Rossi 44 special Opinions

[Wheelgun Dunn]

Does anyone have any experience with the Rossi model 720 in .44 Special?  Good?  Bad?  Quality, junk? I read somewhere it was the best revolver they ever built.  Thanks!

Wheelgun

[twyacht]

FWIW, My Interarms Amadeo Rossi, in .357 is utterly reliable, and rock solid.  

I cannot comment on the 720.  But I poked around...

Rossi Model 720

Notes: The Rossi 720 appears to be a near-copy of various 1970s and early to mid-1980s Smith & Wesson snubby revolvers chambered for larger calibers – in this case, the .44 Special. In fact, the steel frame is a near-duplicate of Smith & Wesson’s K-frame, though with an unshrouded shell ejector bar.

Most Model 720s were finished in stainless steel. The grips were usually simple wrap-around checkered rubber, although Pachmayr rubber grips were also available. Designed to be easily concealed, the barrel lengths were either 3" or 3.5 inches (with the 3.5"-barrel version being very rare), and the cylinder held only 5 rounds. The Model 720 came standard with fixed sights (square notch in the rear and a ramped blade up front, both atop a solid sighting rib; the rear sight was white-outlined and the front had a bright red insert), though Rossi would install adjustable rear sights upon request, or dovetailed sights which could be exchanged with other types of iron sights. In addition, atop the barrel was a solid aiming rib for quick shots. Operation was either DA/SA or DAO, depending upon the wishes of the buyer. Most used an exposed hammer with a checkered surface, though a version with a shrouded hammer was also built. The Model 720 appears to have been built until at least 2003; however, it is not at the time of this write-up (Apr 2007) sold by Rossi nor does it appear on either the Rossi USA nor the Brazilian Rossi sites. It should be noted that the Model 720 is not strong enough to fire the .44 Magnum round, nor can it even handle .44 Special "hotloads" such as +P type ammunition or certain wildcat ammunition loaded with extra propellant.

Found a pic online:


Can you test drive it, before you buy it? Looks like if its in good shape, and stick with factory loads, it should be a great pistol.

[bestseller92]

I had a Rossi .44 Special in the early 90s and loved it.  It felt great in my hand, had negligible recoil, and shot to point of aim.  I never put more than a few hundred rounds through it, so I can't really speak to its durability.  I ended up trading it to my brother and I wish I hadn't.  I miss that gun still.

[L.E. Keeney]

I think that would make a good gun to carry while camping. Not super expensive, a good caliber and a reliable revolver to boot.

[tombogan03884]

GreenmountainGringo had a thread about the Rossi, not sure if it was the 44 or not try the forum "Search" option.

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