Rossi (Interarms) M88 .38SP

R

RAviles

Inactive
Hello gang!
I'm new at this so forgive me if my terminology is a little off.

I have this old revolver, over 15 years, and never used it, new in box.
It's a Rossi .38SP made by Interarms, Model M88, 2" SS, rubber grip.
I do not know a safe load for HD, and the new +P is out of the question, any suggestions. Also a good safe load for target practice.

I was wondering if it would be better to sell it a get something newer, more modern and reliable, and how much it's worth, if anything?

What do you recommend for HD, a good .357 or one of the new 9mm/357 combo revolvers?

thanks,
Rosendo
 
I don't have much use for Rossi' You're kind of between a rock and a hard spot in that the Rossi even NIB isn't going to bring much more than a couple of hundred bucks.

I'd probably sell it, add a couple hundred, and buy a used Smith or new Ruger.

Good Luck with your decision...
 
I looked on gunsamrica.com, most Rossi .38's are listed around $150. Lowest was $115, highest was $179. There were a few "flyers" listed in the $200's, and one over $300 but I think those are people with unreasonable expectations. The only actual M88 is listed at $245, but again I'm pretty sure that's a bit high based on the majority of the other listings.

I'd list it for $150 even, and buy a used 4" Ruger GP-100 in .357. Good for the range, good for home defense, lets you load cheap .38 sp for practice and a good hard hitting .357 for self defense.

Incidentally, if you're looking at home defense I'd have the revolver as backup to a 12gauge shotgun. Most people will recommend Remingto 870's or Mossberg, but I do just fine with a Winchester 120 that I bought from a pawn shop for $125.
 
First 15 years is not old for a firearm. I have a couple of revolvers I shoot regularly made in the 1930s and 1940s.
Rossi is the name of the manufactor. Interarms is the name of the company that imported the revolver to this country. The Rossi factory is located in Brazil.
A Rossi is a decent handgun. A lot of people know only the top brand names and nothing else will do for them, but there are other serviceable brands in the world. Give the Rossi a try and you may find that you don't need to get a more expensive brand.
For home defense use my opinion is that a 4 inch barrel model is a better choice than the 2 incher. If you don't plan to shoot .357 magnum ammo or haven't shot any before then there is no need to get a revolver chambered for it. The .357 magnum cartridge just isn't needed for defense against a human. The noise, recoil, and flash all work against you especially when fired in the confines of a room. The +P .38 spl cartridge makes a much better choice. Quite a few .357 magnum revolvers are kept loaded with .38 spl ammo by their owners and the vast majority of the revolvers riding in people's pockets are .38 spl revolvers.
 
I recall seeing nice looking used Rossi M88s between the $150 and 200 marks.

I am not a fan of Rossi, but I base that on other people's stories. I do not have to own a Ford Pinto to know I don't want one. My best advice is to sell the gun (expect $75-100 from a dealer) and buy a used S&W Model 10 or a used Mossberg 500 shotgun for home defense.
 
Load it with the MagTech® 158gr JHP (Standard Pressure) load. It will shoot to POA. Most of the people that bash Rossi® have never owned one.
 
Like XB said, you should sell and get a SW model 10. Would be the best move. I personally have never owned a Rossi but a close friend had one that only after a few hundred rounds, got out of time and the hammer was blown off. I just don't like possible results like that, although they can happen to all brands. The main point was that he bought it brand new and took great care of it.

Model 10


Think wisely in regards to firearms
7.62
 
Rossi M88

Thanks all for your advice.
I'm keeping it until I buy another one.
It was very hard to fing regular .38sp ammo around here in MD, all the dealers had only +P and I was afraid to load the old Rossi with them.

I found at BASS PRO SHOP a box of 20rds, Federal Premium, Low Recoil, 110 Grain Hydra-Shok JHP for $12.00. That was all they had.

I will be checking around for a S&W 10 or a Mossberg 500
The local club here have some S&W 686, 4" for $600.00. A little too much for my pocket now.

thanks again,
Rosendo
 
If it helps any, this Ruger Security Six, .38Spl. is available at Auction Arms for $275.00
attachment.php
 
Security Six

That Security Six is a pretty fair deal!

I have two and wouldn't part with either for that price!

Go Heels!
 
Rem 870 12ga

Hey fellows!
I'm back with more questions, hope you can help me out.

I'v decided to get the REM 870 12ga, 18" Barrel. There are lots of them listed in REM web site and gun shops on line.

I've found a #25077 and a #25549 that I like the best. The 5077 has like a double barrel and bigger capacity (6 rds) I think. The 5549 has 4. Both in BLACK SYN material.
Any suggestions or advice, which one is better, or doesn't matter?

Thanks
RA
 
IMO the Remi 870 is a great home defense (HD) shotgun. You can generally find them for around $250 new or less on sale and $200 used. Fundamental for any HD setup, inexpensive, a real workhouse, and very versatile with loads and you can swap out for longer barrels easily for other purposes (trap, hunting, etc.). Ammo versatily is great between buckshot and slugs for home defense and also birdshot (for small game, not HD).

The .38/.357 is great for HD also. In addition to that Ruger, Taurus makes a fine revolver with a lifetime no BS warranty in the less than $300 range. I own a .357 and have put many rounds through it with perfect performance.

Both the shotgun and revolver are no nonsense HD weapons that are extremely easy to use and are lethal with one shot, with follow up shots easy if necessary.

I don't know much about Rossi, so do some homework. If you have a gun you're not comfortable with, rather than selling it to a private person and assuming any liability, trade it to a dealer who can then decide whether to sell it to the public. You may get a few dollars less, but in the big picture the peace of mind is worth it.

Good luck
 
For H.D....dump the Rossi, buy the Remington 870. You won't be sorry and your 870 will hold it's value longer than the Rossi will.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top