Rossi 68, 3"

[LarryW]

I am acquiring a Rossi 68, .38 Spcl, w/ 3" barrel. (It's a matter of finance. Can't afford a S&W right now.)

I plan to shoot 158gr, LRN, with 770fps/200ft/#s. Purpose is as a sidearm while hunting wild hogs, (mainly to dispatch the thing or in a jam to protect myself).

Aside from the fact that it's not a S&W, and it's not a .357 or a .44 magnum, is there anything else I should be wary of re: this revolver?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Back in the early through mid '80's I owned a Rossi model 088. It had a 3" barrel, and looked almost Identical to the S&W 60. It had a rear sight blade that was drift adjustable. It was a fine little gun, and I never had a single problem with it. In visiting several forums that I belong to, I have occasionally read the Rossi's quality has both slipped, and improved so I can't really comment on that aspect.

I called the importer at the time I owned mine (Interarms), and asked if it would take +P loads. They said it would handle them, but not to feed it a steady diet of them. Your manual should tell you if yours is safe with +P loads or not.

If you do have to dispatch a hog with it, make sure it is loaded with a good hardcast 158 grain SWC. Hogs are darn tough, and regardless of footpounds of energy numbers, that bullet will give you the best penetration with a .38 on hogs.

 

[LarryW]

Thanks for the tip re: the SWC loadout. I will take your advice. The 68 I'm acquiring is a used gun. I am unfamiliar with it's history. Unfortunately it has no manual. I'm not drawn to the +P load, at least not yet. I am mostly compelled to the .38 Special 158gr as the round that will provide the best stopping power for what it is. This above the .380 or the 9mm. I'm not that drawn to shok-lok'd rds either. While the fragmentation is attractive in a pers defense round, you can lose some in penetration. Most of my targets will be inside the 25yd range, and penetration is what I'm most interested in.

Thanks again for the comments!