Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver

Overview

The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver represents a practical and service-ready option for shooters seeking an affordable defensive firearm with proven law enforcement provenance. These revolvers are sourced directly from police department inventories, having been carried and maintained according to departmental armory standards. The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver features a five-shot cylinder chambered in .38 Special, offering reliable performance in a compact, snub-nose configuration. Each revolver exhibits holster wear, handling marks, and finish wear consistent with service use, but all units have been inspected and function-checked for safe operation. This is a no-frills, steel-frame revolver designed for duty and personal defense, not for display.

Features & Specs

The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is built around a solid steel frame with a 2-inch barrel, making it highly concealable while retaining adequate sight radius for defensive accuracy. The revolver utilizes a transfer bar safety system, preventing accidental discharge if dropped. Cylinder timing and lockup are checked to ensure proper alignment and rotation. Below are the key specifications for this firearm.

• Caliber: .38 Special (five-shot capacity, non-fluted cylinder on most examples)
• Barrel Length: 2 inches; overall length approximately 6.5 inches; weight approximately 22 ounces unloaded
• Action: Double-action/single-action (DAO variants may be present; see individual listing for action type)
• Sights: Fixed front blade and fixed rear notch; finish: blued carbon steel with some surface wear and patina

Who It’s For

This Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is ideally suited for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize mechanical integrity over cosmetic appearance. It is appropriate for concealed carry permit holders who want a reliable backup or deep-concealment revolver without investing in a new-production firearm. Shooters who prefer the simplicity of a revolver for home defense will find the .38 Special cartridge manageable for follow-up shots. Collectors of law enforcement trade-in firearms will appreciate the authentic carry wear and departmental history inherent in these revolvers. This is not a safe queen or a competition revolver; it is a working tool for those who value function over finish.

• Ideal for first-time revolver buyers seeking an entry-level defensive handgun at a low cost
• Suitable for experienced shooters wanting a beater carry piece that can handle holster wear and daily use
• Recommended for those who prefer the reliability of a revolver over semi-automatic pistols for defensive scenarios

Shipping & FFL

This Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver will ship to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. Please confirm that your chosen FFL dealer accepts shipments from private retailers and is willing to process the transfer for you. You must provide a complete FFL copy, including the physical address, license number, and expiration date, at the time of purchase. Shipment will occur within three to five business days after FFL verification. It is your responsibility to verify state and local laws regarding revolver ownership and transfer. No returns or exchanges are accepted on firearms. All sales are final upon transfer to your FFL dealer. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this handgun. By completing this purchase, you certify that you are legally eligible to own a firearm under federal, state, and local law.

• Firearm ships to your chosen FFL dealer only; no direct-to-consumer shipping
• Include your FFL dealer’s contact information and license copy during checkout
• You are responsible for all transfer fees charged by your FFL dealer; we do not collect these fees