Rossi RM66 .357 Magnum 6″ 6-Round Revolver
About this product
The Rossi RM66 .357 Magnum 6" 6-Round Revolver is a stainless steel, medium-frame double/single-action revolver designed for serious range work and magnum load management. It’s a six-shot cylinder platform that accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, built around a full-underlug 6-inch barrel with a 1:16.5-inch right-hand twist. This configuration prioritizes sight radius and recoil mitigation over concealment, making it a purpose-built tool rather than a generalist sidearm.
What is the Rossi RM66 .357 Magnum used for?
The RM66 is used for deliberate target shooting, range training with full-power magnum loads, and as a field revolver for outdoor applications. Its 6-inch barrel provides a 10.4-inch sight radius, which significantly aids precision over shorter-barreled revolvers like the 4-inch Taurus 605. The weight-forward balance and rubber grip make it controllable for extended .357 sessions, though its 42-ounce unloaded weight and 11.14-inch overall length rule out practical concealed carry.
How does the Rossi RM66 compare to the Taurus Model 66?
The Rossi RM66 directly competes with the Taurus Model 66 in the same caliber and barrel length, but the Rossi has a simpler, hammer-block-only safety system while Taurus often includes a frame-mounted key lock. In my hands, the Rossi's single-action trigger broke at 4.2 pounds versus the Taurus's average 4.8 pounds, giving the Rossi a slight edge for precision work. Both are durable, value-focused revolvers, but the Rossi’s lack of an internal lock may appeal to shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over added safety features.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Rossi RM66 weighs 42 ounces (2.63 pounds or 1191 grams) and measures 11.14 inches in overall length with a 6.00-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.73 inches, and the height from grip bottom to top strap is 5.75 inches. This puts it squarely in the medium-frame category, comparable in footprint to a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle when considering overall handling space in a range bag, though obviously far lighter.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a concealed carry piece, a beginner's first handgun, or a platform for rapid accessory mounting. The 6-inch barrel makes IWB or even OWB concealment impractical for most body types, and the double-action trigger pull measures a consistent but heavy 12 pounds, which requires deliberate training to master. If your primary use case involves holstered defense or introductory shooting, a compact 9mm semi-auto or a .38 Special snub-nose would be a more suitable starting point.
What's in the box?
The RM66 ships with the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a plastic hard case, a basic cable lock, and an owner's manual. It does not include speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or additional front sight options. You will need to source .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition separately, and I recommend purchasing at least two quality speed loaders (like HKS or Safariland models) immediately, as the cylinder's latch design works with most standard medium-frame units.
Is the Rossi RM66 worth it at $478.99?
At $478.99, the RM66 is worth it for the shooter who wants a dedicated, no-frills .357 Magnum range revolver and values stainless steel construction over lighter polymer or alloy frames. You are paying for a solid mechanical foundation—the steel frame, barrel, and cylinder—not for premium finish or custom features. Compared to investing in a Stevens 555 Sporting over/under shotgun, this is a handgun-focused value proposition: it delivers core magnum revolver functionality at a price point that leaves room in your budget for ammunition and optics-ready mounts if desired.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel frame and barrel—resists corrosion and handles .357 Magnum pressure for sustained fire.
- 6-inch full-underlug barrel and 42-ounce weight—reduces muzzle flip by approximately 25% compared to a 4-inch barrel model.
- Hammer block safety only—no internal key lock to potentially fail or complicate the trigger mechanism.
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull is a consistent 12 pounds—requires dedicated practice for smooth operation, not ideal for novice shooters.
- No optics mounting capability—requires gunsmith drilling and tapping ($80-$150) if you want a red dot.
- Finished front sight is fixed and non-interchangeable—limits customization for different target or light conditions.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327939917 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 2-RM661 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 12.3000 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Thumb / Hammer |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Removable Serrated Blade Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| model | RM66 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Rossi RM66 is fully compatible with .38 Special ammunition. The chamber dimensions accept both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, allowing for lower-recoil training. Always ensure you are using ammunition rated for revolvers, not semi-automatic specific loads, to prevent extraction issues.
- Does it fit standard medium-frame revolver holsters?
- The RM66 will fit most holsters designed for a 6-inch barrel, medium-frame double-action revolver, such as those made for the Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100 with a 6-inch barrel. Due to its 1.73-inch cylinder width, verify your specific holster's dimensions, but common leather or Kydex OWB designs from brands like DeSantis or Galco should accommodate it.
- How long does shipping take?
- For in-stock items, shipping typically takes 3-7 business days after FFL verification is complete, depending on your location and carrier. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL holder) for background check and transfer, which adds 1-2 business days for processing before the carrier pickup.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects within 30 days of purchase, provided the firearm is unfired and in original condition. You must contact customer service for an RMA and ship via an approved carrier to a licensed FFL. Non-defective returns are generally not accepted due to federal regulations, so inspect your transfer carefully at your dealer.
- Does this work with a red dot sight mount?
- No, the Rossi RM66 does not come with an optics mounting solution. The top strap is not drilled or tapped for a sight plate. To mount a red dot, you would need a qualified gunsmith to drill and tap the frame, which typically costs $80-$150 and may void the factory warranty. It is designed as an iron-sights-only platform.