Modifying Rossi .38 to accept combat grips?

fignozzle · August 29, 2002, 02:39 PM

Hi all,

I have a Rossi M33, .38 special snubby blued, with factory wood grips.
I have been told that it is *almost* a carbon copy of a Smith Model 36 (square-butt, J-frame), BUT not quite...

I want to put some "combat rubber" grips on the thing, with finger grooves.

Nobody carries aftermarket grips for the ROSSI, but there's a boatload out there for S&W... ROUND butt J-frames.

I saw a post somewhere (can't remember) about a guy who was having his J-frame converted/modified from square butt to a round-butt...

If I could do something along this line, maybe I could make some of the aftermarket combat grips work on the Rossi...

I know: alot of "if's"...

Or should I just sell it, and put the proceeds toward something else? What's it worth (it's in good shape?)

Thanks for any/all input!
Fignozzle

Alex Johnson · August 29, 2002, 03:38 PM

Rather than messing around with the frame on your Rossi, why don't you just have a set of grips fitted to the frame. It's a lot easier to remove rubber than metal and if you screw up the grips your only out $20, instead of $200. Nothing wrong with the newer Rossi's, you might even want to consider having a set of grips made for it out of wood, that's what I would do.

Lefty · August 29, 2002, 05:36 PM

You sure the rubber grips Rossi makes won't fit? I have their model 68 which also is a carbon-copy of the S&W Xhiefs Special, but uses coil springs. These were finger-grooved rubber grips that look like Pachmyer made them.

FWIW the quality on this little pistole is 1st rate. For years I only sed Smiths and then bought a Python, but I'd put the fit & finish of this Rossi up with them. I paid $150 used and felt like I stole it

!

C.R.Sam · August 31, 2002, 01:20 PM

Like Alex and Lefty said...
Don't alter the gun...
Do more grip research
And maby modify grips to fit.

Sam

Mister_Dinky · August 31, 2002, 06:22 PM

Pachmayr did make grips to fit the Rossi. I have them on mine. AFAIK they have been discontinued but some may be floating around.

fignozzle · September 2, 2002, 05:13 PM

Thanks to all of you!

I'll check with Rossi first and see if they've got something that'll fit.

If not, I'll take the consensus advice, and alter the grips and NOT the gun.

Glad you all were here to give me input on this!

Thanks again.

August 29, 2002, 02:39 PM	#1
fignozzle Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2002 Location: under the radar, near the Sunsphere Posts: 177	Modifying Rossi .38 to accept combat grips? Hi all, I have a Rossi M33, .38 special snubby blued, with factory wood grips. I have been told that it is almost a carbon copy of a Smith Model 36 (square-butt, J-frame), BUT not quite... I want to put some "combat rubber" grips on the thing, with finger grooves. Nobody carries aftermarket grips for the ROSSI, but there's a boatload out there for S&W... ROUND butt J-frames. I saw a post somewhere (can't remember) about a guy who was having his J-frame converted/modified from square butt to a round-butt... If I could do something along this line, maybe I could make some of the aftermarket combat grips work on the Rossi... I know: alot of "if's"... Or should I just sell it, and put the proceeds toward something else? What's it worth (it's in good shape?) Thanks for any/all input! Fignozzle __________________ aka Felonious Monk on THR. Love People. Use Things. Do not confuse the two. Grey Tribesman

August 29, 2002, 03:38 PM	#2
Alex Johnson Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2000 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 812	Rather than messing around with the frame on your Rossi, why don't you just have a set of grips fitted to the frame. It's a lot easier to remove rubber than metal and if you screw up the grips your only out $20, instead of $200. Nothing wrong with the newer Rossi's, you might even want to consider having a set of grips made for it out of wood, that's what I would do. __________________ I thoroughly disapprove of duels. I consider them unwise and I know they are dangerous. Also, sinful. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet retired spot and kill him. - Mark Twain

September 2, 2002, 05:13 PM	#6
fignozzle Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2002 Location: under the radar, near the Sunsphere Posts: 177	Thanks to all of you! I'll check with Rossi first and see if they've got something that'll fit. If not, I'll take the consensus advice, and alter the grips and NOT the gun. Glad you all were here to give me input on this! Thanks again. __________________ aka Felonious Monk on THR. Love People. Use Things. Do not confuse the two. Grey Tribesman

August 29, 2002, 05:36 PM	#3
Lefty Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2000 Location: Mass - the cradle of liberty!! Posts: 106	You sure the rubber grips Rossi makes won't fit? I have their model 68 which also is a carbon-copy of the S&W Xhiefs Special, but uses coil springs. These were finger-grooved rubber grips that look like Pachmyer made them. FWIW the quality on this little pistole is 1st rate. For years I only sed Smiths and then bought a Python, but I'd put the fit & finish of this Rossi up with them. I paid $150 used and felt like I stole it !

August 31, 2002, 01:20 PM	#4
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Like Alex and Lefty said... Don't alter the gun... Do more grip research And maby modify grips to fit. Sam

August 31, 2002, 06:22 PM	#5
Mister_Dinky Junior member Join Date: July 18, 2002 Location: In one of the 50 Posts: 191	Pachmayr did make grips to fit the Rossi. I have them on mine. AFAIK they have been discontinued but some may be floating around.