Interarms diamondbank .38 spl

[darrellkansas]

I looking to try to buy or trade for one from the original owner.He says its has about 300 rounds thru it,has been in his drawer unfired for around 10 years.
About what is this .38 worth.
Here is a exact picture of the one he has.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/userimage.../wm_805676.jpg

[Steelheart]

I looking to try to buy or trade for one from the original owner.He says its has about 300 rounds thru it,has been in his drawer unfired for around 10 years.
About what is this .38 worth.
Here is a exact picture of the one he has.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/userimage.../wm_805676.jpg

Guessing on some gun stats here..... medium frame, 6 shot, either stainless or nickled finish, adjustable sights, vent rib on top, full lug 4" barrel, wood grips... older gun without a warranty and unknown parts availability (they might be out there, I haven't looked).

I'd offer somewhere between $200 and $250 if I was interested in it.

I'm partially basing my guess on this thread (Taurus medium frame 3:
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/in...?topic=22681.0

Now, if that gun is in fairly good shape (and from your description it will be) that would make an excellent bedside gun or something for a newer shooter as the recoil should be low. If you don't like the grips you may run into trouble finding something else that will fit. I'd suggest then taking the gun to a larger gun show (get it zip tied or whatever they do in your area when you bring it in) and a screwdriver the correct size for the grip screw. That way you can try different grips right there and will know if they'll work or not.

Steelheart

[Qwiks draw]

After doing some in depth research it appears to be an 851 as the add says.

An early one to be sure, but a 851 none the less. Other early Rossi models were in other calibers,finishes, or had 3 inch tubes.
It might be advised if you get that gun to stay away from +P ammo for that example.

Federal Ny-clad 125 gr. loads or standard pressure 110gr. JHPs would get the job done.

Early 851s were advertised by others as being like a Colt Diamond back and Rossi did put the vented ribs to market their revolvers that way. Caught the eye more and was pleasing to those who could not afford the price of a Colt.

[Qwiks draw]

Oh,yes. HKS speedloader model DS-A will fit that gun.
www.hksspeedloaders.com

WInchester has the 110gr. JHP Silvertip and a 158gr. semi-wadcutter. Stay away from soft points and FMJ bullets.
For Remington:
38 Special R38S16 110 SJHP

Federal has these:
P38M 38 Special 125 / 8.1 Nyclad HP Personal Defense®
Compare
PD38HS3H 38 Special 110 / 7.13 Hydra-Shok® JHP Premium® Personal Defense®

Buffalo Bore has this;

SKU: 20C/20 Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol and Handgun Ammo
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Ammo - 158 gr. Soft Lead SWC-HC (850fps/M.E. 253 ft. lbs.) - 20 Round Box
$26.66
Manufacturer: Buffalo Bore

The best bet would be to go with the Buffalo Bore round for protection and then the others.

Some +P could probably be used in that revolver, but it would need to be either Speer's 135 gr. JHP Gold Dot or one of the other makers brands of +P 125 gr.JHPs. Speer does have a 125gr.JHP +P load as well.

[darrellkansas]

It might be advised if you get that gun to stay away from +P ammo for that example.

Why no +P's? I know modern guns can handle them ,limited amounts at best.
Is this example a little to old for the +P ?
He has done some shooting with it but cant remember what but,it has some reloads in it now that one of his friends loaded for him.All he could say is "they are hot loads".
Even if I dont get the gun I'd hate to see him or the gun hurt by the hot loads

[Qwiks draw]

If it is an Interarms piece then yes.

Some +P use might be gotten away with, but metalurgy has changed for the better in the last couple of decades to better metal alloys and steels. This is true for all gun makers. Not just Rossi.
Older Rossis were usually not +P qualified.

It also depends if he is hotrodding the ammo or not.

Calling Rossi customer service would verify if +P should be used or not.