Rossi R351 .38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver
There is something satisfying about a revolver that has been carried by law enforcement officers and put through real-world use. The rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver is a piece of that history, offering solid performance at a price point that makes it accessible for shooters who want a reliable .38 Special without breaking the bank. These trade-ins come from various police departments, meaning each one has a story and some honest wear, but they have been inspected and function-checked before hitting our shelves.
Overview
The Rossi R351 is a six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, built on a sturdy steel frame. As a police trade-in, it typically shows holster wear, scuffs, and sometimes a bit of surface rust, but the mechanicals are sound. This is not a safe queen or a collector piece — it is a working gun that was carried daily and, in many cases, fired only during qualifications. The trade-in status keeps the price low, making it an excellent entry point for someone who wants a no-frills defensive revolver or a budget-friendly range companion. When you pick up a rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver, you are getting a firearm that was designed to be tough and reliable, and it shows in the way it handles.
Features & Specs
Let us get into the specifics of what makes this revolver tick. The Rossi R351 features a traditional double-action/single-action trigger, a fixed sight setup, and a five-shot cylinder. The barrel length is typically 2 inches, making it compact enough for concealed carry but still controllable with standard .38 Special loads. Here is a breakdown of the key features:
- Caliber: .38 Special — a well-balanced round for defense and target shooting, with mild recoil in a steel frame.
- Action: Double-action/single-action with a transfer bar safety, allowing for safe carry with all six chambers loaded.
- Construction: All-steel frame and cylinder, giving it durability and weight that helps manage recoil.
Because these are trade-ins, you may find variations in finish condition, but every rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver we sell has been function-checked for timing, cylinder lockup, and trigger pull. The grips are usually the standard rubber or wood, depending on what the department issued. Expect some honest wear — that is part of the charm. If you want a pristine, shiny new revolver, this is not it. If you want a solid tool with character, this fits the bill.
Who It Is For
The rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver is ideal for a few specific types of shooters. First, it is a great option for someone on a tight budget who still wants a reliable defensive firearm. At this price point, you get a revolver that will go bang every time you pull the trigger, without the premium cost of a new Smith & Wesson or Ruger. Second, it is perfect for new shooters who want to learn on a revolver — the .38 Special is mild, and the double-action trigger builds good fundamentals. Third, it appeals to collectors who appreciate law enforcement history and want a piece of that without spending a fortune. Finally, if you need a truck gun, a safe gun, or a backup for camping or hiking, this revolver does the job without worry about dinging up a high-end piece.
- Budget-conscious shooters who need a reliable defensive tool.
- New shooters learning revolver fundamentals with a mild caliber.
- Collectors interested in police trade-in firearms with real use history.
Just keep in mind that these are used firearms with cosmetic wear. They are not competition guns or showpieces. But for practical use, the rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver delivers where it counts — reliability and affordability.
Shipping & FFL
Because this is a firearm, we must follow all federal and state regulations. When you purchase this rossi r351 .38 special police trade-in revolver, we will ship it to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your area. You will need to select your preferred FFL during checkout or provide their contact information. Please confirm with your chosen dealer that they accept shipments from online retailers and are willing to process the transfer for you. Some dealers charge a transfer fee, so check that in advance. We ship via insured carriers and require an adult signature upon delivery. All sales are final on used trade-in firearms due to their cosmetic condition, but we stand behind the mechanical function. If you have any questions about FFL requirements or shipping to your state, give us a call — we are happy to help.
- Ship to your chosen FFL dealer only — no direct-to-consumer delivery.
- Verify your FFL accepts transfers and know their fee before ordering.
- Adult signature required; all sales final on used trade-in firearms.




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