Deltaboy1984
Member
It is a good looking gun and I would fix it and shoot the thing.
Tell me about this old 38 Rossi...
- Thread starter fireman 9731
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Owen Sparks
member
- Joined
- May 27, 2007
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It is a very close copy of a Smith and Wesson Model 10 so you might be able to replace worn parts. It sounds like you might be missing a spring. Do a Google search for a schematic or exploded diagram of a S&W 10 and see what you can find. If that does not work contact Taurus as they recently bought Rossi.
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fireman 9731
Member
Rossi customer service said they didn't cover any of the older imports, they referred me to M&M Gunsmithing. I found a schematic on Numrich, I think a new hand will fix the problem.
Hondo 60
Member
Please update this thread when you get the parts.
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fireman 9731
Member
Well I got the part in the mail friday and tried working on it this morning... No luck.
M&M gunsmithing sent me a 3 pin hand which I didn't think was right but tried it anyway. With a little fitting it was functioning pretty well. Then I put the sideplate back on and it was all bound up. Wouldn't function at all.
So then I ground off the 3rd pin thinking it couldn't fit in the slot on the side plate that it rides in. I made it the exact same shape as my old hand..... And.... its back to square one. It wont cycle the cylinder when the gun is pointed up.
Numrich needs better pictures and parts schematics... My original hand looks like the one in the schematic but it doesn't work. The 3 pin hand made sense from a function standpoint but they don't have a picture of it.
So I guess I need a "new style small frame 3 pin hand" like the one I got before and fit it properly. Maybe it was too thick. I thinned it down some but maybe it wasn't enough...
Any ideas?
M&M gunsmithing sent me a 3 pin hand which I didn't think was right but tried it anyway. With a little fitting it was functioning pretty well. Then I put the sideplate back on and it was all bound up. Wouldn't function at all.
So then I ground off the 3rd pin thinking it couldn't fit in the slot on the side plate that it rides in. I made it the exact same shape as my old hand..... And.... its back to square one. It wont cycle the cylinder when the gun is pointed up.
Numrich needs better pictures and parts schematics... My original hand looks like the one in the schematic but it doesn't work. The 3 pin hand made sense from a function standpoint but they don't have a picture of it.
So I guess I need a "new style small frame 3 pin hand" like the one I got before and fit it properly. Maybe it was too thick. I thinned it down some but maybe it wasn't enough...
Any ideas?
pinstripe
Member
If it were mine, i'd leave it as is. Looks great with those grips. looks like it suppose to. I love used revolvers and handguns.Not all of the pistols in the world can be safe queens. 
Cocked & Locked
Member
that
No, it is legal. If the gun didn't come with a serial number from the factory, it is legal and you are fine owning it. It is the precursor to the Rossi M68. They are great revolvers and are fairly accurate. I had the M68 for a lot of years and ended up having to sell it for bills. Never got to replace it.
I also had a M99 in .32 S&W. It was a stainless steel revolver and I gave it to my oldest daughter when she left home.
I also had a M99 in .32 S&W. It was a stainless steel revolver and I gave it to my oldest daughter when she left home.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I agree you should leave it as-is. Old guns can look old and I kinda like that look more than trying to fix it. It has character so don't ruin that... lol
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fireman 9731
Member
Yes I'm fine with leaving it how it is, I just want to fix it first!
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fireman 9731
Member
Anybody?
RevolvingGarbage
Member
It sounds to me like you are missing some kind of forward spring tension on the hand. If it doesn't engage when pointed up, that would indicate that that hand is simply resting at its rearward most position when it should be forward. Do schematics show any springs interacting with the hand in any way? It could also be a detent that is powered by a spring which engages the hand, which might not be as apparent in the schematics.
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fireman 9731
Member
There is a spring loaded bar that the 3rd pin rode on that kept it in position.
The 3 pin hand that I got makes sense. I just don't know why the original hand wouldn't of had the 3rd pin, and why the schematic would show a picture of only a 2 pin hand...
The 3 pin hand that I got makes sense. I just don't know why the original hand wouldn't of had the 3rd pin, and why the schematic would show a picture of only a 2 pin hand...
Fishslayer
Member
I'd leave it. It has a great patina without being rusted out.
And yes... those grips do have a lot of character. I like 'em.
MCgunner
Member
I'd just use it as is with new hand as a beater. Old Rossis shoot very well. I have a M68 circa 1981, 3" barrel, shoots POA and 2" groups at 25 yards benched. It's pristine, beautiful blued finish and fit is wonderful compared to SOME of the early 90s Rossis I've owned. It could pass for a Smith and Wesson M36.
Deltaboy1984
Member
I would take it to a Smith to get fixed and shot the snot out of it.
charlie fox
Member
Its an older model 68, the "newer" models (80's vintage) had flat cylinder releases. The guns were built originally for the Brazilian civilian market only in .32 Long as .38 Special was restricted to government use only. The early imports were made with a softer metal, which is probably why you're experiencing the issue you have; too many rounds will move the gun's guts around a bit. A competent gunsmith should be able to repair the problem and parts are available. I had 3 Rossi 38's and put lots of rounds through them without any issues. Good luck!
Mauser lover
Member
Is it close enough to a S&W to use a S&W part? If it isn't, could you make your own part?
I wouldn't cold blue it.
I would use this.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/55...reaser-2-1-2-oz-liquid?cm_vc=2020BrandPopProd
I wouldn't cold blue it.
I would use this.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/55...reaser-2-1-2-oz-liquid?cm_vc=2020BrandPopProd
MCgunner
Member
I know a Smith K frame firing pin fitted to my old 971 I had. They're pretty close replicas of the Smith, in the case of the 68, a Smith 36. If a Smith part don't fit, it might be "fitted".
I second the gunsmith thing. It'd be worth fixing for a beater .38 IMHO.
I second the gunsmith thing. It'd be worth fixing for a beater .38 IMHO.
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fireman 9731
Member
I'm waiting on parts again and will update in a few days hopefully.
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fireman 9731
Member
She lives!
After parts chasing and head scratching I just hadn't put the thing back together right!
It did need a new hand. The two pin type. I just hadn't been getting the little second pin under the little hand spring in the trigger. After finally getting it all apart and back together she is as good as new!
As a result I have a few extra new parts, If anybody needs a "new small frame 3 pin" type hand, or a new small frame 3 pin hand that has been made to work as an old style 2 pin hand, or a hand spring, I have them!
Thanks for the help and input, I am going to enjoy this ol' gal in all of her patina and funny grip glory.
After parts chasing and head scratching I just hadn't put the thing back together right!
It did need a new hand. The two pin type. I just hadn't been getting the little second pin under the little hand spring in the trigger. After finally getting it all apart and back together she is as good as new!
As a result I have a few extra new parts, If anybody needs a "new small frame 3 pin" type hand, or a new small frame 3 pin hand that has been made to work as an old style 2 pin hand, or a hand spring, I have them!
Thanks for the help and input, I am going to enjoy this ol' gal in all of her patina and funny grip glory.
Carl N. Brown
Member
I have found serial numbers on older revolvers in the oddest places. Including hidden under the grips. Or on the bottom of the butt. Besides, ATF has recognized that serial number obscured or worn down by decades of use or corrosion or wear is not the same as deliberate obliteration.
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