Rossi

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kmad61

New member
I ran across a Rossi 971 with a 3 in barrel and compensator from the factory.This is in 357 magnum.Does anyone have info on this piece??I do know that I have never seen one anywhere and I can get it mint in box for $275.

:cool:
 
I wouldn't. Rossi anything is not going to hold up, hold value or perform as well as a BIG 3 revolver. Rossi in my experience is the Yugo of the firearms world.
 
Rossi in my experience is the Yugo of the firearms world.
Click to expand...

IMNSHO, Rossi is more like a Hyundai than a Yugo. While not as advanced or fancy as the Big Boys, they're a good, solid, reliable gun that will go *BANG* as long as you keep it maintained.

I've owned three Rossi's (two .38's & a .357), and all of them have performed well. One did have some mechanical problems d/t owner neglect, but a little TLC brought it back to life. Unfortunately, all got used as trade fodder for "bigger & better" things that didn't stay around long either.

$275 is quite a bit for a used 3" w/ comp. I'd ask him (w/ money in hand) if he'd come down to 215-240. Or, preferably, hold out for an un-comped one. (Personal preference...I don't like comps). :D
 
We have a Rossi 2" barrel stainless model 88 in our household. This
little gem is worthy of every consideration that you may give it; as
it has performed flawlessly. The model 971 should be no different.
$275 is $4.00 cheaper than I could sell you one for; as we get $279
for them NIB. And you know what? We haven't had one comeback
yet; even after Taurus International took control of the company.

Best Wishes,
 
"We have a Rossi 2" barrel stainless model 88 in our household. This little gem is worthy of every consideration that you may give it..."

I agree, I bought a new stainless Rossi model 88 2" .38 snubbie back in the mid 90's for $150, brand new off a gunshow table. At the time, I wanted an inexpensive revolver for demonstration and teardown purposes in the NRA handgun classes that I was teaching. It looks almost like a Smith snubbie, so I bought it.

After I stopped teaching, I began to shoot the gun now and then. I haven't shot it a whole lot, but it's been an absolutely dependable, trustworthy and well made little gun. It's a bit larger than my Model 85 Taurus .38 snub, and I like it better than the Taurus. It's also more accurate than the Taurus to point of aim. I'd try to get the gun as inexpensively as I could, but I wouldn't be afraid of a Rossi by any means.
 
Early Rossi's had their problems . My dad had a 60's vintage J frame 4" that spit lead horrably. Having said that I bought a 3" SS med frame, vent rib .38SPL ( mod 851 ) back in 85 when I wanted my own "do all" revolver. On the up side, the value, fit, finish and action were VG. On the down, it was not +P rated and made you misserable trying to find grips, speedloaders, holsters etc. Accuracy and durability was pretty good for a 3" revolver in my experience. ( The gun is actually on consignment at a local shop for $225 right now.)

BTW, $275 is a little high according to my blue book. You can find a used S&W 19 or 13 for that kind of $. Also be sure you want a compensator. Many people dislike them (especially with magnums) due to increased muzzle blast. hth
 
Rossis are now made by Taurus, which has bloodlines with S&W.
Nothing wrong with them except that they don't cost enough for some people
 
My gunsmith has 2 Rossi 22 l.r. revolvers he loves becasue they just FEEL right to him.

Once again I'll repeat to give a new Taurus, Rossi, or Charter a full check out like Jim March's on THR or a similar thorough examination such as you'd do to used Smiths, Colts, and Ruger.

For that matter, these days it's a good idea to subject the "high quality" new guns such as Smith's, Colts, and Rugers the same scrutiny. I've bought a 22 Diamondback that had over half an inch of fore and aft play when the crane was opened, and I've seen a blued model 29 with 29 stamped inside the crane and box marked M29 44 mag... the cylinder took 44 magnum shells, but get this: the barrell was marked ( and did indeed measure out to be ) a 41 magnum. The gun was not returned to S&W but bought as a rarity as a factory screw up guaranteed to increase in value.

Just a few more posts to put me over the 600 mark and I'll quit the blabbermouth postings.
 
I have this gun in Stainless Steel (972) 6in barrel, vented ribs, Adjustable rear sights, Like Glass trigger. It is the most accurate revolver that I have ever owned. $275 is steep. I paid $225 for Mint condition. :)
 
I have the model 461 - 2" Blue .357. Excellent gun. Very accurate. Double action is a little stiff, single action like butter. I think it will only improve with age - I only have 300 rounds, 1/2 .38 and 1/2 .357 through it so far. Mine was $299 new (Kalifornia is EXPENSIVE!) last year.
 
I had (notice this is past tense) a 971...decent trigger but the cylinder was shorter than other .357s so a Lyman .358311 wouldn't chamber. Most annoying was the consistent tendency for the cylinder to foul around 50 rounds to the point of being very hard to rotate. Think I paid $225 (used) and was happy to get $210.
All in all, not a bad pistol but there's a lot better out there in the same used price range.
On the other hand, I have a model 68 that I really like and think its a great value for the money YMMV.
 
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