EAA Windicator...Why I didn't!

Yeah I have read that Windicator "Snub" model issue for some time. Sad in that the 4" model as others have stated seems like an outright "value" purchase...Honestly, I may pickup one of the 4" models this year at some point. Of course, I've had great luck with EAA Distro as far as the K2, B6P and even a SAR HD Shotgun. That said, it's shocking to watch that YT vid as I only read about it previously which, in this case, words can't possibly adequately describe the horror...

Some would pass due to it's non +P rating...
 
PT-92, I think the only issue with the snubbie is the unfinished muzzle. From information gained here on TFL I'm not all sure that is a problem. If everything else is solid on the parent 4" model, why wouldn't the 2" be equal.
My only other concern was the stamping on the barrel shroud of both 38 Special, and 357 Magnum with the 38 markings being more prominent, and 357 looking like an afterthought. Could be just a cost cutting measure. Make all shrouds 38 Special, and stamp the added Magnus on the ones used on 357 models.
One other curious fact is the warning against the use of +P ammunition. Why would that be a problem in a gun built for 357 Magnum? Possibly just generic lawyer speak in the owner's manual?
 
...One other curious fact is the warning against the use of +P ammunition. Why would that be a problem in a gun built for 357 Magnum? Possibly just generic lawyer speak in the owner's manual?...
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Cheapshooter,

I agree in that if I were in the market for a "snubbie" I would still consider these for the price via the very good reviews concerning all else outside of the crown-issue (or lack thereof)...the performance durability reviews I have read/watched mostly seem quite favorable. So maybe speak to the online vendor prior to a 'cyber-purchase' or handle one direct locally if/where possible.

The +P warning to me (entirely subjective) is along the same lines you were suggesting in that if somebody feeds it a steady diet of +P via the range a few times a month and the gun is subsequently compromised they have an "out" if they wish to exercise it...Personally I do not have the 'wallet' necessary to fire large quantities of any caliber +P ammo (I just make sure it cycles in my CCW and then load it with such for carry) so it's never going to be an issue...Heck, Kel-Tec told me as much about my P11 and even Glock will tell you that if fired frequently the recoil spring will need to be swapped out at 2500 rounds as opposed to 5-6K rounds with SAAMI standard ammunition/s...
 
But that's not my intended use. My CCW and HD needs are met quite well by Ruger, Kahr, Springfield Armory, Colt, and Remington.
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Some of those are fine. The Kahr I wouldn't use for a doorstop. :rolleyes:

The real problem with the Windicator is that it's another imported gun that might require dealing with EAA for "customer service."

Just the thought of that possibility gives me the heebee jeebees. :eek:
 
PT-92
I have handled one of the Windicator snubbies. That's what keeps me looking for reasons to overlook any apparent flaws......I LIKED IT!
Considering it is a model chambered in 357 Magnum, I'm ot sure there is any concern about wearing it out with 38 Special +P. I happen to have purchased a whole case of older, no more made, CCI Blaser 38 Special +P 158gr lead SWCHP at a very reasonablr $65. Some time before Ammogeddon of course! Been mostly using it for practice in my S&W Model 10, LCR, and Ruger GP100.
The thing about the Windicator snubbie is that I have been thinking of, and almost bought an Armscor 206 snubbie that is only 38 Spcl rated. Yes, a hunnerd or so bucks cheaper, but the Windicator is at Gander Mountain where I have all but about 90 bucks of the price in gift cards, and rewards points certificates.
 
agtman
I like my Kahr CM9. It has been 100% reliable, and accurate through over 500 rounds of what ever 9MM ammo I put in it. It is my Summer IWB carry, and sometimes pocket BUG.
 
Cheap,
You seem like a budget minded, handy, gun enthusiast like myself. So I say DO IT! I believe you could correct her few flaws and make her your own. I've bought some downright HATED pistols and liked them after I play with them a while and correct a few flaws. I mean isn't most of what we own just that, a hobby? A friend of mine has the Windicator and I've handled it and didn't see a problem with the build of the gun. I like the heft of it. And lets be honest, where else can you get an all steel heavy 357 mag at that price point? Yes the muzzle is a bit strange, but with some dress up and cold blue you would never know it.
 
Cheap,
You seem like a budget minded, handy, gun enthusiast like myself.
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I've bought some downright HATED pistols and liked them after I play with them a while and correct a few flaws.
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Yea, kinda, sorta.
2 Taurus, 2 Hi-Points, a Walther P22, Heritage Rough Rider, Iver Johnson TP, Cobra Derringer, and a couple safes full of C&R milsurps does kinda qualify my as such!:D
Other "accepted" makes too, but I enjoy all of them.:D
 
I think the warning against .38Spl+P is for the .38Spl-only version of the Windicator which has the frame made of zinc alloy (Zama, Zamak or something like that). No problems with the all steel .357Mag model.
 
I think the warning against .38Spl+P is for the .38Spl-only version of the Windicator which has the frame made of zinc alloy (Zama, Zamak or something like that). No problems with the all steel .357Mag model.
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Makes me think that is why some say they are poorly finished, and nothing especially good to look at. ZAMAK can't be blued, so the finish has to be some sort of paint.
The 357 Magnum model I was looking at actually had a nice looking polished, and blued finish.
 
LOL..I have had a Winicator 357...well made gun. I paid only $250 for a NIB revolver. I had an issue there the cylinder latch lost it's screw and ... UI fixed it myself and found a screw. Used Loctite.. Lots of I think people posting..and everything on the internet is true.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bufTna0WArc
 
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