Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Rossi M68 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is a durable, compact .38 Special revolver. These are genuine police trade-ins, offering a unique piece of history. Available now for $599.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Rossi M68 Police Trade-In?
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Frame, Blued Finish |
| Manufacturing | Rossi (Brazil) |
| Finish | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Serviceable, typical of police trade-ins |
| Compatibility | .38 Special Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to fire (after standard safety checks) |
| Weight | Approximately 23 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | 6.5-inch overall length (approximate, varies by barrel length) |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| Condition | Used, Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good condition, cosmetic wear expected) |
| SKU | RSI-M68-PTIN |
What makes the Rossi M68 a practical choice?
The Rossi M68 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver is a no-frills, dependable firearm. These revolvers were part of law enforcement inventories, meaning they were maintained to a professional standard, even if they show external wear. Chambered in .38 Special, it’s a manageable cartridge for many shooters, offering a balance of power and control. The fixed sights are robust and simple, reducing potential points of failure. For someone looking for a solid, functional revolver without paying new retail prices, these trade-ins represent a good value.
- Proven Reliability: These firearms were trusted by law enforcement, indicating a baseline of operational dependability.
- Chambered in .38 Special: A widely available and effective cartridge for self-defense and target shooting.
- Compact Size: Easy to conceal for personal defense or carry in the field.
- Simple Operation: Double-action/single-action revolver mechanism is straightforward and intuitive.
- Affordable Entry: Police trade-ins offer a lower cost of entry into owning a reliable revolver compared to new models.
- Historical Value: Owning a piece of law enforcement history.
Who is the Rossi M68 Police Trade-In Revolver for?
This rossi m68 38 special police trade-in revolver is a solid option for several types of buyers.
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable, no-nonsense revolver for home defense.
- You’re looking for an affordable .38 Special for target practice or plinking.
- You appreciate the utilitarian nature and history of police trade-in firearms.
- You want a backup gun that’s easy to operate and maintain.
- You’re a new shooter looking for a simple, robust handgun to learn on.
- You’re on a budget but still demand a functional firearm.
Skip it if:
- You require a pristine, cosmetically perfect firearm with no signs of wear.
- You expect modern features like accessory rails or interchangeable sights.
- You need a high-capacity firearm (see our Pistols for alternatives).
- You demand the absolute lightest trigger pull right out of the box.
- You’re looking for a competition-grade revolver (see our Revolvers for higher-end models).
How does the Rossi M68 compare to other revolvers?
| Feature | Rossi M68 Police Trade-In | Taurus 856 (New) | Smith & Wesson 642 (New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel Frame | Aluminum Alloy Frame | Aluminum Alloy Frame |
| Quality | Serviceable, Law Enforcement Grade (used) | Good, Modern Production | Very Good, Established Brand |
| Compatibility | .38 Special | .38 Special | .38 Special +P |
| Shipping | From Wichita, KS | Varies by Retailer | Varies by Retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven durability (used) | Good, with proper care | Excellent, long-term reliability |
| Price | ~$599 (Police Trade-In) | ~$350-$450 | ~$500-$600 |
The Rossi M68 38 Special Police Trade-In Revolver stands out as a budget-friendly option with a history of professional use. While a new Taurus 856 might offer a lighter frame and fresh-from-the-factory feel for a similar or slightly lower price, it lacks the unique character of a trade-in. The S&W 642 is a premium option, often lighter and rated for +P ammunition, but it comes at a higher price point. The Rossi M68 offers a robust steel frame, which some shooters prefer for recoil absorption, and a proven track record, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing function and value over new aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rossi M68
What condition are these police trade-in revolvers in?
These Rossi M68 revolvers are police trade-ins, meaning they are used firearms. They are generally in good to very good mechanical condition, but you should expect cosmetic wear such as holster marks, scratches, and finish thinning, consistent with their previous service life. Each firearm is inspected for functionality before shipping.
Is the Rossi M68 suitable for concealed carry?
Yes, the compact size and relatively light weight of the Rossi M68 make it a viable option for concealed carry. Its simple operation and reliability are assets in a self-defense situation.
What kind of ammunition does the Rossi M68 use?
The Rossi M68 is chambered for .38 Special ammunition. It is generally safe to use standard pressure .38 Special loads. Consult the firearm’s manual or a qualified gunsmith for specific ammunition recommendations, and avoid +P or other high-pressure loads unless explicitly rated for them.
How many rounds does the Rossi M68 hold?
The Rossi M68 is a 5-shot revolver, meaning it holds five rounds of .38 Special ammunition in its cylinder.
Are parts and accessories available for the Rossi M68?
While the Rossi M68 is an older model, some aftermarket grips and basic maintenance parts may still be available. However, specific factory replacement parts might be harder to source compared to current production firearms. Maintenance is generally straightforward for revolvers.
Where can I buy revolvers online?
You can buy revolvers online through licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate the transfer of firearms to your local FFL dealer for pickup, ensuring all federal and state laws are followed.
What is the return policy for police trade-in firearms?
Kansas Gunshop offers a 30-day return policy for police trade-in firearms, provided they are returned in the condition they were received and have not been transferred into your name at your local FFL. Once transferred, the sale is considered final, and any issues would fall under manufacturer warranty (if applicable) or require gunsmithing.
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