Rossi Gripes(from other people, not me)

[vincyr]

I've been on the lookout for a concealed carry gun for the last couple weeks. After actually handling a Rossi 351 at a local gun shop, I put it on layaway. Fit my hand beautify (I've got big mitts, so a small gun is kinda hard to shoot comfortably if their grips aren't big enough, and most aren't), trigger was better than most all of the other choices, lockup was solid, and it was much more affordable than other makes.
In discussing possible choices with coworkers and others, most immediately dismissed Rossi/Taurus as a "Bad Choice", and usually because of things they had heard(friend of a friend sort of stuff, typically) and in the case of the one guy who had bought one himself because the firing pin broke after repeated dry-fires. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that the reason we are told not to dry-fire ANY firearm? Because it could break the firing pin. Sounds to me like that was a user error, not a fault with the gun. Plus, Rossi did replace the part, free of charge. Seems like a non-issue to me.
As to the "common problems" that I keep hearing about(from someone who heard it from someone else who heard it from someone else, etc), I have experience with several Rossi longuns, which get badmouthed just as hard, and have yet to encounter any of those supposed problems(such as the firing pins "mushrooming", the hammers snapping off, or the singleshot models popping open when fired) I hear about these things all the time, and a from people who will swear that it happens even though they usally will admit that they never saw it themselves.
So my question is this. Why do people insist on running down Rossi/Taurus guns? Is it because they are comparatively inexpensive, and people can't believe they can be a good gun at that price? Is it a brand loyalty thing?( a common piece of "advice" I heard was " save yourself the hassle and get a -insert person's favorite brand here-") Did Rossi actually earn a bad reputation in the past that they just can't crawl out from under?

 

[Artym]

There is going to be some variation from model to model and from individual firearm to individual firearm. The steel Taurus 85 was a good gun in the 1990's but I can't tell you about current Rossi models. People have reported problems with some Smith's and Rugers, even though they are more expensive. I have seen Taurus and Ruger LCRs in shops that had lousy trigger actions, but others were good (LCRs).
Most companies will allow some defective products to sell, but they vary in how large the % of defects permissible. Apple used to allow 10% defects, and I always thought this was excessive for such expensive computers.
I wouldn't buy a firearm sight unseen, and would only buy a camera or other expensive electronic device if the store, online or brick, had a good return policy. This doesn't usually apply to firearms.
I would bring a feeler guage to check barrel/cylinder gap when buying a revolver, and check trigger action to be sure it is consistent across the chambers.

 

[PapaG]

Somehow, along the way, I have accumulated three Rossis, all older models, a 51 in 22 that resembles a K model washed in too hot water and shrunk, a comped 357, and a 720 44. All are tight, have good triggers and are pretty accurate, not equal to my Smith's or Rugers but pretty good. During the last eight years of retirement I got to handle and shoot lots of Rossi and Taurus stuff that came through the gun shop where I worked. The newer stuff feels and shoots different. More gritty and heavy triggers, more returns for adjustments and repair. Still seems to be no big durability or reliability issues with the lucky ones. One exception to my "new" gun prejudice is my blue Tracker 17 which has a great trigger and is the second most accurate revolver I have ever owned. I guess if I wanted a cheap gun I would spend time looking at a bunch and buy the one that seemed to be smoothest, best timed, and with the tightest lockup. But, I still carry a Smith or Kimber for ccw and a Super Blackhawk or Contender for hunting.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My last new Rossi was a couple years back 357 snub. 1st time I fired 357's in it .The grips broke Plastic under rubber broke out.Around the screw. I fixed and traded . I have had several over years in 38spl. Was 1st 357 and made by Taurus . I have decided I want nothing Taurus has their hands it. I had nothing but bad luck from that company.

 

[ljnowell]

I've been on the lookout for a concealed carry gun for the last couple weeks. After actually handling a Rossi 351 at a local gun shop, I put it on layaway. Fit my hand beautify (I've got big mitts, so a small gun is kinda hard to shoot comfortably if their grips aren't big enough, and most aren't), trigger was better than most all of the other choices, lockup was solid, and it was much more affordable than other makes.

In discussing possible choices with coworkers and others, most immediately dismissed Rossi/Taurus as a "Bad Choice", and usually because of things they had heard(friend of a friend sort of stuff, typically) and in the case of the one guy who had bought one himself because the firing pin broke after repeated dry-fires. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that the reason we are told not to dry-fire ANY firearm? Because it could break the firing pin. Sounds to me like that was a user error, not a fault with the gun. Plus, Rossi did replace the part, free of charge. Seems like a non-issue to me.

As to the "common problems" that I keep hearing about(from someone who heard it from someone else who heard it from someone else, etc), I have experience with several Rossi longuns, which get badmouthed just as hard, and have yet to encounter any of those supposed problems(such as the firing pins "mushrooming", the hammers snapping off, or the singleshot models popping open when fired) I hear about these things all the time, and a from people who will swear that it happens even though they usally will admit that they never saw it themselves.

So my question is this. Why do people insist on running down Rossi/Taurus guns? Is it because they are comparatively inexpensive, and people can't believe they can be a good gun at that price? Is it a brand loyalty thing?( a common piece of "advice" I heard was " save yourself the hassle and get a -insert person's favorite brand here-") Did Rossi actually earn a bad reputation in the past that they just can't crawl out from under?

People run them down because Taurus puts out more bad guns than other manufacturers and their customer service is not consistent either.

The fact is they are lower quality than sone other manufacturers, but they also make sone damn fine guns. You pay your money and you take your chances.

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/taurus-product-problems/

 

[Lucky Derby]

The only Rossi I have ever owned is a Model 92, a copy of a Winchester '92 in .357 Magnum. It is a really nice rifle. I haven't really spent any time with other Rossi rifles. This gun may be the norm or not, I don't know.
On Rossi revolvers I have seen inconsistant quality. In the mid '90s I worked for a seurity company that issued brand new 4" .357 Magnum revolvers to all security officers. About 300 or so security officers. We were forced to turn in our previously issued S&W M10 revolvers. Most of which had been fired and carried a lot (all had pinned barrels so pre '82 manufacture) None of the M10s looked good, but all worked well. About half (I didn't actually get a count, just a guesstimate from observation) would get light primer hits. One revolver had it's front sight go flying down range when it was drawn from a holster on qualification. The other half of the guns worked beautifully.

The very first gun I sold when I worked in a gun store/range was a Taurus PT92 semi-auto. The customer took the gun directly to the range from the counter, less than 50 yards away. I watched as he loaded it, aimed & click. The gun had a fractured firing pin. NIB. That kind of soured me on Taurus.
Yes S&W, Ruger, etc have issues from time to time. It just appear to me to be much less often than Rossi/Taurus.

These are my experiences. As always YMMV.

 

[frankiestoys]

I bought a Rossi Plinker.22 last year since its not under the stress a .357 mag would produce I thought it would be a safe bet... So far no issues, it locks up tight and the timing is right on while not as accurate as a Ruger mark series it does alright for a back yard Plinker . WTS for a .357 mag or even a .38 I would go with a Ruger or a Smith I own several ... for a snub nose its hard to beat a SP 101 or model 60 for serious heavy loads the GP 100 is top dog followed by the 686 of course this is just my 2 cents

 

[Scarpia]

Why do people insist on running down Rossi/Taurus guns?

I can't answer your question but I wonder what would have been posted about Smith & Wesson and Colt guns if the web existed 100 years ago?

I have three Rossi .38 revolvers, the S&W 36 "Bangor-Punta" vintage clone (late 60's-70's) plus a model 68 (blue) and 88 (stainless) from the late 80's. All three are excellent shooters with the 68 and 88 the bargain of all time in guns. I have the 88 on my hip right now.

 

[bannockburn]

Had a Rossi Model 88 revolver quite a few years ago and it was a really decent gun. It was actually a gun that S&W should have been making (3" barrel J frame with adjustable sights), but wasn't at the time. My other current Rossi is a Model 92 carbine that's also been great in terms of quality construction and performance.

 

[Scarpia]

My other current Rossi is a Model 92 carbine that's also been great in terms of quality construction and performance.

I also have the Rossi '92 in 357/38Spl and it's my favorite range gun. It's amazingly accurate and fun to shoot.

 

[Seven High]

I would be more interested in Taurus/Rossi if there were after market gunsmiths that would repair or upgrade them. All the gunsmiths that I am aware of refuse to have anything to do with them. Does anyone know of a gunsmith that will work on them?

 

[Nicky Santoro]

OP,
I think a lot of what you have read may be hearsay and not the first hand experience of an actual Rossi owner. That being said, the fit and finish of my M68 is not up to that of my wife's 649, However, it's a good solid gun and a good value.

 

[orionengnr]

First revolver I ever owned was a Rossi M68 (69?), back in 1983 or 84. Two inch, blued steel, five shot .38 Spl.
I have documented my misadventures with that revolver on several occasions, and don't wan to re-type it all here, but if you search my posts you will find it.

I'll summarize by saying that it was such a negative experience that it turned me off of revolvers for the next 20-ish years. Very unfortunate, because I'm sure I missed a lot of good times.

In 2004, the purchase of a well-used S&W M66 from the same era (early 80s ex Sheriff's Office gun) brought me back to the round side.

I actually owned a Taurus 431 (4-inch, blued steel, 5-shot .44Spl) for a while. Got it for a good price and it was reliable and a good shooter, but the sitting it beside an S&W, the differences in fit/finish/overall quality were apparent.

I know some people have had good Rossis and Tauris, but quite a few have had the opposite experience. I've seen enough Taurus manufacturing/QC issues up close that I would be very careful about buying one. If you can examine it in person, maybe test-drive it, and if the price is really right, (and if I couldn't afford an S&W) then ...maybe. If you get a good one you will likely be happy with it. If you get a bad one...you may be posting about it here one day. There are a lot of people who get a bad one, and there are a lot of threads about those experiences. There are also shops which quit selling them due to the high rate of returns.

Spend some time reading, and make an informed decision.

 

[Virginian]

I have owned many revolvers and pistols, and sold guns for many years. I have heard all the stories. I do not think Taurus or Rossi have any more problems than Ruger or S&W on average, and less than lots of others. I bought two Rossi 68s with 3" barrels for my daughters quite a few years ago, because that was what they preferred, and both have been trouble free and are quite accurate. My wife preferred the feel of the S&W Model 36-1 so I got a mint one of those for her and it is still trucking too. I bought her a SIG P-230 for mega bucks and she didn't like it, but I tested every gun I could find and I think it was THE most reliable 380 made. My personal carry gun is a Taurus 605 w/3" barrel, and it has been fine. I sold many Taurus pistols and only one ever had to go for factory service.
SAAMI says 40% of ALL guns sold last year had problems so take your pick and check out what you buy thoroughly and make sure you end up with a reliable piece.

 

[bikerdoc]

That exact gun was my truck gun for years until I gave it to my nephew for his truck. Many round down range and in the woods, not one problem. YMMV

 

[DeepSouth]

I have a older Rossi 357, I forget which model. It was the first new gun I ever bought, probably 20 years ago. I've never had a problem with it and I always loved it until I bought my first older Smith, I have not shot it since. I keep it t purely for sentimental reasons. I also tend to complain about cylinder slack, but I didn't until I compared it to nice old S&W's

I do know Rossi has changed hands since I bought that one and they may be better now, but honestly now day I pretty much want buy a revolver made after the late 80's.

 

[palmetto99]

I have Rossi 22lr 6 shot revolver. I think the model is 518. It's the size of a J-frame with 4" barrel. I think it was imported by Interarms in the 1990's. It has a good DA trigger pull and an excellent SA trigger pull. Accurate too. I really like the little revolver. A great plinker. No tin can is safe.

 

[Bezoar]

its what i call miracle sindrome.

if you have a 900 dollar smith and wesson revolver or semi auto in x caliber, and you cant hit a pie plate at 50 yards with it, out of the box with bulk fmj or lrn. Its the SHOOTER thats at fault.
but if you take a first time shooter out with a rossie or taurus 38 special, a 50 round box of bulk ammo, and they cant hit the pie plate at 50 yards with it, its obviously the GUNS fault. Gotta be bad timing, bad barrel, yada yada yada.

LOGO and price tag simply lets you claim superstar status with a gun. Its like the professional shooters who claim they can never miss a gnats but whole with x model fo 3000 dollar rifle and 900 dollar scope rig with 3 dolalr a bullet ammo.

 

[orionengnr]

^^^^
Classic straw man argument.
I did not see a single poster comment on accuracy.
I don't care how good or bad a shooter you are; if the firearm will not cycle, feed, or the cylinder pops out of battery after every round (yes, that's exactly what mine did) that is a quality and reliability (manufacturing and/or QC) issue.

And that is where Taurus/Rossi come up short, again and again.
That and failing to pay for shipping back to the factory...and often not fixing the problem the first...or second...or third trip back.

Do some research. You will not run short of reading material any time soon. As I say, there are retailers who no longer carry the brand for exactly these reason.

 

[DeepSouth]

its what i call miracle sindrome.

Call it what you want, but the facts want change.

If I took my old Rossi, (that is admitly about 20 years old from an time which quality was lower than it is now) and gave it to 12 year old along side one of my 70's-80's model S&W's he could figure out which was better made. We could measure cylinder slack and compare numbers, along well th trigger pull and again compare numbers, we could look at sights and compare them....
My old smiths will beat MY also old Rossi every time. I do understand S&W's quality has gone down while Rossi's has gone up, so honestly my entire point is quiet possibly irrelevant, I have little to no experience with any revolver built since the mid 90's.

I'll also say I'm basically equally as inaccurate with all of my revolvers, except maybe the 25-2, it likes me for some reason. Anyway, the Rossi can out shoot me, which again isn't saying much.

Out of handgun discussion, I also have a Rossi 22/410 that is fairly nice, especially for the price. It did have a terrible trigger but I managed to work it down just below 3lbs, almost to far. I'd buy it for the kids to shoot and beat up any day assuming the trigger can be worked down.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I would be more interested in Taurus/Rossi if there were after market gunsmiths that would repair or upgrade them. All the gunsmiths that I am aware of refuse to have anything to do with them. Does anyone know of a gunsmith that will work on them?

Part of this issue is that Taurus will not (last time I checked) supply parts. They want you to send the gun to them if it needs work.

 

[NOMI WASP]

Have a Rossi M68 38 special as my truck gun for over a year now. Bought it used about 8 years ago and I mean USED. Always goes bang and I never worry about it letting me down.

I have no issue buying so called (lesser brands) as long as the company stands behind the product and Taurus/Rossi does. Just buy from a LGS that will ship it back if you have an issue because calling Taurus customer service will take over an hour to speak with someone..... No joke, sometimes 2 hours because you get hung up on after an hour.....

 

[Bezoar]

if smith and wesson is such a better product then charter and rossi and taurus,

why do SO many companies make a living by selling shim kits to fix wobble and cylnder fit problems.

 

[DNS]

I bought two Rossi 38s over the years. One was back in the late 80s and a 351 roughly four years ago not long after they were grabbed by Taurus.

The first was crude by anyones standards but was otherwise a good shooter. Sold it eventually. The 351 has much better finish (other than all the Taurus etching crap added) and shot fine. Nicer finish than my old model 10 Smith btw. Someday when i can find cowboy loads for it i'll go back to shooting it (shooting hand issues).

Don't like my Rossi?
Guess what that means to me?

 

[ljnowell]

It never fails when these threads come up people try to convince others that bottom barrel firearms are as good as upper tier.

Just go to taurusarmed.net and read the forums. The actual owners there describing their problems is all you need to know.

Will Taurus make good on them? MOST of the time.