Rossi R46102

Lore & Background

The Rossi Model 461, including the R46102 variant, is manufactured by the Rossi Firearms company and produced in Brazil by Taurus Firearms Ltd. under license from Rossi USA. The revolver is made of steel with a blued finish and features a rubberized finger-groove grip. A known issue with the 461 model is that the firing pin can break off if the revolver is dry fired; replacement parts are available but not sold directly by Rossi manufacturers. In 2019, Taurus Armas agreed to a $38 million settlement over allegations that Rossi revolvers are prone to fire if dropped due to a manufacturing defect, affecting units with serial numbers beginning with letters A through K and Y through Z, manufactured between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017.

Reader's Guide

The Rossi R46102 represents a practical, no-frills revolver designed for defensive use, chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P calibers. Its compact 2-inch barrel and fixed sights prioritize concealability and reliability over precision. The revolver's significance lies in its affordability and Brazilian production under license, making it accessible to a broad market. However, its legacy is tempered by documented issues: the firing pin vulnerability to dry firing and the class-action settlement regarding drop-safety defects in a wide range of serial numbers from 2005 to 2017. These factors have shaped its reputation as a budget-friendly option with known caveats, and the availability of replacement parts from third parties underscores a reliance on aftermarket support. The limited lifetime warranty through Rossi USA offers some assurance, but the manufacturing and safety concerns remain part of its historical context.

Did You Know?

• The Rossi R46102 is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P rounds.
• The revolver has a known issue where the firing pin can break if dry fired.
• In 2019, Taurus Armas settled allegations that Rossi revolvers could fire if dropped, affecting serial numbers beginning with A through K and Y through Z from 2005 to 2017.