Rossi Model 88 3 Inch

[opaul]

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!

 

[LVSteve]

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.

 

[opaul]

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.

 

[Bruce51]

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

 

[opaul]

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.

 

[Pisgah]

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.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

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

 

[31FordA]

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.

 

[opaul]

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

 

[MCorps0311]

Nice Rossi 88 3", Congratulations!

 

[sigp220.45]

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.

 

[Frank121]

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

 

[opaul]

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.