Rossi?

IMTHDUKE · October 15, 2012, 10:04 AM

I am not a wheel gun guy, but and looking for a low budget gun..around $300 ....for an older woman to use as a house gun.

Question is for you wheel gun guys....What is you opinion of the Rossi?

badge851 · October 15, 2012, 10:12 AM

These folks can give you the straight skinny on Rossi® revolvers..........
• http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/

chaim · October 15, 2012, 10:52 AM

I have a Rossi 451. If you had asked about Rossis earlier when I had only shot .38spl out of it I would have praised my gun and suggested one for you. However, about a week ago, I shot a bunch of .357mag out of it and had the cylinder bind on nearly every shot. From my internet research, binding issues are common with Rossi. On the plus side, they sound like they are a relatively easy fix after which it will be a fine gun for a great price, but the odds that you'll need a fix are a bit higher than I like. So, mine is a mixed review, but you can end up with a good gun at a great price (just be aware that you might need to have a little work done).

Which model are you considering?

Oh, one more consideration, if the older woman you are shopping for has any strength or arthritis issues in her hand, you might want to consider Taurus or S&W. The trigger on mine is much heavier than the trigger on any Taurus or S&W I've ever shot.

artoo · October 15, 2012, 12:13 PM

The Rossi 851 is a good solid 4 inch barreled .38 Special +P rated gun.

The Rossi 971 is a 4 inch blued .357 magnum version.
The 972 is a stainless steel 6 inch version.

jmortimer · October 15, 2012, 12:17 PM

Check out Charter Arms - I would go there before Rossi

artoo · October 15, 2012, 12:47 PM

IMTHDUKE. Check your PMs. You might find something useful there.

Redhawk5.5+P+ · October 15, 2012, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Check out Charter Arms - I would go there before Rossi

That.

Straightshooter629 · October 15, 2012, 09:17 PM

I've been carrying a Rossi 462 (SS .357 snubbie) as my daily carry weapon for the past 7 or 8 years now, so I'm a little biased. I have fired well over three thousand rounds of varied .38 and .357 ammo through this gun and have never had a single breakage or malfunction. It has also been my camping/fishing companion and it has taken more than a couple of dunkings in a couple of my fishing holes. The rubber grips are extremely comfortable. Even though I own several other handguns, the Rossi is still my choice as a daily carry weapon. I have owned a couple of Charter Arms and IMHO, they don't compare to a Rossi.

gak · October 16, 2012, 10:17 AM

AFAIK, the Rossi 4__'s snubbies are--or have been for some time--the only small frame SIX (6) shot .357s on the market. (Armscor and Taurus have small frame six-shot .38s), and I think they've gotten mostly good reviews. They are darn close to the vaunted but oddly long-gone Colt "D" frames (an A-B comparo shows the Rossi to be. bit beefier in frame ahead of the cylinder but almost identical otherwise). I'd shoot .38s and +Ps in it mostly--as I would any .357 snub--but nice that it can "go magnum" on occasion as well. If new and $300 are your criteria, I'd give it a go. I had a pre Braztech/Taurus stainless Rossi 971 years ago that was great. I lost it in a bizarre hunting/trekking incident but still miss it.

Jeff #111 · October 16, 2012, 10:21 AM

Spend a little more. Get a used Ruger SP 101 in .357 magnum.

jasmith85 · October 16, 2012, 11:37 AM

As long as its only going to be used as a self defense gun I would recommend Rossi. I had a 461 as my car gun for a long time and never once had a problem of any kind with it. I only put around 200 rounds through it the entire time I had it though. I have read accounts of the revolvers wearing quickly, but as long as its not used as a range gun it should work fine.

Obambulate · October 16, 2012, 01:18 PM

I had the 461 for a while. It's a sturdy steel revolver and a 6-shooter, for not much money. The rubber grips work well. With .38 Specials it should last a long time and be an effective house gun.

WESHOOT2 · October 16, 2012, 09:21 PM

NOT for firing 357 Magnum, even though it can. Limit it to 38 Special and it's a better buy than Taurus.

Redhawk5.5+P+ · October 16, 2012, 09:58 PM

Buy it, if you want to be cheap. I see have have some nice semi's, and you want to cheapen your collection?

mes228 · October 17, 2012, 06:55 AM

I really like the Rossi revolvers and have had good service from them. Most I've owned have been .357, however I have fired mostly .38 special loads through them. My limited experience has been they are a fine revolver. I have an older one now that seems to be a good copy of the Smith Wesson Model 19. I like it well enough to keep it and that says a LOT for me. As I have a "trading sickness" and only keep arms I really really like.

Mystro · October 17, 2012, 01:43 PM

I bought my Dad a Rossi 357mag snubby and it is a great little gun. Surprisingly accurate. I would easily buy another one for a glovebox or fishing box gun.

FM12 · October 17, 2012, 01:56 PM

I bought my daughter a rossi in 38 spl. Nuff said.

BoomieMCT · October 17, 2012, 04:31 PM

Had a Rossi. Cylinder bound a lot with .357. Inappropriate for self defense (IMHO) as it is not reliable.

orionengnr · October 17, 2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

As long as its only going to be used as a self defense gun I would recommend Rossi.

WHAT???

You only have one life. Some people apparently do not place much value on theirs, or yours.

If it were "only a range gun" I could buy that. But "only a self defense gun"? Really?

I owned one Rossi revolver, a number of years ago. It would fire one round, and the cylinder would come un-latched and try to swing out maybe 1/8". Just enough so that a subsequent trigger pull did absolutely nothing. A good slap on the left side of the cylinder would lock it again, and you could get off another shot...and the cycle would repeat itself, every time.

If you have $300 to spend, there are a bunch of well-used, still perfectly serviceable S&W revolvers. These days, that is all I own.

My LGS has been getting and selling a bunch of 4" M64s that were owned and used by Brinks Security--they are apparently going to S&W M&Ps. My LGS was selling these M64s for $200 OTD. I have helped at least a half-dozen of these orphans find new homes. I'm not sure if they have any more, but if you pm me, I will check.

Best, Rich

jasmith85 · October 17, 2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

WHAT???

You only have one life. Some people apparently do not place much value on theirs, or yours.

If it were "only a range gun" I could buy that. But "only a self defense gun"? Really?

Did you happen to read the rest of my post? The gun worked perfectly fine for me, but since I have read a lot of reports of them wearing quickly I wouldn't recommend one if it was going to be shot a lot.

1chig · October 17, 2012, 07:20 PM

I have had a rossi for years and have shot many , many rounds of 357 down the barrel, never once has it failed. Is it a ruger?no, is it a smith?no. BUT imho, if i were going to spend 300.00 or a little more i would go ahead and get a used ruger or smith, but not because the rossi is junk

October 15, 2012, 10:12 AM	#2
badge851 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 326	These folks can give you the straight skinny on Rossi® revolvers.......... • http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/ __________________ Only two defining forces have ever died for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & Marine. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

October 15, 2012, 12:13 PM	#4
artoo Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2012 Posts: 155	The Rossi 851 is a good solid 4 inch barreled .38 Special +P rated gun. The Rossi 971 is a 4 inch blued .357 magnum version. The 972 is a stainless steel 6 inch version. __________________ NRA Life Member

October 15, 2012, 12:47 PM	#6
artoo Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2012 Posts: 155	IMTHDUKE. Check your PMs. You might find something useful there. __________________ NRA Life Member

October 16, 2012, 09:21 PM	#13
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Rossi NOT for firing 357 Magnum, even though it can. Limit it to 38 Special and it's a better buy than Taurus. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

October 17, 2012, 06:55 AM	#15
mes228 Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2005 Posts: 628	Rossi I really like the Rossi revolvers and have had good service from them. Most I've owned have been .357, however I have fired mostly .38 special loads through them. My limited experience has been they are a fine revolver. I have an older one now that seems to be a good copy of the Smith Wesson Model 19. I like it well enough to keep it and that says a LOT for me. As I have a "trading sickness" and only keep arms I really really like.

October 15, 2012, 10:04 AM	#1
IMTHDUKE Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 1,475	Rossi? I am not a wheel gun guy, but and looking for a low budget gun..around $300 ....for an older woman to use as a house gun. Question is for you wheel gun guys....What is you opinion of the Rossi? __________________ http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com Ed Brown Alpha Carry\| Sig P238, P938, P232, 1911 C3 \| Colt Defender, Mustang Pocketlite, 1911 \| Rohrbaugh R9 \| Browning, Buckmark 22LR(suppressed) \| Kahr PM9 Black Rose \| S&W\|M&P C.O.R.E RMR Trijicon \| Dan Wesson ECO

October 15, 2012, 10:52 AM	#3
chaim Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,095	I have a Rossi 451. If you had asked about Rossis earlier when I had only shot .38spl out of it I would have praised my gun and suggested one for you. However, about a week ago, I shot a bunch of .357mag out of it and had the cylinder bind on nearly every shot. From my internet research, binding issues are common with Rossi. On the plus side, they sound like they are a relatively easy fix after which it will be a fine gun for a great price, but the odds that you'll need a fix are a bit higher than I like. So, mine is a mixed review, but you can end up with a good gun at a great price (just be aware that you might need to have a little work done). Which model are you considering? Oh, one more consideration, if the older woman you are shopping for has any strength or arthritis issues in her hand, you might want to consider Taurus or S&W. The trigger on mine is much heavier than the trigger on any Taurus or S&W I've ever shot.

October 15, 2012, 12:17 PM	#5
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	Check out Charter Arms - I would go there before Rossi

October 15, 2012, 09:17 PM	#8
Straightshooter629 Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 475	I've been carrying a Rossi 462 (SS .357 snubbie) as my daily carry weapon for the past 7 or 8 years now, so I'm a little biased. I have fired well over three thousand rounds of varied .38 and .357 ammo through this gun and have never had a single breakage or malfunction. It has also been my camping/fishing companion and it has taken more than a couple of dunkings in a couple of my fishing holes. The rubber grips are extremely comfortable. Even though I own several other handguns, the Rossi is still my choice as a daily carry weapon. I have owned a couple of Charter Arms and IMHO, they don't compare to a Rossi.

October 16, 2012, 10:17 AM	#9
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	AFAIK, the Rossi 4__'s snubbies are--or have been for some time--the only small frame SIX (6) shot .357s on the market. (Armscor and Taurus have small frame six-shot .38s), and I think they've gotten mostly good reviews. They are darn close to the vaunted but oddly long-gone Colt "D" frames (an A-B comparo shows the Rossi to be. bit beefier in frame ahead of the cylinder but almost identical otherwise). I'd shoot .38s and +Ps in it mostly--as I would any .357 snub--but nice that it can "go magnum" on occasion as well. If new and $300 are your criteria, I'd give it a go. I had a pre Braztech/Taurus stainless Rossi 971 years ago that was great. I lost it in a bizarre hunting/trekking incident but still miss it.

October 16, 2012, 10:21 AM	#10
Jeff #111 Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2001 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,072	Spend a little more. Get a used Ruger SP 101 in .357 magnum.

October 16, 2012, 11:37 AM	#11
jasmith85 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 631	As long as its only going to be used as a self defense gun I would recommend Rossi. I had a 461 as my car gun for a long time and never once had a problem of any kind with it. I only put around 200 rounds through it the entire time I had it though. I have read accounts of the revolvers wearing quickly, but as long as its not used as a range gun it should work fine.

October 16, 2012, 01:18 PM	#12
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	I had the 461 for a while. It's a sturdy steel revolver and a 6-shooter, for not much money. The rubber grips work well. With .38 Specials it should last a long time and be an effective house gun.

October 16, 2012, 09:58 PM	#14
Redhawk5.5+P+ Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2012 Location: NV Posts: 743	Buy it, if you want to be cheap. I see have have some nice semi's, and you want to cheapen your collection?

October 17, 2012, 01:43 PM	#16
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	I bought my Dad a Rossi 357mag snubby and it is a great little gun. Surprisingly accurate. I would easily buy another one for a glovebox or fishing box gun.

October 17, 2012, 01:56 PM	#17
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	I bought my daughter a rossi in 38 spl. Nuff said.

October 17, 2012, 04:31 PM	#18
BoomieMCT Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Posts: 212	Had a Rossi. Cylinder bound a lot with .357. Inappropriate for self defense (IMHO) as it is not reliable.

October 17, 2012, 07:20 PM	#21
1chig Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: central missouri Posts: 246	I have had a rossi for years and have shot many , many rounds of 357 down the barrel, never once has it failed. Is it a ruger?no, is it a smith?no. BUT imho, if i were going to spend 300.00 or a little more i would go ahead and get a used ruger or smith, but not because the rossi is junk __________________ those who anger you are those who control you!!!!