Rossi RP63 2-RP639 357 Magnum

You would be hard pressed to find something more effective in a defensive situation than a 357 Magnum revolver. The cartridge provides more velocity and energy than the more popular 9mm Luger round. The 9mm and 357 Magnum both use similarly-sized bullets, but because the 357 Magnum case is longer, it can hold more powder, which translates to about 30 percent more velocity, and depending on the load, about 70 percent more energy. Certainly, the 357 is ballistically superior to the 9mm, but that magnum power comes at a cost, and that is recoil, as we found out in a recent test of 357 Magnums sized for everyday carry (EDC). We had four guns, three from Smith & Wesson and one from Rossi, the RP63 with a 3-inch barrel. The S&W contenders included the Model 360 PD 163064 with a 1.88-inch barrel and two Performance Center guns, a Model 19 Carry Comp 13323 with a 2.5-inch barrel and a Model 60 Pro Series 178013 with a 3-inch barrel. All of these revolvers are built on either a small- or medium-size frame, are chambered in 357 Magnum, have exposed hammers, have double-action and single-action triggers, and have abbreviated barrels ideal for concealed carry.

How We Tested 

Before going the range, we checked the cylinder-to-frame headspace with a feeler gauge and a range-rod match kit ($130; Brownells.com) to check barrel and chamber alignment. All chambers and bores aligned. Check. Typically, the space from the forcing cone to the front of the cylinder should be from 0.004 to 0.010 inches. All measured 0.008 inches except for the Model 19, which was tighter at 0.006 inches. Check. The bigger this gap, the more lead splash can be expected when shooting. We did not experience lead gap splash with the revolvers.

For accuracy testing, we fired the revolvers in single action using a rest. Targets were set at 15 yards. For speed shooting, we used NRA D-1 tombstone targets at 7 yards, firing a fully loaded cylinder as fast as possible in double action while trying to keep hits in center mass. 

We fired both 38 Special and 357 Magnum ammo. The Aguila 357 Magnum ammo had 158-grain semi-jacketed soft-point (SJSP) bullets. The Blazer 38 Special +P loaded a 125-grain jacketed hollow point, and the Speer Gold Dot 38 Special had 125-grain Gold Dot hollow points. All of these rounds are good choices for self defense. Different calibers and loads were also loaded into the revolvers so we didn’t know what to expect. Recoil ranged from stout with the 357 Mag ammo to mild with 38 Specials. If our high school physics teacher had used a lightweight 357 Magnum revolver to demonstrate Newton’s Third Law, which states that for every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction, we would have paid better attention.

The top line is that all of these 357s are suitable for self defense, but some are better than others. As you know, there are always some “buts” in every review, so we get into the very fun weeds below.

Rossi RP63 2-RP639 357 Magnum

$373

Gun Tests grade: A- (BEST BUY)

The RP63 is a no-nonsense 357 well suited for everyday carry. The sights are large and easy to acquire. The double-action trigger pull is heavy at 15 pounds, but it’s serviceable for close-range defensive situations. The grip helps dilute felt recoil.

The RP63 debuted last year. It is a medium-frame six-shot S&W-style revolver with a 3-inch barrel. The finish is satin stainless with a bright chrome finish on the hammer and trigger. A serrated black ramp front sight is pinned into the barrel and is serviceable. A large fiber-optic or tritium dot would be better. The rear sight is a groove machined into the top strap, so consider that to be fixed.

The rubber grip is long and has finger grooves as well as a pebble texture. It’s a nice grip that is not too large nor too small. It offers a nice compromise on concealability and shooting comfort. The RP63 points nicely in hand and feels compact for a six-shooter. The hammer offers plenty of checkered texture for easy cocking. The firing pin is built into the hammer like S&W revolvers of yesteryear. Most modern revolvers have the firing pin built into the frame. The RP63 features a hammer block so you can safely carry the revolver fully loaded and not worry about an accidental discharge if dropped on the hammer. The trigger is smooth and wide so the pull weight felt less than the 15 pounds it measured. The trigger stacked noticeably in double-action mode. The single-action trigger pull measured 4.4 pounds. Not the best trigger, but workable.

While the 63 looks plain and no-nonsense, it proved to be the most accurate revolver in the match up. It eked its way ahead of the Model 19 with an overall average of 1.70 inches. The smallest group was with Speer Gold Dot 38 Special. It grouped those 125-grain GDHP bullets in a cluster that measured 0.99 inches. The second-best group measuring 1.37 inches was with Aguila 357 Magnum. The Blazer 38 Special +P had a best group that measured 1.24 inches. Even with hot 357 loads, recoil was nice and very tolerable. The sights are large and good for fast shooting. The double-action trigger pull is heavy, and it took work to keep all six rapid-fire shots in center of mass at 7 yards.

Our Team Said: Between the accuracy, cost, and the ease of use, the RP63 is easily a Best Buy. If you want to try a 357 Magnum or want an inexpensive 357 Magnum for EDC, the RP63 would make a great choice. The cost is a fraction of any of the S&W guns, and we would use some of those savings to deal with the heavy double-action trigger.

To collect accuracy data, we fired five-shot groups from a bench using a rest. Distance: 15 yards with open sights. We recorded velocities using a ProChrono DLX digital chronograph set 10 feet from the muzzle. SJSP = semi-jacketed soft point. JHP = jacketed hollow point. GDHP = Gold Dot hollow point.

Written and photographed by Robert Sadowski, using evaluations from Gun Tests Team members. GT