Trade Taurus M85 for a Rossi 357 mag....is it a fair trade?

[jonrjen]

I have a blue Taurus M85 38Spl 2" sub nose revolver, NIB. I have a person who would like to trade a blue Rossi .357Mag 3" blue NIB revolver even up, he simply wants a shorter barrel. Is this about an even trade? Not too familar with the Rossi guns so any imput would be appreciated greatly.

[AtxDanger]

Hey jonrjen! It sounds like a good deal to me!! Think that you would be getting the better deal considering you can fire a .38spl through the .357 (but not vice versa)! Provided that the Rossi is in good working condition and you don't mind the extra barrel length. Now, I could be wrong, and am too lazy to research real quick, but I belive Rossi's are made by Taurus. Or something to that effect. I know that they use the same locking mech on the hammer. Bottom line if you feel good about it, then it is a fair deal! Have fun.

[Jake3501]

The Rossi is a 46103 sold at Academy for black Friday in 2011 for $229.95 and in 2010 for $199.95. They are great revolvers, no doubt at all. A model 85 Taurus, I can assure you, the best price you will find anywhere new is $285 with most being around $350 at a brick and mortar store, meaning you wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee to a dealer like you would on an online purchase to get the $285 price.

I own both revolvers and think highly of both, would not necessarily rate the 461 above the M85 or vice versa. Most 461's are good to go, but check it out good to make sure it functions well, there have been a few more problems with the Rossi than the Taurus.
If the Rossi is good now, it will continue to be good, or it can be cured.

[chicharrones]

I agree with Jake. The Taurus 85 is usually always priced higher. The advantage for you would be if you want to try some of that .357 Magnum in that 3" barrel and you get 6 shots in that Rossi over 5 shots in the Taurus. I think the Rossi 461 has the potential as a better all around gun than the Taurus 85.

[Jake3501]

And Academy currently has the Rossi on Sale for $229.95 again!

[AdesteAnimo]

What are you using the gun for? If carry the 85, if range hog, truck gun and home defense the Rossi. Are you planing on-keeping one of them for the life of the revolver? If not the M85 has better resale. I would check the action, lock up, compare triggers and quality of finish. You should check tolerances on the Rossi: B/C gap, Head space, Timing. See if the trigger or hammer has play in it. things like that.

[Josh45]

Well, Like Adeste said.
Plus, Do you want a .357 mag? It has considerable kick compared to a .38 spcl. Trust me...i have a Ruger GP100 with a 3 inch barrel and those things can and will kick.

If you can, Both of you take it to the range and try them out. Gives you and idea on what's good and bad. And remember, The 257 will shoot .38 but the 38 will NOT shoot the .357.

Thats one of the reasons I chose a .357, So I can have best of both worlds.

[AdesteAnimo]

To add to Josh45 the one thing I like about magnums is they are built for the pressures of a larger caliber in 357 so you get a well built gun that you can use 38 to plink with all day, that's probably going to last a long time with the ability for 357 if you feel the need. Those GP's are great! They are one of my all time favorite revolvers.

[Josh45]

Love my revolver and love the .357. I can't shoot it worth the steel it was made with when shooting .357 but I just dont care. The BOOM behind it makes it worth it!

I shoot the .38 spcl much better....Sadly...

[MilProGuy]

The BOOM behind it makes it worth it!

Indeed, it does!

Shooting a .357 Magnum handgun causes me to get a good aerobic workout.