Rossi -- Don't laugh

Wavygravy · Jun 26, 2019

This Rossi Interarms M971 .357 Magnum is built every bit as well as a S&W, imo. I wouldn't own a newer model, though. This one was built in 1996 and it shoots like a dream, weird recoil port at the end of the barrel and all. Snicker or poo-poo if ya want. Heheh.

brucev · Jun 26, 2019

Must admit ... not wild about the muzzle break. But, a few minutes w/ a hacksaw, file and finish w/ a brass round head screw and some valve grinding compound and the muzzle would be nice! The revolver itself looks to be well constructed. Nice barrel length. How does it shoot at the range? Have you taken a look inside? Is it normal K frame parts or is it possibly J frame? Sincerely. bruce.

armorer951 · Jun 26, 2019

The reason it's "every bit as good", if it is, is because it's basically a carbon copy of the Smith and Wesson action. It's so close to a Smith, some of the internals will interchange with proper fitting.

Wavygravy · Jun 26, 2019

I've had it since new. Internals are in great shape. I shot it lightly 22 years ago, didn't fire it again until I got it cleaned up and such two years or so ago. Shoots great at the range, trigger is very smooth. It's heavy enough that the recoil is surprisingly not bad at all.

BC38 · Jun 26, 2019

I have its twin brother - minus the comp sticking out of the barrel.

Mine shows no evidence of having had the comp removed - it doesn't appear to ever have had one.
A buddy of mine shot it and said "THAT'S a ROSSI?!? Who did the trigger job on it?"

I told him that to the best of my knowledge it hadn't had one.

It shoots every bit as well as any of my S&W revolvers and the trigger is just as good as any revolver I own or have ever shot.

Pulling on my Nomex undies...

diyj98 · Jun 26, 2019

I remember when Interarms quit importing the Rossi guns. I think in the mid to late 90's. Distributors blew them out for well under $200 at the time. The 357 with the extended ported barrel was one of the models. I think a friend of mine must have ordered ten or twelve of the various models. All the ones I examined were decent guns.

shouldazagged · Jun 26, 2019

I'm not snickering at all. In 1997 or '98 I paid $189 plus tax for a Rossi M88, a clone of the Smith M60. Fit and finish were very nearly as good, if not as good, as S&W. Trigger was quite acceptable, and as good as a 60 after I had a smith polish the innards a little. I had the hammer bobbed and pocket carried it for a couple of years till I bought a 640.

I can't comment from experience on the newer Rossis, but that one was a little gem for the money.

gman51 · Jun 26, 2019

Rossi and Taurus do make some very good quality guns. I have two Rossi revolvers that are S&W clones. I have the Taurus PT92 which is mostly a clone of the Beretta 92. All three are excellent shooters and well built.
More often than people realize Rossi and Taurus guns are made using S&W and Beretta as well as other gun maker designs and machinery.
So don't knock or judge a Rossi or Taurus till you have shot one.
Personally I never liked guns with the extended barrel design. It looks like someone stuck a left over part or barrel on it. Ruger and others have models with the same look to them. To each their own.
I say if a gun is dependable and accurate then just enjoy it. Higher price often doesn't mean it's higher quality.

HOUSTON RICK · Jun 27, 2019

All my revolvers are Smiths, but I feel the same way about Rock Island 1911's. If I serves your purpose, enjoy it.

Thin Man · Jun 27, 2019

No snickering here!
I sold SCADS of those 971s in my gun shop days. They were great guns for the money, and we never had one with a problem.
I actually like the muzzle brake!

Laketime · Jun 27, 2019

Rossi is very underrated.I own 1994 and a 2015 ,both excellent with a really superb blueing.

Texas Star · Jun 28, 2019

I don't think their snub 38's were Plus P rated.

But you could use Buffalo Bore's full power (not midrange) wadcutter ammo and probably survive most social ventures.

mdf9183 · Jun 28, 2019

I own a 971 and a 851 and both are excellent shooters.

Marshal Tom · Jun 28, 2019

Almost purchased the .44 sp 3" 720 several times and may still get one at some point.

Eddietruett · Jun 28, 2019

One of the guns I most regret selling was my Rossi 44 spl with 3” barrel. Everyone must have found out how good these little guns are because I can’t find one at a decent price now.

OLDSTER · Jun 28, 2019

One of my shooting buddies owns a Rossi that is a clone of a S&W model 34. Good quality and reliable. But it is an older Rossi from the 80's.

Wavygravy · Jun 28, 2019

I'm not wild (to say the least) about any Rossi after the late 1990's takeover by Taurus. The older Interarms Rossis are fine guns imo.

Rammer Jammer · Jun 28, 2019

Interarms era Rossi revolvers are great guns.

I've got a Rossi M720 44 SPL that hits a sweet spot in size and weight being heavier and more robust than a Charter Bulldog yet lighter and more compact than a S&W 696 or Ruger GP100.

Daniel Howe · Jun 28, 2019

My Fiancee has a Rossi 2" 38+P in her night stand. I just made a deal for a Taurus 2" 357mag. Both guns are well made with real nice blueing.

merl67 · Jun 28, 2019

The very first Rossi/Smith clones were made from Smith &Wesson tooling at least as I understand it. S&W sold Rossi their worn out tooling, and Rossi rebuilt it and started making the revolvers. The older Rossi's are fine guns maybe not quite as nicely finished as Smiths's but function wise most couldn't tell the difference.

Rossi -- Don't laugh

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