Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

That's the model of .38 that a dealer is offering me as a trade-in and I just wanted to see if anyone here had shot one, and if so your opinions on it. I know I could go for a .357, but I'm planning to make this my main concealed carry piece, and I haven't found a .357 that looks like it could be easily concealed, so this is what I'm probably going with. Opinions on this model?

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

As a trade-in for what?

There are multiple makes of revolver out there, but EAA woud by near the bottom of the list. I have handled one, but not fired one so I can't comment on that directly. S&W, Colt, and Ruger would be in the top tier, followed closely by Taurus. Rossi, Charter, and EAA would fill out the bottom of the list (in no particular order).

I don't think that the Windictor is rated for +P ammo which would be something that I would personally want in a CCW.

My dad once told me that buying quality hurts once, but buying cheaply hurts every time you use it. While this is true for many things, it certainly applies to firearms. IMO, you would be better off getting a used Taurus in trade or adding some $ to the trade amount and getting something a little bit better.

That said - the EAA would be better than no gun.

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

The "Windicator" is good for fun, as a dangerous toy. Never trust it with your life. The damn thing has too many problems to trust as a carry gun or even as a bedside gun. "German engineering" don't mean squat when it comes to Weihrauch's SNS (that's Saturday Night Special).

Weihrauch is the German sporting arms company that actually makes it for importer EAA.

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

The dealer is offering the EAA as a trade for the Kel-Tec PF9 I bought from him a few months ago. The PF9 is too small for my hands.

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

Sounds like your dealer is not offering the best possible deal. When new, the Kel-Tec has a street price @ $75-100 more than the EAA. Do you have a local outlet where you can sell it privately? You would be able to get more for it that way. The Kel-Tec also has a lot more "buzz" going for it than the Windicator and I'm sure that it would be a quick sale.

I see used Taurus .32s or .357s going for $250 around here. (I missed a .32 for $150 last week.)

Call the dealer anonymously and ask him what his price on the EAA is. Then go back in and ask for that amount in store credit as a trade on the Kel-Tec. Add a few bucks to that and get something decent.

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

Sounds good, Branshew. Any other models of revolver I should shy away from?

Re: Anyone shot an EAA Windicator .38?
 

I've shot Rugers, S&Ws, Colt's and Taurus'. All are pretty nice and reliable and each makes a good .38. I fired a Rossi that shot OK, but the fit and finish wasn't as nice as the aforementioned. If possible, stick to the 4 known and trusted brands mentioned. I think a used Taurus would present the best value if money is a limiting factor.

If you plan on pocket carry, I would go hammerless, but don't let that deter you from buying if you find a good deal on something. With the right holster, a hammer model would be just fine and would give you the bonus of single action shooting which can be nice in a snubnose model.

Read up here: Snubnose Files