EAA Windicator

Not a great reputation. You’ll need to have a good idea of how to check out a generic revolver for endshake, timing, etc. There’s a sticky thread somewhere. I’d not buy one unseen or without a thorough check.

I always wanted one! looks like a brick

Descended from the Arminius revolvers of the 80s and, like them, largely made of- (you guessed it) potmetal.
The finish is electroless nickel over a zamak barrel shroud and (on .357 guns) carbon steel frame. They don't make an actual stainless model.
Not sure about grip options, someone might make something- you can check EAA's website to see if they offer any as accessories.

I've handled, but admittedly not fired, a couple and was unimpressed. Across the interwebs, some folks think they are a great value and others have had timing and accuracy issues.

One thing EAA is especially notorious for is poor CS if you do have a problem. Repair parts availability is pretty much nil as well.

For me, they are a hard no. I would put that $350 towards something better, even a (shudder) Taurus....

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Descended from the Arminius revolvers of the 80s and, like them, largely made of- (you guessed it) potmetal.
The finish is electroless nickel over a zamak barrel shroud and (on .357 guns) carbon steel frame. They don't make an actual stainless model.
Not sure about grip options, someone might make something- you can check EAA's website to see if they offer any as accessories.

I've handled, but admittedly not fired, a couple and was unimpressed. Across the interwebs, some folks think they are a great value and others have had timing and a accuracy issues.

One thing EAA is especially notorious for is poor CS if you do have a problem. Repair parts availability is pretty much nil as well.

For me, they are a hard no. I would put that $350 towards something better, even a (shudder) Taurus....

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ok… I change my mind! probably better to put the $350 towards a used S&W 686

Overall I really liked the one I had. Ok trigger, shot point if aim.

I would not recommend it for concealed carry unless it is holstered on your hip. It is heavy! But that is what I liked about it. Great for a range toy or nightstand gun. It handled 357 ammo very well.

The reason I don’t have it is because a friend, a 67 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis needed a home defense gun.

Semi auto is out due to inability to rack a slide. Please don’t bring up pop up barreled guns, great concept, except when it comes to malfunctions.

Anyway, I wanted a heavy gun that could be easily fired without thinking.


Now the grips. They suck. Epic fail.

With about 25 357 rounds, and 60-80 38’s, the grips got loose.

They are tightened up in a cheesy manner by only one screw on the bottom.

I tightened as much as could without ruining the rubber grip.

It will loosen up again, but this woman only made one short range trip to get familiar with it. I doubt that she will ever shoot it again.

I did not take advantage of this woman selling a defective gun. I gave it to her free because her only source of income is a monthly $1200 Social Security check and I knew that she would not be going to range due to the condition of her hands.

Would I buy another? No way unless some better grip fastener system was in place.

As Nightlord said, the barrel shroud is junk. I overlooked it for the price. But I can’t overlook the grip system because I would shoot the gun.

Mark_Mark said:

ok… I change my mind! probably better to put the $350 towards a used S&W 686

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Agreed, a clean used M686 will run between 700-900 but is easily twice the gun, IMO. Plus models have an extra round on tap, adjustable sights, nearly indestructible action, stainless construction, excellent factory support, and tons of grip options.
You could make a strong argument that the 686 is the ultimate revolver. I have dozens of high-quality wheel-guns, but could be content with just a 686.

I bought one NIB, shot it some and within a week traded it back to the store for a GP-100 with some extra cash. I should have bought the GP-100 first.

I almost bought one a few months ago, just for grins and giggles, but then I realized I already had four or five 357's, so all I needed was another one I wouldn't shoot but once or twice.

I didn't think it was "awful" but the urge to own one passed quickly.

I've had 2 of them. A snubby and a 4". Both had rubber Pachmyr style grips. They moved on when I stopped shooting 38/357. The snubby suited me just fine, heavy and accurate, and I'd get another if I could handle it before buying.

Just purchase a current production Rossi RP63 or RM66. Far better quality at the same price point.

Miami_JBT said:

Just purchase a current production Rossi RP63 or RM66. Far better quality at the same price point.

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Rossi 4 the WIN!

since my gun budget is now BUDGET, Rossi is on my list

I have the snubby Windicator. It looks like the barrel was cut on a bandsaw and never crowned.
It's heavy and shoots ok.
I have a sentimental attachment to it or it would probably be gone.

The Windicator is made by H. Weihrauch and is available with 2", 4", and a 6" barrel. Since a revolver with a barrel shorter than 3" is not importable, the barrels are most likely sourced in the States and fitted by EAA. Weihrauch normally uses Lothar Walther barrels and the HW9 revolvers that I shot are capable of excellent accuracy and solid enough to be used as club guns in Germany. I still have a HW9 and checked the barrel with a borescope and it doesn't look any worse than the barrel on my Korth 38 series.

PzGren said:

The Windicator is made by H. Weihrauch and is available with 2", 4", and a 6" barrel. Since a revolver with a barrel shorter than 3" is not importable, the barrels are most likely sourced in the States and fitted by EAA. Weihrauch normally uses Lothar Walther barrels and the HW9 revolvers that I shot are capable of excellent accuracy and solid enough to be used as club guns in Germany. I still have a HW9 and checked the barrel with a borescope and it doesn't look any worse than the barrel on my Korth 38 series.

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They're probably imported with longer barrels that are cut. Taurus does that.



That nub is cut and machined after importation.

Miami_JBT said:

They're probably imported with longer barrels that are cut. Taurus does that.

That nub is cut and machined after importation.

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So freaking stupid.

Styx said:

So freaking stupid.

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I agree, but they are playing by the rules/following the law and just gaming the system, all in the name of capitalism.

Styx said:

So freaking stupid.

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At least Taurus is smart enough to out smart the '68 GCA.

I've got a 4" windacator. It's been good to me, though I don't shoot it very often at all. I'm not a revolver guy, but I still wanted at least one 357. It scratched the itch. I will probably trade/sell it at some point to put towards a GP-100. I had the snubby first, but wanted the longer barrel.

I shot an idpa match with it once, it'll do the job...

Miami_JBT said:

At least Taurus is smart enough to out smart the '68 GCA.

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Most firearm companies have been doing this for years. I didn't mean Taurus was stupid, but rather, our elected officials and regulatory authorities are complete idiots. Many of the laws and regulations they enact defy all logic I can't understand how any educated and intelligent group of people can collectively put their heads together and still end up with some of these laws and regulations.

Styx said:

Most firearm companies have been doing this for years. I didn't mean Taurus was stupid, but rather, our elected officials and regulatory authorities are complete idiots. Many of the laws and regulations they enact defy all logic I can't understand how any educated and intelligent group of people can collectively put their heads together and still end up with some of these laws and regulations.

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Government is the body politic representing the people. The people in government who make stupid policies, rules, and laws are put there by the people. You need to educate the average voter.

Miami_JBT said:

Government is the body politic representing the people. The people in government who make stupid policies, rules, and laws are put there by the people. You need to educate the average voter.

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Regardless, the elected officials who typically attend the best schools and got the best education the country has to offer along with people who went to the best law schools still write laws and legislation that make zero sense. Even if people elected them to solve an issue, those people aren’t the ones writing the laws and regulations that are supposed to solve thar perceived issue.

Politicians are not trying to solve any issues. They're just trying to get re-elected. The most heartless and greedy people always "rise to the top". Understanding that is an important part of being an adult human.

The Windicators have been for sale at least since I was old enough to buy one... mid to late 80's... probably longer than that. I've heard that they're nothing fancy, but usually reliable.