I bought a Rossi several years ago, in fact, it was my first handgun. It is a M971 in .357 with a 2 1/2 in ch barrel, and unfluted cylinder. The grip on this gun is the absolute best revolver grip I have ever experienced. Even better than the Ruger GP-100 I now use as my primary field gun. The trigger is real smooth and the sights are pretty decent. The fit and finish is a little rough, but that is just cosmetics.
The only negatives I will mention, are 1) The Rossi med. frames have the same draw backs as S&W, Taurus, Colt. They are lightweight, making them difficult to shoot full power mags without alot of practice. 2) They are made the same way Smiths, tauri, and colt are: removeable side plates. This particular design can reduce the durablity of a revolver. Ruger wins this hands down...simply the toughest guns around.
I still have my Rossi M971. It serves as a home defence gun right now. I shoot ONLY .38 spl, or .38+p to keep wear and tear to a minimum.
I got mine for $235.00 brand spankin new 6 years ago. I once almost traded it at a pawn shop in Florida, the owner said he could only give me $99.00 for it. If that number is true, 220.00 for a 98% M971 maybe a bit high. Negotiate if you can...
Hope this info helps!!!
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"By His stripes we are healed..."
PeterGunn
[This message has been edited by PeterGunn (edited November 26, 1999).]