EAA Windicator...Why I didn't!

C

Cheapshooter

New member
Well, unless someone convinces me otherwise.
I was looking through the cases at Gander Mountain for something to use my Christmas gift cards, and rewards points money on. I really didn't see anything that was on my short list, or even close. But I spied what looked a lot like a K frame snubbie. Checking it out, it was an EAA marked on the tag as EA/R 357 Magnum.
When I asked to see it, the very honest counter person wanted to point out a curious feature. The flat, shiny bare metal of an uncrowned, unblued muzzle! :eek:
Looking a little further, I noticed the barrel shroud boldly, and clearly marked 38 Special. With a much smaller, lightly struck 357 Magnum below it.
With a little research, and one horror story youtube video of two of these purchased sight unseen, it appears these were imported as 4" revolvers with 2" shrouds. Then the barrels were just hacked off to 2" by EAA. Really? :eek:
Makes me wonder if the 357 Magnum was another modification made by EAA after they got these German made guns into the country.
In my research I found several very favorable reviews, and YouTube videos. Most of which were done by young, and obviously not real well seasoned gun enthusiasts.
Just wondering what kind of experiences members of TFL may have had with these revolvers, and EAA in general. If those reports are true I think that speaks volume about quality control at EAA.
 
I have seen these EAA's show up fairly regularly on some of the local Facebook gun trader pages and I have stayed away! They are not holding value and people seem to be in a hurry to dump them on someone.
 
I've heard the Windicators are good revolvers for the money. I've been pleasantly surprised with many less expensive European handguns I've bought. I would have no qualms about picking up a Windy if I found one in good condition. I am sure you just found a lemon, it happens, even with S&W and Colt. I personally think they look very cool, very Python like with the vented barrel.
 
I've heard the Windicators are good revolvers for the money. I've been pleasantly surprised with many less expensive European handguns I've bought. I would have no qualms about picking up a Windy if I found one in good condition. I am sure you just found a lemon, it happens, even with S&W and Colt.
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Can't say it was a lemon. New in the case, and looked, and felt good. In fact, if I would have had all my gift cards with me I might have bought it this morning.
The thing is as I researched the 2" model, they all have been cut down after being imported as 4" revolvers.
Here is one youtube video that shows two of them.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M1cvULYAzbk
As I said, others are quite favorable.
 
The flat, shiny bare metal of an uncrowned, unblued muzzle!
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Paaaaaaaass!

it appears these were imported as 4" revolvers with 2" shrouds. Then the barrels were just hacked off to 2" by EAA. Really?
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That I can believe. ATF sporting purposes "import points". I've read (Interwebz hearsay, YMMV) that Taurus snubs come in with a longer barrel, then are bobbed and crowned locally.

and YouTube videos. Most of which were done by young, and obviously not real well seasoned gun enthusiasts.i
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Seen it. Watching Bubba pry off a revolver side plate with his "screwed" driver kind of ruins a disassembly video for me.
 
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That I can believe. ATF sporting purposes "import points". I've read (Interwebz hearsay, YMMV) that Taurus snubs come in with a longer barrel, then are bobbed and crowned locally.
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Figured that was the reason, but according to your info, at least Taurus crowns the bobbed barrels.
Actually, for the price, I like the rest of the gun. Just don't know how accurate they are with that sharp edge on the muzzle.
 
I've shot one, it was accurate and easy to shoot due to the all steel weight. DA trigger was heavy, SA was okay. How accurate does a 2" revolver have to be anyway? :)

How much is a new one selling for?
 
I've got one. The advertisement said. Not the smoothest,shiniest,prettiest gun but it "Gets the job done". If it works when I need it,I'm fine with it. I've shot about 100 .38 spl through it. No problems so far.
 
How much is a new one selling for?
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That has crossed my mind. Does a perfect crown have that much of an effect on a 2" 357 Magnum? Probably never carried, just a range blaster. But I would like it to be reasonably accurate @10 yards.
The other point I made was the 357 Magnum markings not matching the 38 Special stamping. Like they added it at a later date. I can't remember seeing a 357 Magnum of any make marked 38 Special. Especially so prominently.
It is on the barrel shroud, so maybe when the decided to make a 357 version they just modified the 2" 38 shrouds they had on hand.
Oh well, it's just a whim, and if I wait until they restock after the Christmas sales I might forget about it. Especially if they pop up with a Charter Bulldog, or the new Ruger Charger Takedown.:eek:
 
The magic tool is an RCBS case mouth chamfering tool that removes the burr on trimmed cases. Just use a light touch and keep it straight. It makes great looking crowns.
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Hmmmm, got one of those on the loading bench!
 
i have a steel round ball on a shaft, no idea what it came from, but I chuck it in a drill with lapping compound to finish the muzzles. does great.
 
The best reviews on the Windicator have only been neutral

As something I'd have to stake my life on......
I wouldn't.
 
The best reviews on the Windicator have only been neutral
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Actually, other than the one YouTube video showing two 2" Windicators with obvious QC concerns, all I have seen have been very favorable. Non claim that they are the high quality in fit & finish of a S&W, or vintage Colt, but all saw the Windicator is a real value in a serviceable, reliable, and reasonably accurate 357 snubbie.
Possibly the reviews you are referring to are by gun writers who's magazine, or TV show receive lots of $$$$ in advertising from the more noted makers.

As something I'd have to stake my life on......
I wouldn't.
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But that's not my intended use. My CCW and HD needs are met quite well by Ruger, Kahr, Springfield Armory, Colt, and Remington.:D
 
I had one for a few years. It was good enough for what it is.
Made a good bedside gun. Not a good carry gun ( too heavy)
Not particularity accurate, and its is a 357magnum but I wouldn't throw them all the time.

After I got a hold of my Smith Model 19 it lost the bed side job and was too heavy to carry.
So it got sold. I know the new owner and it still has a job as his bed side gun.

It is what it is.
 
The 4'', all steel, .357Mag model is good. I think we can't blame Weihrauch (the builder of the gun) if someone else does not do a good job cutting the barrels and putting the right barrel shroud for the caliber in place...
 
I bought one with a 4" barrel about a year ago. Very accurate handgun. Liked it so much I bought another one just like it. Use them for home defense. I must like German guns, have four SIGs (all German mfg.) and four H&Ks.:)
 
I've had mine for almost a year and I've put almost a case of ammo thru it without a hitch. Even bagged a couple of coyotes with. It ain't pretty but it does get the job done
 
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