Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver

If you have been looking for a reliable, no-nonsense revolver that won’t break the bank, the Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is worth a serious look. These are genuine police trade-ins, meaning they have seen some holster wear but have been maintained by departments that expect their sidearms to function under pressure. The Rossi M88 is a compact, five-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, and it fits that sweet spot between concealability and shootability. We have handled a fair number of these, and they consistently deliver on the basics: a solid lockup, a smooth double-action trigger after break-in, and the classic simplicity of a hammerless snub-nose design that won’t snag on a draw.

Overview

The rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver is built on a steel frame with a 2-inch barrel, making it an ideal backup or off-duty piece. These revolvers were originally issued to law enforcement officers who needed something small enough to carry in an ankle holster or a pocket, yet potent enough to stop a threat. The finish shows honest wear—holster rubs, minor scuffs, and sometimes a bit of surface rust that we have cleaned up—but the mechanical internals are solid. You are getting a working revolver with character, not a safe queen. Each one we ship has been function-checked, and the bore is typically bright with strong rifling. For the price point, this is one of the most honest deals in the used revolver market right now.

Features & Specs

Let us break down exactly what you are getting with this rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver. The hammerless design means the spur is shrouded, which prevents snagging and allows for a smooth, consistent double-action pull every time. The cylinder holds five rounds of .38 Special, and the fixed sights are low-profile and intuitive. Here are the key specs and features:

• Manufacturer: Rossi, Category: Revolvers. Chambered in .38 Special with a 5-round capacity. The 2-inch barrel keeps it compact for concealed carry or backup use.
• Hammerless design with a shrouded hammer for snag-free drawing from a pocket or holster. Double-action only trigger system with a smooth pull that improves with use.
• Steel frame and cylinder construction. Fixed front and rear sights. Overall length is approximately 6.5 inches, weight around 22 ounces unloaded.
• Police trade-in condition. Expect honest holster wear, possible minor finish loss, but mechanically sound with a clean bore and tight cylinder lockup.

Who It Is For

This revolver is a perfect fit for a few specific shooters. First, if you are looking for a budget-friendly revolver to keep in a nightstand or truck console, the rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver gives you proven reliability without the premium price tag. Second, it is an excellent choice for new revolver shooters who want to learn on a double-action platform without investing in a brand-new Smith or Ruger. Third, if you are a collector of police trade-ins or a shooter who appreciates honest wear and real-world history, this one has stories to tell. The compact size also makes it a viable deep-concealment option for experienced carriers who want something smaller than a J-frame but still chambered in .38 Special.

Shipping & FFL

This rossi m88 38 special police trade-in revolver will ship to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. Please ensure your FFL is willing to accept the transfer before placing your order. We ship via UPS or FedEx to the address on file with the ATF. You will need to provide a copy of your FFL’s license, and we will include a copy of ours in the box. All federal, state, and local laws apply. It is your responsibility to know your local regulations regarding the purchase of a handgun. Once the firearm arrives at your FFL, you will complete the ATF Form 4473 and any required background check before taking possession. If you have questions about the transfer process, give us a call—we are happy to walk you through it.