Hi all!

My grandfather left me a Rossi 38 Special when he died and my grandmother recently gave it to me. It's my understanding that the general consensus is they're not that great of a gun, however, it has sentimental value.

I figure if I'm going to keep it, I might as well learn to shoot it well. To that end, I would like to regrip it because the small plastic grip is very uncomfortable in my hand.

I have been looking online at different grips, but they all fit certain model numbers. I have no idea what model it is and that's the problem. I do know it is fairly old because he died 4 years ago and had it for at least several years before that. The barrel is probably 2" or fewer long.

It looks a lot like the old S&W model 36. It has a plastic grip and is a 5 shot. Does anyone know what model my Rossi might be?


Thanks.

[QUOTE=renno7]Hi all!

My grandfather left me a Rossi 38 Special when he died and my grandmother recently gave it to me. It's my understanding that the general consensus is they're not that great of a gun, however, it has sentimental value.

I figure if I'm going to keep it, I might as well learn to shoot it well. To that end, I would like to regrip it because the small plastic grip is very uncomfortable in my hand.

The Rossi .38 Special has been through many different models depending on when it was manufactured. They do look like a copy of the S&W pattern.

There were several models available with 2", 3' and 4" barrels. The 3" five shooter was also popular with some South American Police forces.

The Model 31 was a 4" 5-shot revolver imported before 1986.
The Model 68 came with 2" or 3" barrel.
The model 68S has a shrouded ejector rod and came with either wood or rubber grips.It was introduced in 1993.
The model 84 was imported in 1985 and 1986 and came in stainless steel.This one has a 3" or 4" ribbed barrel.
The 851 had a ventilated rib barrel and adjustable sights.
The 88S is in SS with a 2" or 3" tube and rubber grips.
The 351 was chambered for .38 Special+P.

Anything else would be too new or a 6 shot version. Needless to say they sold a lot of 5 shot .38 Specials. Quality is something to be carefullt looked at. Condition will depend on how much wear and tear it has had. If you are not sure of its suitability as a shooter then have it checked out by a gun smith. If nothing else it is a good momento and keepsake of the family.

Check with GUNPARTS.COM (I think) and some of the other suppliers for replacement grips. You will need to get the model number straight first though. Happy Shooting!

You can probably find the model # of your Rossi by opening the cylinder and looking at the side of the frame that is normally covered by the ejector rod. I recently acquired a model 68, and that is where the model # is found on mine.

[QUOTE=renno7]Hi all!

My grandfather left me a Rossi 38 Special when he died and my grandmother recently gave it to me. It's my understanding that the general consensus is they're not that great of a gun, however, it has sentimental value.

I figure if I'm going to keep it, I might as well learn to shoot it well. To that end, I would like to regrip it because the small plastic grip is very uncomfortable in my hand.

The Rossi .38 Special has been through many different models depending on when it was manufactured. They do look like a copy of the S&W pattern.

There were several models available with 2", 3' and 4" barrels. The 3" five shooter was also popular with some South American Police forces.

The Model 31 was a 4" 5-shot revolver imported before 1986.
The Model 68 came with 2" or 3" barrel.
The model 68S has a shrouded ejector rod and came with either wood or rubber grips.It was introduced in 1993.
The model 84 was imported in 1985 and 1986 and came in stainless steel.This one has a 3" or 4" ribbed barrel.
The 851 had a ventilated rib barrel and adjustable sights.
The 88S is in SS with a 2" or 3" tube and rubber grips.
The 351 was chambered for .38 Special+P.

Anything else would be too new or a 6 shot version. Needless to say they sold a lot of 5 shot .38 Specials. Quality is something to be carefullt looked at. Condition will depend on how much wear and tear it has had. If you are not sure of its suitability as a shooter then have it checked out by a gun smith. If nothing else it is a good momento and keepsake of the family.

Check with GUNPARTS.COM (I think) and some of the other suppliers for replacement grips. You will need to get the model number straight first though. Happy Shooting!


Thanks a lot. I'll check it out.

You can probably find the model # of your Rossi by opening the cylinder and looking at the side of the frame that is normally covered by the ejector rod. I recently acquired a model 68, and that is where the model # is found on mine.


There's an 2 and P on mine in that spot. The only number I see is on the butt and it's 30167. Otherwise there's nothing. Any ideas?

get in touch with TaurusUSA.com about parts. I have a Rossi .22 that is very accurate and smooth! I have encountered quite a few people who shoot Rossi in .38 and .357 and I am quite impressed with 'em.

Shoot 'em up, but safety first!

:D