Let's do the difference between an S&W and a Rossi first. Having owned several of both, the quality of materials, machining, fit and finish is vastly better on the S&W. At one time I owned several Rossis, revolvers, rifles and shotguns. I finally got tired of ill fitting parts, spotty finish and poor accuracy and sold all of them except for one 22 revolver, which I kept just as a reminder just in case I ever get the urge to buy a Rossi again. So far it's been easy to resist.
Now as far as a comparison between the two types of revolvers goes, it all depends on what you intend to do with it. A Chiefs Special is great if you plan to carry it concealed. For any other use it has a lower capacity, less velocity (that extra inch of barrel is a 50% increase in length), shorter sight radius, smaller grip, etc, etc. It might be worth it if you need to carry it in a pocket. Otherwise the larger revolver is superior in every way.
Now as far as a comparison between the two types of revolvers goes, it all depends on what you intend to do with it. A Chiefs Special is great if you plan to carry it concealed. For any other use it has a lower capacity, less velocity (that extra inch of barrel is a 50% increase in length), shorter sight radius, smaller grip, etc, etc. It might be worth it if you need to carry it in a pocket. Otherwise the larger revolver is superior in every way.
