Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver

Overview

The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver offers a practical option for shooters seeking a reliable, no-frills revolver at a competitive price point. These revolvers are sourced directly from law enforcement agency surplus, meaning they have seen service use but have been inspected and function-checked prior to listing. The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is a five-shot, compact frame revolver chambered in .38 Special, making it suitable for personal defense, range shooting, or as a backup duty weapon. Each revolver shows typical holster wear and handling marks consistent with police service, but the mechanical condition remains sound. This is a buy for value, not for collector-grade cosmetics.

Features & Specs

The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is built on a steel frame with a 2-inch barrel, providing a balance of concealability and shootability. The revolver features a fixed front sight and a notch rear sight, both standard for this type of defensive handgun. The double-action trigger pull is smooth enough for quick follow-up shots, while the single-action mode allows for more precise aiming. The cylinder swings out to the left for loading and unloading, and the revolver uses a transfer bar safety system. These trade-in revolvers typically include a set of factory rubber grips that offer a secure hold.

• Caliber: .38 Special (5-round capacity)
• Barrel length: 2 inches; overall length approximately 7.5 inches
• Finish: Blued steel with visible holster wear, pitting, or finish loss (cosmetic condition varies per unit)
• Action: Double-action / single-action with transfer bar safety
• Weight: Approximately 22 ounces unloaded

Who It’s For

This revolver is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who need a functional .38 Special revolver without paying for pristine condition. It suits new shooters looking for an affordable entry into revolver ownership, experienced shooters wanting a truck gun or glovebox revolver, and those who appreciate the history of law enforcement trade-in firearms. The Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver also appeals to collectors of police surplus who value working guns over safe queens. If you are comfortable with a revolver that shows honest wear and are looking for a low-cost option for range use or personal defense, this trade-in fits the bill. It is not recommended for those seeking a showroom-fresh firearm or a safe queen.

• Practical choice for concealed carry or home defense on a budget
• Good option for training new shooters on double-action revolver fundamentals
• Trade-in condition keeps the price accessible without sacrificing mechanical reliability

Shipping & FFL

This Rossi M88 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver will ship to the Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder of your choice. Upon placing your order, you must provide the contact information for a local FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. We ship via insured ground service within the contiguous United States. It is your responsibility to confirm that your chosen FFL dealer will accept the transfer and that the revolver is legal to possess in your state and local jurisdiction. A valid government-issued ID and completed ATF Form 4473 are required at the time of pickup. No returns or cancellations are accepted once the firearm has shipped. Please check your local laws regarding magazine capacity restrictions, age requirements, and any additional waiting periods before ordering.

• Firearm ships to your chosen FFL dealer only
• Provide FFL contact information at checkout
• Buyer must comply with all federal, state, and local laws