Well, the title pretty much says it all. Im pondering getting one because overall it seems like a decent made snub nose, not very pretty but stout. Ive heard a lot of good things about them and a little bad. Anybody own one or have any experience with one?
Opinions on the Eaa Windicator .357
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I've never seen one of these Windicator Revolvers in person however I have seen their copy of a Single Action Army Revolver. It was when I was shooting SASS Matches and the fellow who was shooting it told me he bought it because the Colts were too expensive (yup - they are). That said, while it did work, they just did not appeal to me. I suppose for the very low price you can't go too wrong but for me it's not something I would consider and would save up, go on the hunt for a vintage model S&W. That's just me of course and a good used vintage S&W example might be at 2 to 3 times the price of an EAA, however then you would have the real McCoy and have something that would always retain value. A used EAA is not a whole lot in demand and you would likely get a very low price for it.
Sorry if I sound like a gun snob (don't mean to) but I've always subscribed to the "if you want something - get the real deal or nothing" Club. Just my opinion and the EAA may be fine for you - only you can determine that.
Sorry if I sound like a gun snob (don't mean to) but I've always subscribed to the "if you want something - get the real deal or nothing" Club. Just my opinion and the EAA may be fine for you - only you can determine that.
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The price is reasonable, give us a review if you make a purchase.
The Windicator is made by Weihrauch in Mellrichstadt, Germany. Weihrauch has a long tradition in making sporting firearms, they are especially well know for their high quality target air and rimfire rifles.
For decades they had a line of inexpensive revolvers that were available as 6" barreled target models and also with shorter barrels. The bulk of them was made in .22 l.r. where the zinc alloy frame would not cause any problems. The Windicator now has a steel frame to withstand the recoil of the .357 Magnum and also be permitted foe sale in areas that have melting point requirements for firearms.
My experience with Weihrauch double action revolvers is that they work, have a fairly decent single action pull but rather poor double action characteristics.
I sighted the .22 l.r. in for a club and could put five rounds into the black at 25 meters, shooting offhand. The trigger is not to my liking but the gun shot okay.
For decades they had a line of inexpensive revolvers that were available as 6" barreled target models and also with shorter barrels. The bulk of them was made in .22 l.r. where the zinc alloy frame would not cause any problems. The Windicator now has a steel frame to withstand the recoil of the .357 Magnum and also be permitted foe sale in areas that have melting point requirements for firearms.
My experience with Weihrauch double action revolvers is that they work, have a fairly decent single action pull but rather poor double action characteristics.
I sighted the .22 l.r. in for a club and could put five rounds into the black at 25 meters, shooting offhand. The trigger is not to my liking but the gun shot okay.
Loyaljeeper
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I have been tempted several times over the years to purchase a EAA. I actually believe EAA could sell a ton of 22lr versions of there 357. Growing up we had a six inch Arminius 22lr DA that my mom’s dad gave my dad. I don’t think it ever had a misfire among a half million 22 rounds.
Echo40
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Yeah, you'd think that... Unless you've heard of a little German Arms manufacturer by the name of Rohm-Gesellschaft, RG for short.
Walkingwolf
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I would not buy one, but at this point in time I would kick myself if I bought another firearm.
I held one in my hands ready to buy, and was not tempted at all. The frame is very blocky. It's looks like it was cut out of rock with a chisel. The DA trigger is very heavy and the springs cannot be changed due to the way the frame as assembled.
I'd get a Taurus or Rossi first. Or a S&W M10 from buds for $269 shipped. If you really want a snubbie, just keep your eyes on Gunbroker and here and you'll find a shooter M10 or M12 for under $400. Heck, my M12 is almost flawless and I got it with the box and papers for around $400.
I'd get a Taurus or Rossi first. Or a S&W M10 from buds for $269 shipped. If you really want a snubbie, just keep your eyes on Gunbroker and here and you'll find a shooter M10 or M12 for under $400. Heck, my M12 is almost flawless and I got it with the box and papers for around $400.
Rohm wasn't exactly an arms manufacturer, in Germany Rohm made predominantly starter guns and sold their miserable product, made into something like a firearm, in a market that was accepting such dismal quality until the 68 GCA put an end to it.
Some Roehms, that cost just a little more, were actually working pretty well.
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mrchuck
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The ROHM 22 revolver in snub, was a popular "throw away" or "dropped" firearm at many scenes.
Yes it shot, but not one for accuracy. They also came in other calibers.
Yes it shot, but not one for accuracy. They also came in other calibers.
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I actually used to own one of those Rohm .22 short revolvers. Its the only firearm ive ever been scared of to shoot.
The Eaa trigger was a bit heavy in da, not horrible tho. It seemed to lock up pretty good overall. Thats rare when you hear somebody say they'd pick a Taurus over another brand haha, are they really that bad? It felt a lot better than the 856 I looked at but I have a 922 thats just awesome. Heck, I dont know.
The Eaa trigger was a bit heavy in da, not horrible tho. It seemed to lock up pretty good overall. Thats rare when you hear somebody say they'd pick a Taurus over another brand haha, are they really that bad? It felt a lot better than the 856 I looked at but I have a 922 thats just awesome. Heck, I dont know.
In '05, I visited my LGS when I lived in MA and saw a Windicator Target. Frankly I bought it because it was different, EAA told me they didn't make them anymore. Slab sided 6" weighted barrel, target grips, hammer and trigger shoes. Recently I thought of selling it so I took it out to shoot and got 30 rounds, double action in a 3" group at 10 yds. Decided to keep it. A good shooting revolver.
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Echo40
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Taurus Firearms themselves aren't usually bad. In fact, more often than not they make good lower cost firearms. The real problem is their Customer Service which is quite possibly the worst among mainstream firearms manufacturers. Taurus firearms only appear to be of deceptively poor quality because folks who got a lemon often have to play telephone tag with CS, pay for shipment both ways, wait several weeks, and more often than not get the firearm back with every part replaced save for the faulty one, which in turn results in them telling the story out of pure bewilderment/disbelief. As a result, the take away by most folks from the outside looking in is; "All Taurus firearms are lemons." due to the sheer number of reports of terrible experiences with CS.
In reality, I would estimate that the actual number of lemons turned out by Taurus are no more than Ruger, but the difference is that Ruger tends to have good Customer Service, ergo reports of problematic Rugers tend to be much smoother and reach a satisfactory conclusion which the average consumer only even bothers to recount in the event in which they are active members of firearms forums where threads regarding the quality of Ruger CS are posted.
Between my family and I, I've had personal experience with a total of 5 Taurus brand firearms, all of which have been thoroughly tested, and have proven to be mechanically sound.
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Agreed 1000%.
I have 5 Taurus guns - 3 semis and 2 revolvers, all but 1 were bought 2nd hand. No problems with any of them.
And I'm usually not what most would call lucky....
I had a Windicator and another revover that was the same thing only it
had a different name on it. Both were 38sp. and taken on trade. Shot both
to make sure they functioned and sent them little piggies down the road.
Not a revolver I would want unless that's all I had. I would never buy a
new one when a much better gun could be found used for same money.
had a different name on it. Both were 38sp. and taken on trade. Shot both
to make sure they functioned and sent them little piggies down the road.
Not a revolver I would want unless that's all I had. I would never buy a
new one when a much better gun could be found used for same money.
Redcoat3340
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I had one for about 45 minutes. I can't remember what the problem was, but it was serious enough for a new gun that it went back to the LGS the next day, I never even shot it. Went for a few more bucks and stayed with S&W.
357-RevolverGuy
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I've handled a few of the snub nose versions. My local gun shop was carrying them for a while and every now and then I almost convince myself into getting one-but never did. I will say they are really heavy compared to other revolvers in that frame size. Trigger pull felt different on every Windicator I held. Some being very smooth and others being hard and gritty. The two things which kept me from ever making a purchase was that there were no aftermarket grips available, and that the snub barrel had a very odd looking end. Upon further inspection it looked like EAA took a 4 inch barrel and clean cut it in half without putting a crown.
Twenty-some years ago I had bought a shoe box of Roehms from law enforcement auctions and the .22s were usually not very accurate and had some had functionality issues but there was a .38 Special with a swing out cylinder that was pretty accurate and worked well, HKS 10 speedloader worked in it, too.
My limited experience with Taurus revolvers is, that if they work they can be great guns but if they are one of the many guns that should never have gotten past quality control, it will be a problem that isn't easily fixed.
When buying a revolver on a budget, I always recommend a used S&W revolver. There is reliable spare parts availability and resale value is good and predictable.
I got some S&W M&P surplus revolvers over the years and am not disappointed.
****Edited to add: All of them were under $300 OTD.
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