ROSSI ?? ...maybe?

K

kymasabe

New member
I'm really a semiauto kinda guy but am looking for a cheap reliable gun to keep in my plumbing truck. There isn't much more reliable than a good old wheelgun so have been looking for some cheap revolvers. .38 is just fine but started thinking that maybe .357 would be better. I have a gunshow coming up locally first week of October and want to know what I want before I get there. I was looking at BudsGunShop and saw thay have Rossi .357's for around $225 new. I'm hoping I can find a price close to that at the show but need to know if Rossi is any good. I'm not "brand" loyal. If I'd be better off looking for a used Ruger or Taurus or S&W, that'll be fine too. Just don't know anything about revolvers and need a little guidance. I'm more afraid of buying a used junk than new junk. At least new comes with a warranty if it needs repair.
Oh, one last thing. Small frame snubbies are NOT what I'm looking for. It's not gonna be a carry weapon so 3" or 4" is fine, medium frame...doesn't have to be .357 but no smaller than .38. Relaceable grips would be nice. I don't like wooden grips so may want to put on a set of molded Pachymar (sp?) grips or something like that. It WILL see lots of range time too.
 
A buddy of mine bought a Rossi...he wanted a cheap revolver.

He went to the range and fired 20 rounds of .357 through it. I kid you not: It broke. Something in the latching mechanism busted on round #20. The gun got sent back to the factory.

He gets the gun back, we head to the range and start firing off rounds. The Rossi is spitting lead through the cylinder gap like mad. Timing issue? Gun gets sent back to the factory again.

He got the gun back, stuck it in the safe and it hasn't seen the light of day since.

He just purchased a used S&W .357 for $250. He's much happier now.
 
I have a mod 461 357 I put packs on it and has been a nice pistol Ive shot win Silver tips and 158SWCHP +P and has proved to be accurate and dependable so far. I would give a good check out before I took one home . This is my 3rd Rossi rev over last 20 years and all have proven satisfactory to me.
 
Another vote for Ruger. I would go for a nice security six. You can find them in the $ 200 - 250 range in very nice shape with a little looking. In my opinion a much better gun.
 
Get a new Rossi.Get one in stainless and you'll be fine.Mine hasnt had any issues with Fiocchi .357 and thats pretty hot stuff.Or you could cruise down to any gun store in America and pick up a sweet model 10 for $100.00 :rolleyes:
 
I think you will get a lot more gun for the money if you go for a used S&W, Colt or Ruger. I have a S&W 586 and a Colt Trooper MkIII bought used in that price range and also used to have a Rossi stainless in .357. The Rossi was OK at best and its gone. I still have the other two.
 
Considering the high asking price for those used Rossi's, get a used Smith or Ruger. You will get a lot more for your money with either one. The one Rossi I owned was OK, but about $100 cheaper than what you described.

You can buy an excellent used Ruger for under $300, and a Smith for a little more. Either one is better.

Mark
 
I agree 100% with Dogngun. I have owned 2 Rossi' It was like throwing money down a toilet. I should have known better the second time. The Taurus connection doesn't help any. It hasn't been on long enough to have an affect on the Rossi quality or lack there of.
Here are some options...I bought this Colt today for $311.00 on Auction Arms. It's like new!!!
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I bought this Taurus 85 with 3" barrel on Gun Broker for $245.
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I have this Security Six for sale on Auction Arms for $295.00
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3 months ago I bought a SW M66 LNIB for $340.00 and sold it today for $450.00. Rossi * Tossi...There are too many good guns available today at the same price, or better than Rossi. It even hurts to type that word... :mad:
 
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Kymasabe: While reading your intentions and criteria for getting a revolver, I was going along with the Rossi candidate until you added the last planned use-"it will see lots of range time too". Although I have had no experience with Rossi guns, two acquaintances of mine have had several Rossis between them and both now would never buy another one. I would do a lot of asking around prior to committing on this purchase.

Finally, whatever extra money you'd have to pay for a Colt, Ruger or S&W you'd probably get back and more should you ever decide to sell it due to the higher resale values those revolvers will always have.
 
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