Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-10-2017, 04:14 PM
opaul's Avatar
opaul opaul is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central NC
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 7,515
Liked 6,224 Times in 1,143 Posts
Default Rossi Model 88 3 Inch

I picked this up today at the local Cabelas. It's in great shape and the price was right. I contacted Rossi/Tarus but they could not shed any light on the mfg date. The rep said these were imported by Interarms and no record is available.
This is a nice revolver. The fit and finish is not up to S&W but for a 3inch J frame I think its worth trying to determine it's history. The serial number is W097XXX
Any of you Rossi fans out there that might can shed any light on the piece? Thanks!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Rossi Model 88.jpg (194.5 KB, 213 views)
__________________
Patriots Forever!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 01-10-2017, 04:19 PM
LVSteve's Avatar
LVSteve LVSteve is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,817
Likes: 24,223
Liked 28,980 Times in 10,766 Posts
Default

IIRC the Rossi 88 have a pretty good reputation. They come from the same era as the 431 in 44 Special, a very well thought of gun.
__________________
Release the Kraken
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 01-10-2017, 04:33 PM
opaul's Avatar
opaul opaul is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central NC
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 7,515
Liked 6,224 Times in 1,143 Posts
Default

Thanks! The lock up and timing is spot on.

I found some information about this as commented below...

The Rossi 88 Stainless Revolvers introduced ~ 1992 by Interarms. Interarms collapsed in 1998. Manufacturer was Amadeo Rossi S.A. of Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. Importer was Mr. Sam Cummings at Interarms, #10 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA. Construction is entirely stainless steel metal. Type is double and single action revolver, with hammer nose firing pin and transfer bar internal safety device. The Rossi 88 is a direct descendant of the classic Smith & Wesson model 60, .38 Chief’s Special Stainless. Barrels are one piece six groove right hand 1:18.75 rifling. Cylinder is chambered for .38 Smith & Wesson Special caliber only, and capacity is 5 rounds. Trigger is .312 stainless serrated face, with matching .415 semi target short serrated spur hammer.
__________________
Patriots Forever!!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 01-10-2017, 05:12 PM
Bruce51's Avatar
Bruce51 Bruce51 is offline
Member
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Left coast
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 429
Liked 616 Times in 296 Posts
Default

I have one in a two inch with the W prefix. However it was purchased in 1987 so the 1992 date seems more than a bit off.

I have shot it often and it has never failed. The $159 sale price at the time seemed to be a good deal. I wanted the Smith model 60 or 36 but the budget was better suited to buying the Rossi.

No regrets on that one. I hope that you enjoy your Rossi as much as I have mine.

Bruce
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 01-10-2017, 05:33 PM
opaul's Avatar
opaul opaul is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central NC
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 7,515
Liked 6,224 Times in 1,143 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce Lee M View Post
I have one in a two inch with the W prefix. However it was purchased in 1987 so the 1992 date seems more than a bit off.

I have shot it often and it has never failed. The $159 sale price at the time seemed to be a good deal. I wanted the Smith model 60 or 36 but the budget was better suited to buying the Rossi.

No regrets on that one. I hope that you enjoy your Rossi as much as I have mine.

Bruce
Thanks Bruce,
I was also thinking the late 80's for the born date as well. Glad to hear that you like yours.
I just finished taking the side plate off and cleaning the old gummed lubricants out. The action and cylinder operation is much much better.
__________________
Patriots Forever!!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-10-2017, 05:40 PM
Pisgah Pisgah is offline
Member
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 37
Liked 5,413 Times in 1,756 Posts
Default

I have owned two of those, and as far as practical use I was every bit as satisfied with them as with my S&W. The only reason I don't still have them is that a sister and a niece were in need of solid, compact guns and I gave the Rossi's to them. They're still in use.
__________________
Pisgah

Last edited by Pisgah; 01-10-2017 at 05:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 01-10-2017, 05:54 PM
Sol-Invictus's Avatar
Sol-Invictus Sol-Invictus is offline
Member
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 190
Liked 291 Times in 119 Posts
Default

One of the most accurate 6 inch 357s I have ever owned was a ported rossi, I traded it to a friend about 20 years ago who still thanks me when ever we talk. Lol

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 01-10-2017, 07:49 PM
31FordA 31FordA is offline
Member
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 10,972
Liked 2,633 Times in 1,006 Posts
Default

I owned a 3" Rossi 88 for many years, it was a good gun. Mine was purchased brand new in Dec 1998 for $179. I wanted a .38 to keep in my tool box, and the new Rossi cost less than a used Model 60. The Rossi was a decent, accurate little gun. The grips on mine had a slightly larger area of checkering than the grips in the OP's photos, otherwise the guns are identical. I only sold the Rossi last year to support buying more S&W's. I put it out for sale for $350 and it sold in a day. I miss the Rossi, but the 60-7 that replaced it is nice too.
__________________
Wheel guns are real guns.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 01-13-2017, 05:44 PM
opaul's Avatar
opaul opaul is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central NC
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 7,515
Liked 6,224 Times in 1,143 Posts
Default

Got a chance to shoot this little gem today. 21ft off hand double action. I really like this Rossi! Nice action and smooth trigger. Just need more time behind the trigger
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Rossi 21 feet.jpg (70.4 KB, 44 views)
__________________
Patriots Forever!!

Last edited by opaul; 01-13-2017 at 05:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-13-2017, 05:50 PM
MCorps0311's Avatar
MCorps0311 MCorps0311 is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
Default

Nice Rossi 88 3", Congratulations!
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.

Last edited by MCorps0311; 01-13-2017 at 05:52 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 01-14-2017, 02:27 AM
sigp220.45's Avatar
sigp220.45 sigp220.45 is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,075
Likes: 27,786
Liked 33,569 Times in 5,253 Posts
Default

You've got a very nice gun there.

I have my Dad's Rossi 3" .38 revolver. It is every bit as nicely finished as a Smith, with a smooth action and great feel.

Thanks for posting a reminder to get it out of the safe and shoot it.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0881.JPG (47.3 KB, 51 views)
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

Last edited by sigp220.45; 01-14-2017 at 02:30 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 01-14-2017, 03:08 AM
Frank121 Frank121 is offline
Member
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 395
Likes: 521
Liked 995 Times in 192 Posts
Default

I sold a bought new by me in the late 1980's a Rossi M88 last year to a fellow so I could buy a semi-automatic pistol.

It was a really nice shooter and was very well made. It looked as good as the day I bought it and came with the original box and papers. The very nice buyer got a great deal on the Rossi. If I knew last year what I know now about revolvers I would have definitely kept it.

I have attached a link to the closed March of 2016 ad just for informational purposes:

ARMSLIST - For Sale: Vintage Rossi M88 38 Special Stainless Steel in excellent condition with box and manuals

Last edited by Frank121; 01-14-2017 at 04:02 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 01-14-2017, 09:08 AM
opaul's Avatar
opaul opaul is offline
US Veteran
Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch Rossi Model 88 3 Inch  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central NC
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 7,515
Liked 6,224 Times in 1,143 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank121 View Post
I sold a bought new by me in the late 1980's a Rossi M88 last year to a fellow so I could buy a semi-automatic pistol.

It was a really nice shooter and was very well made. It looked as good as the day I bought it and came with the original box and papers. The very nice buyer got a great deal on the Rossi. If I knew last year what I know now about revolvers I would have definitely kept it.

I have attached a link to the closed March of 2016 ad just for informational purposes:

ARMSLIST - For Sale: Vintage Rossi M88 38 Special Stainless Steel in excellent condition with box and manuals
I bet it didn't take long to sell it!! Thanks for posting.
But rest assured we all have sold firearms we wish we had not.
__________________
Patriots Forever!!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Rossi Model 68 Milton Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 19 04-25-2020 09:37 AM
Smith and Wesson Model 36 Clone, A Rossi Model 68 Imported by Interarms lordhelpmeseewithtrijicon Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 16 06-02-2016 10:56 PM
SOLD - Rossi Model 351 .38 Spc +P Firehouse GUNS - For Sale or Trade 0 05-22-2013 01:03 PM
Rossi Model 92 357 Mag. ancient-one Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 15 12-29-2012 10:50 PM
WTT: 2 Rossi model 62's rdm191 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 6 10-28-2009 07:28 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:24 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)