357 mag 6-shot revolver which has a buttery smooth trigger and is remarkably accurate.

No complaints here......

 

[Black Snowman]

Other than the porting making it a SOB to clean I really like my Taurus 669 (Ported .357 with a 6" barrel). It's got a great single action trigger and, though heavy, the double action is smooth. Only problems I've had with it was the cylinder release screw kept backing out (fixed with Locktite) and I have just noticed a slight gap where the pieces of the frame come together on the right side.

I don't seem to remember that when I got it but I've put a lot of full-power H110 158 grain bullet loads through this gun and one accidental double charge of Universal Clays behind a 158gr Raiener while pin shooting. THAT was exciting. First thing the timer said was "Well, there's your test load. You know the gun is solid because you still have your hand." I had even hit the pin, the bullet when straight through and barely made it rock.

I've thought about selling it but I know I'll never get the money out of it I have in and right now it's my only revolver and my only .357.

 

[Snowdog]

I believe the primary reason why many shops don't care much for Taurus products may be due to the (totally subjective) "inadequate" profit margin.
It's hard to make a bundle of money off an inexpensive handgun.

As for my own personal experience, I have been fairly pleased with my Taurus revolvers and automatics. Heck, my PT-99 still serves as my nightstand pistol.
When it comes to the world of revolvers, I hold in firm belief that the Taurus M85 exemplifies all the virtues of one heck of a deal. It easily presents itself as one of the best values on the market even today. The M85 served as my first CCW handgun and has since appreciated much sentimental value.

 

[RJ likeguns]

I had a stainless 85 that I sold recently. I wanted to keep it but sold it to a friend. I just picked up a used 605 SS today and am very pleased with it. Including shipping, I have under $200.00 in it.

I also agree with some shops not liking the Taurus line due to profit. Around here, Taurus and Rossi are hot sellers due to the lower price.

 

[1badmagnum]

I have owned many taurus pistols and revolvers,and have no complaints.
they perform well for their pricing,and their lifetime warranty is valid even with a used purchase.I personally have never yet needed any serice,but my gunshop has no problems getting guns returned promptly.
I have heard its better to have your local shop send it in for service than sending it yourself.
my scoped 454 raging bull is deadly accurate at my 170 yd outdoor range.

 

[PawDaddy]

I had a blued Rossi two inch .38, don't remember the model. And, a ss .357 with 2" barrel; the model 877.

The .38 had a very deep blued finish that was beautiful. It shot well, but was heavy. The .357 was a handfull with mags.

I traded both guns, and like all the others that I've traded, have come to regret it.

My current carry gun is a 3" stainless Taurus 85. It is a pre-hammer safety model that will handle +p ammo. I like it alot. Very accurate.

 

[WonderNine]

S&W no longer makes blue revolvers.

Really?

I had a Taurus Titanium .41 mag snub (415T) that developed a cylinder/timing problem after only about 200-250 rounds. I'm a little leary about Taurus revolvers, but I like the idea of the new 9mm revolver they're coming out with.

I wouldn't even consider buying a Taurus auto. What's the point when there are so many better autoloaders out there?

 

[caz223]

I'd personally go for an older used S&W revolver with some visible finish wear, if it checked out ok, rather than Taurus/rossi.
I have hoped again and again that Taurus had got their act together by now, but they kinda dropped the ball a few too many times.
I like their guns, but none of the examples that I have personally owned have lived up to my expectations.
It's a lack of soul, or something similar.
Generic styling, tactile blandness, like warm coffee.
There are just too many guns that I want to justify experimenting with stuff I don't identify with.
There, I said it.
You guys can get good ones from them, but I know that if they made 99,999 good ones, and one bad one, I could prolly find the bad one, and buy it without trying.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

I own three Taurus Revolvers...

A "Total Titanium" 85 snub, a model 731UL (.32 H&R Magnum), and my favorite~~A "Multi-Alloy UL" 85 which I shoot the best. I got them in the order listed. The thing I've noticed about Taurus revolvers is that each one I've obtained is a little better than the last one. So, it seems to me that Taurus is striving to build better pistols as time passes. My wife has taken the Total Titanium for her purse gun. (What was I going to say, "NO"?~She asked, so I gave.) The titanium parts on the Multi-Alloy look far better than Smith's titanium. More finished, slicker and more "polished". Plus, it locks up as tight as my gunsafe. IMHO, the triggers on each revolver feel better than their more expensive competition.

KR