Rossi R351 38 Special DA/SA Police Trade-In Revolver

If you are looking for a no-nonsense revolver with real history and solid performance, the rossi r351 38 special da/sa police trade-in revolver is a serious contender. These guns came from law enforcement agencies that upgraded to semi-autos, leaving behind a batch of well-carried, lightly-used Rossi wheelguns. This is not a safe queen. It is a working revolver that shows honest wear, but the mechanicals are typically tight and the timing is spot-on. The double-action pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. For the budget-conscious shooter who wants a .38 Special that means business, this trade-in delivers more value than most new production revolvers at twice the money.

Overview

The Rossi R351 is a six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special. Built on Rossi’s medium frame, it features a 4-inch barrel, fixed sights, and a parkerized or blued finish that holds up well to holster wear. As a police trade-in, each revolver has been carried extensively but fired sparingly in qualification courses. You will see holster rub, edge wear, and possibly some minor handling marks. What you will not see is excessive cylinder play, timing issues, or a sloppy lockup. These guns were maintained by department armorers and inspected before being released to the civilian market.

Features & Specs

• Caliber: .38 Special (not +P rated, though many shooters report safe use with standard pressure +P loads — always consult a gunsmith first)
• Action: Double-action / single-action with a transfer bar safety
• Barrel length: 4 inches, offering a good balance of sight radius and concealability
• Capacity: 6 rounds in a swing-out cylinder with star extractor
• Finish: Original factory blue or parkerized, with honest carry wear
• Sights: Fixed front blade and rear notch, zeroed for standard pressure .38 Special
• Grips: Checkered walnut or rubber service grips (may vary by individual revolver)

• Double-action trigger pull: approximately 10-12 pounds, smooth with a slight stack at the end
• Single-action trigger pull: approximately 3.5-4 pounds, crisp with minimal overtravel
• Overall length: 9.5 inches
• Weight: approximately 34 ounces unloaded

• Frame material: Carbon steel, forged and machined
• Finish durability: The finish shows wear from holster carry, but the underlying steel is sound with no pitting or rust issues reported
• Extractor rod: Fluted, with a positive stop for easy ejection
• Serial number location: Under the barrel shroud and on the frame yoke

Who It’s For

The rossi r351 38 special da/sa police trade-in revolver is built for the shooter who values mechanical integrity over cosmetic perfection. It is ideal for someone looking for a reliable truck gun, a home defense revolver, or a budget-friendly entry into revolver shooting. If you are a reloader, this revolver will eat standard pressure .38 Special handloads without complaint. It also serves as a solid trainer for new shooters who want to learn double-action trigger control without breaking the bank. Police trade-ins often get overlooked by collectors, but for the practical shooter, they represent the best value in the used revolver market. If you are tired of plastic frames and want something with heft and history, this is your revolver.

Shipping & FFL

This rossi r351 38 special da/sa police trade-in revolver is a firearm and must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship to any valid FFL dealer that will accept transfers from individuals or online retailers. After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your FFL’s shipping address. Please have your chosen dealer’s FFL information ready, or we can help you locate a local FFL if needed. All federal, state, and local firearms laws apply. You are responsible for knowing and complying with your local regulations. The revolver will be shipped in a secure package with all required markings and documentation. We are not responsible for any delays caused by the receiving FFL or local authorities. If you have questions about the transfer process, call us before completing your purchase. This revolver is sold as-is with no warranty expressed or implied, but we do inspect each rossi r351 38 special da/sa police trade-in revolver for function and timing before it leaves our warehouse.