Description
Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver
The rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver represents a reliable, no-frills option for shooters seeking a proven service weapon at an accessible price point. These revolvers were previously carried by law enforcement personnel and have been inspected and certified as functional trade-ins. Built on a compact 5-shot frame, the M88 in .38 Special offers a balance of concealability and stopping power that has made it a staple in police auxiliary and personal defense roles for decades.
Overview
The Rossi M88 is a 5-shot, double-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, featuring a 2-inch barrel and a steel frame construction. As a police trade-in, each rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver carries visible holster wear and handling marks consistent with service use, though all mechanical functions are verified to be in working order. The revolver’s compact profile makes it ideal for concealed carry or as a backup firearm, while its .38 Special chambering offers manageable recoil and effective terminal ballistics for defensive scenarios. The trade-in nature of these revolvers provides a cost-effective entry point for shooters who prioritize function over cosmetic perfection.
Features & Specs
- Caliber: .38 Special; capacity: 5 rounds in a swing-out cylinder with simultaneous ejection for rapid reloads.
- Barrel length: 2 inches; overall length: approximately 6.5 inches; weight: roughly 22 ounces unloaded for easy carry.
- Frame material: carbon steel with a blued finish; grips: checkered walnut or synthetic depending on individual trade-in condition.
- Sights: fixed front blade and rear notch sight channel; trigger: double-action with a single-action option via hammer spur.
- Safety features: transfer bar mechanism prevents accidental discharge if the hammer is struck without the trigger pulled.
The rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver utilizes a traditional double-action trigger pull of approximately 12 pounds, with a single-action pull breaking around 4 pounds. Cylinder lockup is tight, and the ejector rod is robust enough to clear spent casings without binding. These revolvers were originally manufactured to meet police department specifications, meaning tolerances are set for reliability under frequent use rather than match-grade precision.
Who It's For
This revolver is best suited for experienced shooters who understand the maintenance requirements of a used firearm and who value mechanical soundness over aesthetic appearance. The rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver is a practical choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a functional defensive revolver without paying new-retail prices.
- Collectors of law enforcement trade-in firearms who appreciate the history and wear patterns of service weapons.
- Shooters who prefer the simplicity of a revolver for home defense or as a truck gun, where finish wear is not a concern.
Because these are trade-ins, each revolver will show varying degrees of holster wear, bluing loss, and minor scratches. Mechanical function is prioritized, but cosmetic condition is not guaranteed to be uniform. Buyers comfortable with a working-grade firearm will find this Rossi M88 to be a capable performer for range use or personal protection.
Shipping & FFL
This rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver will ship to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. All federal, state, and local laws apply to the purchase and transfer of this firearm. Before placing an order, please confirm that your receiving FFL dealer is willing to accept transfer of a used, police trade-in revolver. Some FFLs may charge additional transfer fees; these are not included in the listed price. We cannot ship to P.O. boxes. Signature may be required upon delivery. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including age restrictions and background check requirements. International shipping is not available.
- All orders require a valid FFL license on file before shipment can be scheduled.
- Allow 3-7 business days for processing and shipping after FFL verification is complete.
- Returns are not accepted on firearms due to the regulated nature of the product; all sales are final.





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