I am looking for a cheap, small .38
My wife has been getting interested in learning to shoot, and with the way things in the world are lately, she want to have a gun around the house that she knows how to use.

The smallest thing I have (besides a .22) is my G22, which is a bit too much gun for her to start out with, and I think leaving my M4 around for a newbie in unresponsible.

So, I am thinking .38 snubby...light and easy to learn....and if she doesnt take to it, I have a backup CCW.

I looked at the ultra light ones out there (Taurus, S&W, etc)....but two things, they are expensive and the recoil will be increased since the gun is so light.

She wont be carrying for now, so it doesnt need to be really light.
I like the idea of a full size grip (which the Rossi I looked at had) so that she will have the most control of the weapon possible.

I am basically looking for a cheap simple 'instruction' .38
If she takes to it, then I will look into something with a bit more reputation and firepower.

Is the Rossi a decent starter revolver for a newbie?
Here is a pic from the website...


Thanks for your opinion

They are good, decent revolvers.  Had one back in the early 90's.  Always went "bang".  Don't think they are rated for +P ammo though.  Recoil is very manageable.  Accuracy was good at 10 yards or so.  They are good starter guns.  I still have a Charter Arms Undercover model 38special I carry as a back up sometimes.  Load the Rossi with Golddots for defense.  Practice with "cheap" ammo.

Look for a 3" or 4" used S&W K-frame.  The longer sight radius and better trigger will help with accuracy and newbie encouragement, and there's a much wider array of grips available to make sure she's comfortable with it.  A 3" M13 or M65 would still be a great concealment gun, too.  Given the market, a used S&W should be in about the same price ballpark as a new Rossi with a little shopping.

Had one in .38spc, keyword >>HAD<<.  Nuff said.

I have a Rossi, basically the same gun you're showing here but mine is a 357.  Decent enough I guess,  but I would spend the extra $$$ and get the Taurus.  My daughter has the M85 Ultralight and it's not bad with +P ammo.  I wouldn't want to shoot it all day but still the recoil is quite manageable.   Dang accurate to boot.

Rick