Description

Rossi R351 .38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver

For shooters seeking a no-frills, reliable defensive revolver, the Rossi R351 .38 Special police trade-in revolver represents a practical entry point into a classic law enforcement platform. These revolvers are sourced directly from agency surplus inventories and have been inspected for functional integrity. Built on Rossi’s proven six-shot frame, the R351 chambered in .38 Special offers a balance of manageable recoil and adequate stopping power for personal protection or range use. Each unit carries honest holster wear and handling marks consistent with service life, making this an affordable option for those who prioritize mechanical soundness over cosmetic perfection.

Overview

The Rossi R351 .38 Special police trade-in revolver is a fixed-sight, double-action revolver designed for straightforward operation. As a trade-in model, it typically exhibits surface wear such as bluing loss at the muzzle and cylinder edges, but the lockup and timing have been verified. The 2-inch barrel makes this revolver highly concealable, while the full underlug provides a small measure of muzzle weight to mitigate recoil. Sights consist of a serrated ramp front and a square-notch rear, both fixed and drift-adjustable for windage if required. The rubber grips offer a secure hold under rapid fire, and the matte finish reduces glare in low-light conditions.

Features & Specs

• Caliber: .38 Special (not compatible with +P ammunition unless specifically marked)
• Capacity: 6-round cylinder with fluted design for weight reduction
• Barrel Length: 2 inches, with a 1:18.75-inch twist rate for stabilizing standard 158-grain loads
• Overall Length: 6.9 inches; weight approximately 22 ounces unloaded
• Action: Traditional double-action/single-action with a transfer bar safety system
• Frame: Alloy steel with a matte blue/black finish; typical trade-in condition includes holster wear and minor surface marks
• Grips: Soft rubber with finger grooves, providing a full three-finger grip for most hand sizes
• Sights: Fixed front ramp and rear notch; front blade is integral to the barrel shroud

Trigger pull measures approximately 10-12 pounds in double-action mode and 4-5 pounds in single-action mode. Cylinder gap is within factory specification of 0.004 to 0.008 inches. The revolver uses a standard coil mainspring and a leaf-type trigger return spring, both of which are replaceable with off-the-shelf parts.

Who It’s For

The Rossi R351 .38 Special police trade-in revolver is best suited for the budget-conscious shooter who understands the realities of surplus firearms. It appeals to collectors of law enforcement memorabilia, new shooters looking for a low-cost revolver to learn fundamentals, and those who want a reliable truck gun or nightstand companion without risking a high-value heirloom piece. This revolver is also ideal for left-handed shooters, as the cylinder swings out from the left side and the ejector rod is ambidextrous in operation. It is not recommended for shooters requiring pristine aesthetics or those who demand the tightest cylinder lockup of a new-production revolver.

Because these are genuine police trade-ins, each revolver will carry the character of its service history. Functional inspection covers timing, endshake, and barrel-to-cylinder gap, but minor cosmetic variances between examples are to be expected. The Rossi R351 rewards those who appreciate the honest wear of a duty firearm.

Shipping & FFL

This Rossi R351 .38 Special police trade-in revolver will ship to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer via a licensed common carrier. Prior to shipment, please confirm that your FFL dealer accepts transfers from out-of-state retailers and that they are willing to process the transfer for this specific firearm type. You must arrange with your FFL dealer in advance; we cannot ship to residential addresses. A copy of the receiving FFL’s license must be on file with us before dispatch. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location. All applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm purchase and ownership apply. By placing an order, you certify that you are legally eligible to possess this revolver under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and any relevant state statutes.

• FFL must be current and on file before shipment
• Signature required upon delivery
• No returns or exchanges on used police trade-in firearms
• Please inspect revolver thoroughly at your FFL before accepting transfer