Rossi M88 v. S&W 60

[Cold Steel]

As the moderately oblivious owner of a S&W 60 (square butt), S&W 36 (round butt), and a Rossi M88 3-inch, I'm curious. When I compare the Rossi M88 to my S&Ws, the only real difference I can see is the extractor rod. The lock ups, trigger pulls, sights and so forth are about the same.

I've never fired the M88, but I owned one just like it before and I occasionally shot +P 110gr JHP through it with no difference in lock-up detected. Both M88s were exceptionally tight and they both were 3-inchers. Both S&W revolvers are 2-inchers.

I can't see any tool marks on the M88. Both guns looked perfect. Even the screws were perfect. The screws on the Model 60 were some I ordered from S&W, and though new, they don't look as pristine as the Rossi M88 screws, which I removed to swap the trigger return spring.

The only two things, minor things, I don't like on the Rossi are the aforementioned ejector rod and the hammer and trigger, both of which are stainless steel (very well done, though). I'd prefer they be flash chromed MIM parts. But those are inconsequential differences. One other is that the firing pin has been known to fail on some M88s if dry fired a lot, but I've heard the same on some 36s. Mine was manufactured in 1968. My father bought his/my Model 60 years later, and I don't think he ever fired or dry fired it.








My question is this: I know the S&W revolvers are most likely made using better craftsmanship and parts. I just wonder if the S&Ws are better able to withstand +P ammo than the Rossis and what other differences might be.

Every Taurus revolver I ever owned manifested huge differences almost immediately, and it's why I don't own any Taurus revolvers to this day (though I love the Taurus PT-92 AR stainless autos more than any Beretta I've ever owned).

I like the 3-inch barrel on the Rossi better than the 2-inch barrels on the S&W revolvers. I know the 36 was made with a 3-inch barrel variant, but I never saw one on a dealer's shelf (of course, I never saw a 36/60 in any variant, either). In the 80s, seeing a Model 60 on a dealer's shelf was like seeing a Sasquatch in New York City. Only cops could get them.





S&W 60





Rossi M88

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

Like many firearms, it depends on the era the gun was made and who was the corporate owner. Rossi used to have a terrible name but I understand their quality control has improved with different corporate owners. S&W quality control was up and down over the years depending on whether the corporate ownership was Bangor Punta, Lear Siegler, Thompkins of the current ownership. Rossis were at least to some degree copies of S&W so the design and engineering was essentially worked out and they adapted to their manufacturing techniques and cost and marketing strategy.

I've heard many say the firing pin on the hammer should not be dry fired without using snap-caps. When I attended armorers school at S&W in the early '90s we were told that's BS. It still makes sense to use snap-caps as it protects the firing pin regardless. I've also heard of the occasion run of revolvers where such firing pins (bullnose in S&W parlance) were poorly heat treated and could be brittle if dry fired without use of snap-caps. YMMV on that issue.

+P...it depends on the metallurgy and whether a small frame revolver should be subjected to continuous use or any use. Unless the manufacturer specifically states the piece is +P safe I would not use that ammunition. Besides...the velocity advantage in a +P is usually lost in such short barrels guns...all you're gaining is somewhat increased recoil and flash.

 

[John from MD]

In the '70's, when Smith and Wesson was owned by Bangor Punta, it had a controlling interest in the company. Early guns made there were almost exact copies of S&W revolvers. The same thing happened when Beretta built a plant there.

I switched to carrying a Rossi 720 .44 Spl which wasn't too much bigger than the S&W 36 that I had been carrying. It was one of the guns I wish I never parted with but, in the '90s, I was afraid if it broke ( I shot it pretty regularly) I would not be able to get the parts to fix it.

 

[Cold Steel]

Thanks for the information, especially regarding the firing pin. I don't dry snap the gun at all and I had a third-party parts maker make me a quality firing pin replacement. I keep it with the gun in a small brown envelope just in case. I don't know of anyone who makes parts for that gun today. If a part breaks, that's all she wrote. I dry fired the M88 I had before and which I sold, but never had a problem. Of course, breakage can occur at any point. I like the 3-inch barrel on the M88.




Rossi 88 (bottom) and S&W 60.



Rossi 88 (top) and Ruger Security-Six.

--