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02-04-2020, 09:30 PM
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Rossi 720 44 Special
Hey everyone! Been awhile since my last post, but I thought you guys might appreciate my latest purchase, a Rossi 720! Bought this as a broken gun for $200 from a local gunshop, as the cylinder couldn't spin freely and was a bear to swing in and out. Turns out all it needed was a little acetone and a toothbrush to get it back into shape! Took it out with some HSM 44 SPL Cowboy loads and packed a great whallop against steel targets out to 50 yards. Now all that brass is loaded back up with 7.2 grains of SR4756 under a 240 grain plated bullet, waiting for its next trip to the woods.
I've been curious about owning a 44 SPL only revolver ever since I learned about Skeeter Skelton and Elmer Keith's work with them, but could never find anything besides expensive old Smiths and Charter Arms Bulldogs. I have a beastly 9.5" Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 MAG, but something about having this little revolver that I can quickly aim and fire definitely beats that heavy thing when hiking.
Anyways, I'd love to hear what 44 guns you have and your favorite loads (magnum and special). I'm looking to get a mold for 44 bullets in the near future, so any advice on that is also welcome!
Last edited by Me239; 02-04-2020 at 09:31 PM.
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02-04-2020, 09:44 PM
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Fine revolver. Even better because you were able to buy it at a good price and so easily return it to effective service. Load 240 gr. bevel based SWC bullets over a starting load of Unique. Work up to what you require for accuracy ... and power. Not much you can't handle with such a load. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.
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02-04-2020, 09:58 PM
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Thanks for the response! Turns out someone must have tried to hide it in their pancakes or something cause it was caked in goo just around the cylinder. Revolver handles like new and I hope to get many years of use from it. I'll also look into using Unique for some loads. I'm looking into getting a 240 grain Lee mold in 44, but can't decide if it's worth it to get the gas checked version for use in my magnum revolver.
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02-04-2020, 10:19 PM
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Nice Rossi. I own two and would never part with them.As to yours it’s amazing that a Gun Shop wouldn’t be able to do exactly what you did to sell it for more.Rossi will be harder to find in the used market since no longer being imported for sale in the U.S.The .44 special is near perfect as a defense and fun to shoot round.Enjoy your new gun.
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02-04-2020, 11:08 PM
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My father still has one of the Rossi 44's I bought him for his birthday years ago. It's worked fine with limited shooting and services as his house gun. A friend bought one and it would bind up after shooting a few rounds. I don't think he ever did figure out what the problem was with it.
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02-04-2020, 11:29 PM
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Damn I'm sorry to hear. Mine's been fine so far, but I'll keep an eye out for any issues. Only issue I've found is it's easy to unscrew the ejector, but I feel a good twist with some pliers and some locktite will iron that out.
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02-05-2020, 11:12 AM
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You have a nice 44 special and let's keep it that way . Don't try to turn it into a 44 mag using EK's 44 special load . You will find that 7.0 grs of Unique with a 240 gr cast / jacketed / plated bullet is a real nice load . You can switch over to HP38 / W231 , real common powder among reloaders . I personally use / like Ramshot Zip in 45 Colt and 44 spl loads . Ramshot True Blue is another great powder for guns firing lower psi rounds that has found great favor with me . For molds ? I have no problem using LEE molds . They are inexpensive and they work just fine for me . Yes I have more expensive molds , " Accurate , LBT etc " but to get started I would suggest the LEE molds . The bullets I cast for 38 spl are a LEE mold , my 38-55 rifle , 45 Colt is again my LEE mold .
On tightening the ejector rod nut on the end . BE SURE that you place several empty cartridges in the cylinder before you tighten it . PLEASE DO NOT use pliers . You will over torque it and bend it . I use a wooden clothes pin , the spring loaded kind . I place the hollowed out spot on the clothes pin over the nut and just grip it with my fingers . Bring it up to snug , then just about 1/16 to 1/8" more and stop . I did not say 1/8th of a turn , just 1/16th to 1/8th of an INCH more . Your pliers will also leave teeth marks , very very unsightly . Regards, Paul
Last edited by cowboy4evr; 02-05-2020 at 11:18 AM.
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02-05-2020, 11:49 AM
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I've got the exact same gun and like loading up 200gr Extreme plated bullets, 8 grains of Power Pistol and whatever primers I have on hand.
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02-05-2020, 04:16 PM
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I purchased a 720 last Summer, and I have been very pleased with it.
Last edited by bulletslap; 02-10-2020 at 11:39 PM.
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02-05-2020, 04:28 PM
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if Rossi still offered service or at least parts for a real gunsmith to replace worn parts.... I'd still have mine. I can't upload pix anymore, says security token is missing?
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02-05-2020, 04:46 PM
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Over the years I've acquired 3 Taurus' and a 4" Charter Arms. I have a 441, a blue 431, and a stainless 431. The 431s were projects a few years back, converting the square butts to round butts. Very effective carry revolvers.
I load 240 gr. semi wadcutters over Universal. It meters much better than Unique and burns clean. I also load the 200 gr. Gold Dots or the old Berry's hollow points over Universal.
ETA: Taurus, not Rossis. Almost same difference.
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Last edited by Tex1001; 03-18-2022 at 04:58 AM.
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02-05-2020, 05:03 PM
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Taurus 431 3", Taurus 431 2-1/2", Charter Bulldog, 2 Rossi 720s
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02-05-2020, 05:14 PM
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The gun is a wicked stopper for close in defense. They used to make a high-explosive tipped .44 load that could be found at gun shows in the 90s. VERY effective.
Last edited by JayFramer; 02-05-2020 at 05:15 PM.
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02-05-2020, 06:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom K
Taurus 431 3", Taurus 431 2-1/2", Charter Bulldog, 2 Rossi 720s
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Nice spread
And your favorite is..?
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02-10-2020, 11:20 PM
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The problem with the binding is poor ammo selection. Some .44SPL round cases arent crimped. After firing a few rounds the recoil causes the lead to slip forward in the casing. The tip then sticks out the front of the cylinder and jams on rotation.
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02-11-2020, 12:28 AM
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GT Bullets offers several great .44 Lead Hollow Point Bullets that are soft enough to expand at 44 special velocities. I like the 190 grain in my 3" model 696. Very accurate from my testing with water jugs, will make a super SD Load. They also have a 240gr SWCHP with and without a gas check.
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02-11-2020, 07:46 AM
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I have one of the Rossi 431 blue 3"44 specials. Bought it before finding and buying a 3 S&W 696. My groups on combat targets remained the same with the 696. Nice gun, but won't do anything more than that 431
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02-09-2021, 08:10 PM
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I just bought the exact same 720 model a couple weeks ago at a gun show. It was a little sluggish but I guessed the lubricant inside had dried out and turned to glue over the years and that it had not been cleaned since purchase (quite likely from the looks of it, that it was either never fired, or fired once and put away for years).
When I examined it at the show I immediately realized it was not the same kind of junk that Taurus and current production Rossi's are known for and grabbed it. I had to pay $400 but have no regrets. Cleaned it up, did a trigger job and it functions very nicely. It is clearly a copy of the older S&W long pull trigger mechanism and the rebound slide is terribly rough (too much to just sand out). But the main drawback is Rossi's only departure from a straight S&W copy: the hammer spring is a coil spring, instead of flat.
This is apparently a precursor to the 696 as it came on the market 2-3 years BEFORE the S&W. It is also not an L frame.
A number have claimed that it is a K frame, but that is not true either. The Rossi frame is slightly larger than a K frame and significantly smaller than an L frame. For me it is a great fit.
It handles 215 grain heavy (for 44 special) loads (really just my range loads) very well but the cylinder walls are thin enough that I wouldn't put any of my carry loads in it: just the range loads, or standard factory defense loads.
Now I have the bug and on the lookout for these.
dk
Last edited by David Kachel; 02-09-2021 at 08:12 PM.
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02-09-2021, 08:41 PM
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I have used this 3" 24-3 for some time, with the same SR4756 load behind some old swagged 240 OEM bullets I had come by. Very accurate. I also loaded up some shot loads for when out in the So Dakota Prairie Dog fields in case of rattlers. I don't like the RB combat grips, so I made up my own RB to SB stocks by re-making some much larger stocks.
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Last edited by H Richard; 02-09-2021 at 08:43 PM.
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02-09-2021, 09:18 PM
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Interarms-era Rossis are fine guns. The 720 and the 22lr Model 518 are my favorites. Not quite a S&W, but I’ve never had one to fail. I’ve bought a couple broken ones and had to repair them before I could use them. Small repairs, ran fine afterward. I’ve bought broken Colts and Smiths and Rugers too, though. Nothing much wrong with any of them, except for an old Colt Detective Special. Made me lose my enthusiasm for old Colt double actions. Still love Colt Single Actions. I used to own these two 720s. One of these doesn’t have a pinned barrel. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen without a pinned barrel.
Last edited by edwardyoung; 02-09-2021 at 09:19 PM.
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02-09-2021, 11:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Me239
Hey everyone! Been awhile since my last post, but I thought you guys might appreciate my latest purchase, a Rossi 720! Bought this as a broken gun for $200 from a local gunshop, as the cylinder couldn't spin freely and was a bear to swing in and out. Turns out all it needed was a little acetone and a toothbrush to get it back into shape! Took it out with some HSM 44 SPL Cowboy loads and packed a great whallop against steel targets out to 50 yards. Now all that brass is loaded back up with 7.2 grains of SR4756 under a 240 grain plated bullet, waiting for its next trip to the woods.
I've been curious about owning a 44 SPL only revolver ever since I learned about Skeeter Skelton and Elmer Keith's work with them, but could never find anything besides expensive old Smiths and Charter Arms Bulldogs. I have a beastly 9.5" Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 MAG, but something about having this little revolver that I can quickly aim and fire definitely beats that heavy thing when hiking.
Anyways, I'd love to hear what 44 guns you have and your favorite loads (magnum and special). I'm looking to get a mold for 44 bullets in the near future, so any advice on that is also welcome!
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I recently got a hold of some of that HSM Cowboy Load 44 Spec and spent an hour at the range shooting my Rossi 720C and a 24-3 Lew Horton prepped S&W.
The Rossi has gutter sights and a bobbed hammer but it shot just as accurately as the 24-3 with it's adjustable sights. Both being shot double action out to about 40 feet.
Last edited by Tytan01; 02-09-2021 at 11:14 PM.
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02-09-2021, 11:20 PM
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Let me pile on here...
Ours is DAO with a spurless hammer and low profile sights. Great for concealed carry. It's loaded with Hornady Critical Defense rounds and recently bought two extra speed-loaders for it.
Last edited by Jon651; 02-09-2021 at 11:24 PM.
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02-09-2021, 11:22 PM
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I've owned a "Covert" (I've also heard it referred to as a "CIA" model) version of the Rossi Model 720 for a number of years. It's a revolver that has an almost cult like following. You've already received some excellent advice regarding either the Covert or adjustable sight versions of this revolver including don't try to "hot rod" the piece (stick with standard velocity .44 Special ammo), and please don't dry-fire the piece. I've heard multiple accounts of fracturing the hammer nose from dry-firing. It's got some very desirable features including a 3.0 inch long pinned barrel, and a lot of gun packed into a small space. Mine takes J-frame sized grips, but the frame size is actually between that of a J-frame and a K-frame. It's hard to find leather holsters for it - I've had better luck with generic fit nylon belt holsters, or IWB "sticky" type holsters. I've included some poor cell phone photos of my Model 720.
Regards.
Dave
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02-10-2021, 02:15 PM
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Quote:
Anyways, I'd love to hear what 44 guns you have and your favorite loads
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Well, you asked for it.
The .44 Special is one of my absolute favorite cartridges. I have quite a few revolvers chambered for it. Mostly S&Ws. I have 1st & 2nd Model .44HEs, all three barrel lengths of the Model 24-3. a 696 no-dash and there is a Charter Arms Bulldog in there.
About a year ago I picked up this 1950 Military and its fast becoming my favorite.
My pet load is a 240gr LSWC over 6.0grs of W231. I find that this pretty much duplicates the original factory loading clocking right at 800fps and is very accurate in all my guns.
OP, you did very well on your Rossi. If I was to come across one, especially at a deal like you got, I'd probably own one of those as well.
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03-18-2021, 06:19 PM
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I've got a 696 no dash which may be my favorite revolver. I'd have to drag a bunch of guns to the range to really decide. Alas in this guns and ammo ridiculousness, that ain't gonna happen for awhile.
I also have a Rossi 720c. It doesn't quite have the trigger of my 696 or 66-4, but it is much smoother than my modern Rugers.
I discovered 357s when I was a kid. Then 44s. I didn't really learn about 44 specials until my 40s. What the heck was I thinking?
I've been meaning to learn to reload. Clearly now isn't the time. But, someday.
Me239, you enjoy that beauty.
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03-19-2021, 05:57 AM
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Smoking deal on your Rossi 720. I paid $400 used for mine and it was well worth it for me. I did a trigger job and wow Do they smooth up! Basically a Brazilian copy of S&W “lock works” but just shy of a Smith smoothness but very close. Uses a coil mainspring instead of a leaf spring mainspring. The ejector rod design is a little thin but functional, and the plastic front sight leaves something to be desired however, it shoots very accurate. I use Bullseye and 180gr Hornady lead round nose out of it but I keep the loads light. If you have binding issues Power Custom makes cylinder endshake washers for S&W revolvers that are compatible with the Rossi. With the trigger job and endshake washer upgrade the Rossi is an awesome package. My handload of a light charge of bullseye and lead bullets are a dirty combination, no.... filthy combination but the Rossi eats them and asks for more. A beefy revolver, it can probably take a heavier load than any Charter Arms variant although as mentioned you probably don’t want to feed it a steady diet of hot loads. And I would recommend you purchase some 44 snap caps so dry firing is a non-issue. A great hiking or “walk in the woods” gun. Rossi 720 definitely a cult following.
Last edited by MP-5; 03-19-2021 at 06:35 AM.
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03-23-2021, 05:02 PM
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covert is my fave between them
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03-17-2022, 03:08 PM
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My local LGS has one with adjustable sights. I may pick it up, so my 720c doesn't get lonely.
Last edited by Roofer; 03-17-2022 at 03:11 PM.
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03-18-2022, 09:19 AM
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Good Thread-surrection
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03-19-2022, 08:31 AM
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I too have a 720 Covert. I think I paid around $250.
It’s funny up until a few years ago I could tell you exactly how much I paid and where I bought every gun I own.
I guess Father Time is catching up on me.
Anyhow, the 720 is a nicely made, sturdy revolver. Mine has some little nicks, but I bought it used so I can’t blame the factory.
Although Rossi and Taurus are now the same company, back then Rossi’s was a separate company. Rossi was imported by the now defunct Interarms.
I’d like to see Taurus reintroduce the 720 in there new facility in the US with proper attention to QC.
I think it would be a home run.
I know I’d consider one.
I’m always in the market for another .44.
Currently I have said 720C, a Charter Bulldog, a Taurus 445UL, and a S&W 624.
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Last edited by ACORN; 03-19-2022 at 08:36 AM.
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03-19-2022, 11:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 681ismyfavorite
if Rossi still offered service or at least parts for a real gunsmith to replace worn parts.... I'd still have mine. I can't upload pix anymore, says security token is missing?
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A good gun seldom if ever requires parts and service. I have guns that are over 100 years old that I still pull the trigger on. I'm not worried about parts and service.
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03-19-2022, 11:23 AM
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Mine. The first 720's were made with and unfluted cylinder. All The later ones were fluted. The 720 preceeded the S&W 696 by several years. I bought both when each was first announced
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03-19-2022, 11:26 AM
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taurus RUINED Rossi(like everything else they touch) when they bought them. First thing they did was dropped the 62.
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