EAA Windicator???

pacerdude · March 16, 2010, 12:03 PM

Ok guys I don't own any revolvers, and my handgun experience is limited to semi-autos (ie. Glocks, M&Ps, Sigmas, Rugers, Taurus etc...). I have been looking into getting a revolver as my next handgun (I am only in my 20's so my collection is not extensive).

I know that Rugers and S&Ws are great, long-lasting, reliable revolvers. However recently I have been browsing online, and in my local gunshop and have come across several EAA Windicator revolvers in 38spl for roughly $300.

The guy at the gunshop said that EAA makes pretty good semi-auto pistols, but that he had no knowledge of their revolvers. He told me that he hadn't heard positive or negative reviews of their revolvers.

My question is this, what do you guys think of the EAA Windicator? Is it a bargain at $300, or is it a waste of money?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance!

AcridSaint · March 16, 2010, 01:56 PM

I read several reviews that they would shoot themselves out of time with 357 loads, but seemed to work well with 38s. I don't know about the 38spl only guns, never looked into them.

There are some used 38Spl guns that can be had for that price range and there are also new Taurus and Rossi guns in that range. Police trade-in S&W, Colt and Ruger revolvers should all be available in the $300 range.

ohen cepel · March 16, 2010, 02:15 PM

I think a used Ruger or Smith for $300 would be a much better buy than the EAA in this case.

pacerdude · March 16, 2010, 02:44 PM

I figured that for the money a used Smith or Ruger would be a better deal, but I wasnt sure as I had heard nothing of the EAA's. By the way, the revolvers may have been .357mag/.38spl, I don't recall.

Jim March · March 16, 2010, 04:11 PM

Many reports of soft metal. Avoid. A used Ruger is worth half a dozen used Windicators.

Webleymkv · March 16, 2010, 04:20 PM

A note that EAA doesn't actually manufacture anything. EAA is merely an importer and their guns are made in varying places. The semi-autos your dealer is likely referring to are the EAA Witness line which are manufactured by Tangfolio in Italy. The Windicator revolver is made in Germany by a different manufacturer. I agree with others here that you'd be better off to find a gently used S&W or Ruger revolver than to buy a new Windicator.

dyl · March 16, 2010, 08:37 PM

I looked into the Windicator a while ago so I don't remember everything I read.

If i remember, one problem is that the cylinder tends to bind a bit more easily than other revolvers after several shots. The exact number I don't know, perhaps you can find more about that. For some reason the design allows a bit more carbon to build up along the front of the cylinder (maybe not enough support from the rear of the cylinder allows for a larger cylinder gap when firing) so there's friction between the carbon and the forcing cone when it's time for the cylinder to turn with each trigger pull. Some folks would have to wipe down the front of the cylinder every now during a range session to keep it working.

an "iffy" part of my memory is trying to remember whether or not there was an issue with having to play with the cylinder to get it to close right and lock up again.

I handled one at a gun show, it was heavy.
The barrel isn't crowned at all, it's pretty much a sharp edge which for some reason turned me off to it. That, and I didn't really need it

to begin with.
Like the other good folk mentioned I would look a bit harder for a used S&W or Ruger which might last you a lifetime - didn't get the impression that was true about the Windicator.

TenRing · March 16, 2010, 09:25 PM

I recently looked at a Windicator in my local gun shop. I was browsing and looked out of curiosity. The EAA Windicator seemed to be roughly finished but it had an unusually long grip. If you are just getting into revolvers, the $300 price tag for a .357 magnum might seem tempting. But....

Buy a gun with a good track record of reliability and accuracy. Don't gamble on a cheap import when you can put that money towards a nice used Ruger, Colt or Smith. For a hundred dollars more, you could buy a new Ruger.

That Windicator might not be worth the cost of the ammo to prove it out. Wait until others have taken the plunge and written the reviews on forums. Don't be the guinea pig unless you have an extra $300 laying around that you need to get rid of.

Onward Allusion · March 16, 2010, 09:40 PM

I was very close to getting an EAA Windicator in .357 a while back but after a bunch of research and talking with my gunsmith I decided against getting one. The frames are alloy and according to many, including my gunsmith, they are not made for long term .357 use - say a thousand rounds. They seem to be ok for 38 special long term, but I already have several of those in other makes.

Quote:

pacerdude
EAA Windicator???
Ok guys I don't own any revolvers, and my handgun experience is limited to semi-autos (ie. Glocks, M&Ps, Sigmas, Rugers, Taurus etc...). I have been looking into getting a revolver as my next handgun (I am only in my 20's so my collection is not extensive).

I know that Rugers and S&Ws are great, long-lasting, reliable revolvers. However recently I have been browsing online, and in my local gunshop and have come across several EAA Windicator revolvers in 38spl for roughly $300.

The guy at the gunshop said that EAA makes pretty good semi-auto pistols, but that he had no knowledge of their revolvers. He told me that he hadn't heard positive or negative reviews of their revolvers.

My question is this, what do you guys think of the EAA Windicator? Is it a bargain at $300, or is it a waste of money?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance!

Sarge · March 16, 2010, 09:44 PM

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Speed_Six.html

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Security_Six.html

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Detective_Spec__OM.html

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Model_10_RB.html

pacerdude · March 17, 2010, 02:30 PM

Guys thanks for the responses!

Sarge, thank you for the links!

Pathfinder45 · March 17, 2010, 04:20 PM

......but if you're an American, then buy American.

ljnowell · March 17, 2010, 11:24 PM

I have an uncle that bought one. It has roughly 200 rounds of 357 mag through it now, and it has not shot itself loose yet. It does, however, have the single worst trigger I have ever felt on a DA revolver. Couple that with a rough operating action in general and its just not a real quality revolver. The machining is very rough, not that that makes it unreliable, but it does show sloppy work. I think its an OK truck gun, or maybe a shoot it a few times and stash it somewhere in the house gun. I have no doubt that it would go off if the trigger is pulled, but the confidence stops about there. He paid 275 for it and offered it to me for 100 bucks less than two months later.

Jkwas · March 19, 2010, 11:03 AM

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...6&postcount=24

Microgunner · March 19, 2010, 11:16 AM

We sell them. I don't like their cheap appearance.

Cornhusker77 · March 19, 2010, 12:47 PM

I bought my .357 Windicator for around $250, couldn't resist the price.
It's OK, but not my favorite revolver.
Kinda heavy, pretty stiff springs, the hammer has sharp corners, but all in all, it's been a good gun.
I doubt if I ever carry it, but it might be something I can leave in the pickup.

omahahaha · March 28, 2010, 01:08 PM

Cornhusker, Where did you find it? Do you think it is worth getting to primarily shoot 38's out of? Any problems with the ejector pin? Cabela's has them for $250 this week.

Rastus · March 28, 2010, 03:47 PM

I actually DID read a review of the Windicator revolver years ago in one of the gun rags. So the model has been around a while. I remember the article saying they (the company marketing the weapon) wanted to use the name "Vindicator" but could not so they went with "Windicator," a non-word, instead. LOL

The review was predictable. The gun worked and was ok for people who couldn't afford a more expensive weapon, blah blah. I agree that a second-hand Smith or Ruger is a better buy.

Cornhusker77 · March 28, 2010, 07:38 PM

I got mine at Cabela's.
It shoots .38s fine.
It's kinda heavy, too heavy for a carry gun probably, but if you are just looking at some HD or plinking, it's a good gun for that.
So far no problems with the ejector pin, but I have had the cylinder release stick a couple of times, not sure what's going on there.

Doc Holliday 1950 · July 13, 2014, 10:15 PM

I don't claim to be an expert, but I have been carrying since 1970 when I spent 3 years as a special on my hometown police force. My weapon then was a 4 inch 357 mag.Colt Python. I don't have to say any more on this. Last year I bought an EAA 4" 357 mag Windicator. I've shot approx 1500 rounds from 38+P's to 158 grain 357 mags. The balance was terrific and the recoil was minimal. I have small hands so their rubber grips are perfect for me. Last and most important was the accuracy which was right on. The "experts" say that it can't be very good at the price it sells for.Well, I do not blog for any mfg. or such and I am so supremely confident that I'd trust my life and my wife's with this weapon.

ljnowell · July 14, 2014, 06:28 AM

I can give you first hand experience. A good friend and a relative each bought one. Both were shot loose in less than 1k rounds. One of them developed trigger/cylinder binding that made it unshootable. After hours of dealing with EAA he destroyed it and called it a lesson learned. My uncle still has his but can't shoot lead out of it, it spits giant pieces out from being out of time. When shooting jacketed it patterns as opposed to grouping from being so out of time.

Want to guess what his experience was with EAA customer service? LOL.

I wouldn't buy anything from them just for that reason.

g.willikers · July 14, 2014, 08:45 AM

The above two replies seem to be par for the course for quite a few manufacturers we could name, and often have.
Inconsistent quality.
It would make sense to inspect each particular gun before buying.
The good one might have just gone out the door with the previous customer.

gyvel · July 14, 2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

The frames are alloy...

Alloy as in Zamak pot metal.

Stay away form any Windicator; They are basically just a rehash of the old Arminius revolvers. (I am being very polite and refraining from calling them a POS.)

Listen to those who say that you can get a decent S&W police trade in for about the same money; You'll be much further ahead.

Bezoar · July 14, 2014, 05:12 PM

pray tell where one can get a .357 magnum smith and wesson revolver "police trade in"? the only sw trade ins i can find are all semi auto.

HungryHunter · July 14, 2014, 05:21 PM

I bought one when I was younger and cheaper. I only shot .38s out of it though....once again because I was cheap. It held up well for the maybe 300 rounds I put through it. I liked the large grip mostly to tell you the truth. It was nothing special, I enjoyed it, but ended up going toward a trade. Not that anything was ever wrong with it but it was somewhat lackluster. Like I said I never shot it enough that I'd vouch for it, but it wasn't a lemon either.

March 16, 2010, 12:03 PM	#1
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	EAA Windicator??? Ok guys I don't own any revolvers, and my handgun experience is limited to semi-autos (ie. Glocks, M&Ps, Sigmas, Rugers, Taurus etc...). I have been looking into getting a revolver as my next handgun (I am only in my 20's so my collection is not extensive). I know that Rugers and S&Ws are great, long-lasting, reliable revolvers. However recently I have been browsing online, and in my local gunshop and have come across several EAA Windicator revolvers in 38spl for roughly $300. The guy at the gunshop said that EAA makes pretty good semi-auto pistols, but that he had no knowledge of their revolvers. He told me that he hadn't heard positive or negative reviews of their revolvers. My question is this, what do you guys think of the EAA Windicator? Is it a bargain at $300, or is it a waste of money? Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance! __________________ Let not a man guard his dignity, but let his dignity guard him. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

March 16, 2010, 02:15 PM	#3
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	I think a used Ruger or Smith for $300 would be a much better buy than the EAA in this case. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

March 16, 2010, 02:44 PM	#4
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	I figured that for the money a used Smith or Ruger would be a better deal, but I wasnt sure as I had heard nothing of the EAA's. By the way, the revolvers may have been .357mag/.38spl, I don't recall. __________________ Let not a man guard his dignity, but let his dignity guard him. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

March 16, 2010, 04:11 PM	#5
Jim March Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 1999 Location: Pittsburg, CA, USA Posts: 7,417	Many reports of soft metal. Avoid. A used Ruger is worth half a dozen used Windicators. __________________ Jim March

March 16, 2010, 09:44 PM	#10
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Speed_Six.html http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Security_Six.html http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Detective_Spec__OM.html http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Model_10_RB.html __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

March 16, 2010, 01:56 PM	#2
AcridSaint Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2009 Posts: 407	I read several reviews that they would shoot themselves out of time with 357 loads, but seemed to work well with 38s. I don't know about the 38spl only guns, never looked into them. There are some used 38Spl guns that can be had for that price range and there are also new Taurus and Rossi guns in that range. Police trade-in S&W, Colt and Ruger revolvers should all be available in the $300 range.

March 16, 2010, 04:20 PM	#6
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	A note that EAA doesn't actually manufacture anything. EAA is merely an importer and their guns are made in varying places. The semi-autos your dealer is likely referring to are the EAA Witness line which are manufactured by Tangfolio in Italy. The Windicator revolver is made in Germany by a different manufacturer. I agree with others here that you'd be better off to find a gently used S&W or Ruger revolver than to buy a new Windicator.

March 16, 2010, 08:37 PM	#7
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	I looked into the Windicator a while ago so I don't remember everything I read. If i remember, one problem is that the cylinder tends to bind a bit more easily than other revolvers after several shots. The exact number I don't know, perhaps you can find more about that. For some reason the design allows a bit more carbon to build up along the front of the cylinder (maybe not enough support from the rear of the cylinder allows for a larger cylinder gap when firing) so there's friction between the carbon and the forcing cone when it's time for the cylinder to turn with each trigger pull. Some folks would have to wipe down the front of the cylinder every now during a range session to keep it working. an "iffy" part of my memory is trying to remember whether or not there was an issue with having to play with the cylinder to get it to close right and lock up again. I handled one at a gun show, it was heavy. The barrel isn't crowned at all, it's pretty much a sharp edge which for some reason turned me off to it. That, and I didn't really need it to begin with. Like the other good folk mentioned I would look a bit harder for a used S&W or Ruger which might last you a lifetime - didn't get the impression that was true about the Windicator.

March 16, 2010, 09:25 PM	#8
TenRing Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Posts: 427	I recently looked at a Windicator in my local gun shop. I was browsing and looked out of curiosity. The EAA Windicator seemed to be roughly finished but it had an unusually long grip. If you are just getting into revolvers, the $300 price tag for a .357 magnum might seem tempting. But.... Buy a gun with a good track record of reliability and accuracy. Don't gamble on a cheap import when you can put that money towards a nice used Ruger, Colt or Smith. For a hundred dollars more, you could buy a new Ruger. That Windicator might not be worth the cost of the ammo to prove it out. Wait until others have taken the plunge and written the reviews on forums. Don't be the guinea pig unless you have an extra $300 laying around that you need to get rid of.

March 17, 2010, 02:30 PM	#11
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	Guys thanks for the responses! Sarge, thank you for the links! __________________ Let not a man guard his dignity, but let his dignity guard him. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

March 17, 2010, 04:20 PM	#12
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Lots of good choices..... ......but if you're an American, then buy American.

March 17, 2010, 11:24 PM	#13
ljnowell Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Posts: 274	I have an uncle that bought one. It has roughly 200 rounds of 357 mag through it now, and it has not shot itself loose yet. It does, however, have the single worst trigger I have ever felt on a DA revolver. Couple that with a rough operating action in general and its just not a real quality revolver. The machining is very rough, not that that makes it unreliable, but it does show sloppy work. I think its an OK truck gun, or maybe a shoot it a few times and stash it somewhere in the house gun. I have no doubt that it would go off if the trigger is pulled, but the confidence stops about there. He paid 275 for it and offered it to me for 100 bucks less than two months later.

March 19, 2010, 11:03 AM	#14
Jkwas Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Location: Mouth of the Rat, Florida Posts: 1,778	http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...6&postcount=24 __________________ I grew up in New Jersey, but later moved to Florida and made a complete recovery. Keltec: The BIC lighter of handguns http://jkwasblog.blogspot.com/

March 19, 2010, 11:16 AM	#15
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	We sell them. I don't like their cheap appearance. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

March 19, 2010, 12:47 PM	#16
Cornhusker77 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2009 Posts: 219	I bought my .357 Windicator for around $250, couldn't resist the price. It's OK, but not my favorite revolver. Kinda heavy, pretty stiff springs, the hammer has sharp corners, but all in all, it's been a good gun. I doubt if I ever carry it, but it might be something I can leave in the pickup.

March 28, 2010, 01:08 PM	#17
omahahaha Member Join Date: June 12, 2009 Posts: 78	Cornhusker, Where did you find it? Do you think it is worth getting to primarily shoot 38's out of? Any problems with the ejector pin? Cabela's has them for $250 this week.

March 28, 2010, 03:47 PM	#18
Rastus Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 85	I actually DID read a review of the Windicator revolver years ago in one of the gun rags. So the model has been around a while. I remember the article saying they (the company marketing the weapon) wanted to use the name "Vindicator" but could not so they went with "Windicator," a non-word, instead. LOL The review was predictable. The gun worked and was ok for people who couldn't afford a more expensive weapon, blah blah. I agree that a second-hand Smith or Ruger is a better buy.

March 28, 2010, 07:38 PM	#19
Cornhusker77 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2009 Posts: 219	I got mine at Cabela's. It shoots .38s fine. It's kinda heavy, too heavy for a carry gun probably, but if you are just looking at some HD or plinking, it's a good gun for that. So far no problems with the ejector pin, but I have had the cylinder release stick a couple of times, not sure what's going on there.

July 13, 2014, 10:15 PM	#20
Doc Holliday 1950 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2014 Location: Bout as south as it gets Posts: 1,238	EAA Windicator now I don't claim to be an expert, but I have been carrying since 1970 when I spent 3 years as a special on my hometown police force. My weapon then was a 4 inch 357 mag.Colt Python. I don't have to say any more on this. Last year I bought an EAA 4" 357 mag Windicator. I've shot approx 1500 rounds from 38+P's to 158 grain 357 mags. The balance was terrific and the recoil was minimal. I have small hands so their rubber grips are perfect for me. Last and most important was the accuracy which was right on. The "experts" say that it can't be very good at the price it sells for.Well, I do not blog for any mfg. or such and I am so supremely confident that I'd trust my life and my wife's with this weapon.

July 14, 2014, 06:28 AM	#21
ljnowell Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Posts: 274	I can give you first hand experience. A good friend and a relative each bought one. Both were shot loose in less than 1k rounds. One of them developed trigger/cylinder binding that made it unshootable. After hours of dealing with EAA he destroyed it and called it a lesson learned. My uncle still has his but can't shoot lead out of it, it spits giant pieces out from being out of time. When shooting jacketed it patterns as opposed to grouping from being so out of time. Want to guess what his experience was with EAA customer service? LOL. I wouldn't buy anything from them just for that reason.

July 14, 2014, 08:45 AM	#22
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The above two replies seem to be par for the course for quite a few manufacturers we could name, and often have. Inconsistent quality. It would make sense to inspect each particular gun before buying. The good one might have just gone out the door with the previous customer. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

July 14, 2014, 05:12 PM	#24
Bezoar Junior member Join Date: October 19, 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 578	pray tell where one can get a .357 magnum smith and wesson revolver "police trade in"? the only sw trade ins i can find are all semi auto.

July 14, 2014, 05:21 PM	#25
HungryHunter Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 164	I bought one when I was younger and cheaper. I only shot .38s out of it though....once again because I was cheap. It held up well for the maybe 300 rounds I put through it. I liked the large grip mostly to tell you the truth. It was nothing special, I enjoyed it, but ended up going toward a trade. Not that anything was ever wrong with it but it was somewhat lackluster. Like I said I never shot it enough that I'd vouch for it, but it wasn't a lemon either.