eaa windicator

[vamo]

So I have been wanting to get a .357 mag revolver for carrying purposes. EAA windicator seems to be the cheapest I can find, and after handling one in a gun shop I really can't tell why it would be any worse than a more expensive brand. I do plan to mostly practice with .38 special so I don't think durability would be an issue, and I buy guns for the functionality not their resale value. I am a bit concerned about the weight for as a carry weapon, but it doesn't appear to be that much heavier than other snubbies.

So my question here is does anybody have an opinion on this gun? And am I competely missing some major issue that results in this gun being about $50 cheaper than next cheapest .357?

 

[lobo9er]

I have heard good things about them. They look sharp.

 

[Onward Allusion]

The EAA Windicator in .357 Mag has an alloy frame.

 

[vamo]

Thanks for the input guys. What would the main drawback to an alloy frame be? Cost is a concern, but I don't want to go super cheap and get something that I hate to shoot or wouldn't trust my life with, I just don't see the sense in paying an extra 100-200 bucks for something that would have no better performance or only a marginally better performance.

 

[mesinge2]

I had a 357 windicator and it developed a crack in the frame under the forcing cone after about 200 magnum loads. I would try to find a used S&W or Ruger. They can still be found relatively cheap if you look around. For example, a member here found a Ruger Service Six for $275 just yesterday. Now, a medium frame gun like the Six series Rugers are larger than the windicator but well worth the extra mass.

 

[hardluk1]

Theres to many other 357's out there to spend money on. No I would not buy one.

 

[lobo9er]

as usual I am gonna suggest the sp101 if you want to spend a little bit more. you can find them used from time to time.

 

[Naybor]

SP101 ~ Yep, Yep, Yep!

Something you can pass down to your kids.

 

[Onward Allusion]

vamo
Thanks for the input guys. What would the main drawback to an alloy frame be? Cost is a concern, but I don't want to go super cheap and get something that I hate to shoot or wouldn't trust my life with, I just don't see the sense in paying an extra 100-200 bucks for something that would have no better performance or only a marginally better performance.

If cost is a concern, go with a Taurus or a Rossi. A Taurus snub will set you back mid to high $300's. A Rossi will set you back upper $200's to low $300's. Yes, I would trust REVOLVERS from those manufacturers in a heartbeat (as long as they have been broken in).

 

[onebadcaballero]

The only problem I've heard about them was the ejector rod loosening causing the cylinder to have trouble closing. Another thing to keep in mind is the 2" version seems to lack a proper muzzle crown job so I would opt for the 4" if it's available. Other then that I've never held a revolver that's grip fit my hand so well.

 

[Jaymo]

EAA lists the .357 as having a STEEL frame and the .38 as having an aluminum frame.
I have been wanting to get one, but the heavy DA trigger doesn't sit well with me.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Heh, yup... I stand corrected. Learn something new every day. Thanks!

 

[Jaymo]

The fact that you need to drop an anvil on the trigger, to fire it DA, keeps me from getting one. Pulling the trigger feels like trying to bend a steel bar with your index finger.