I’ve said it before—and it’s worth saying again—quality firearms don’t have to be expensive. The more money you spend does not always equate to excellence. And that’s what I’ve found to be true with the EAA Windicator .38 Special / .357 Magnum Revolver.
From my experience, what makes a gun special isn’t the hype it gets from all the marketing. What makes a gun really unique is its ability to get the job done and meet the user where they are. This EAA Windicator review will find out if that’s what this revolver can do so that you can decide whether it’s the next revolver to add to your gun cabinet. Without knowing all the facts about the EAA Windicator, you might end up making a decision you regret down the line.
Things to Consider about the EAA Windicator .38 Special / .357 Magnum Revolver
Revolvers seem to attract the same type of people—people who want protection. That protection might be from other humans or it might be from animals out in the woods. Whichever one you’re after, a revolver is a great firearm to have on you when you’re aiming to protect. It’s got the right amount of power to do the job while leaving you without the worry of lugging around a shotgun that might not be practical for a hike through the woods.
The problem so many face when deciding what revolver to buy is they don’t understand the different features each revolver offers. The EAA Windicator is not really intended for much more than padded protection against unwanted visitors or unexpected encounters with animals. Of course, there are other revolvers on the market that offer a versatile range of uses from sharp shooting to home defense, but those can cost you a pretty penny.
Honestly, if you want something that is going to do the job when it is needed, the EAA Windicator .38 Special / .357 Magnum Revolver is a good choice. Here are some things to consider before dropping $300 on a new EAA Windicator:
- What do you really want to use it for?
- Do you want a completely polished firearm with top-notch craftsmanship?
- Are you looking for a firearm that won’t cost you a fortune but will still perform?
- Who is going to use the revolver the most?
The Main Event
It’s time to get down to the specifics that you really want to know about the EAA Windicator. The 2-inch snub-nose revolver keeps up with other well-known brands such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus. What really makes the difference with the EAA Windicator is the craftsmanship compared its counterparts. It’s obvious from the reviews that people either really like this revolver or really hate it and that really boils down to one thing: intended use.
Depending on how you want to use the EAA Windicator will determine how you feel about its performance. There are some clear reasons you wouldn’t choose the Windicator and clear reasons why you would. But that comes with knowing why you want a revolver in the first place.
When you take a look at the facts, the 2-inch snub-nose revolver holds six rounds in the chamber. One of the best things about this gun that I like is that you can alternate between .38 special and .357 magnum as your ammo of choice. With only 7 inches in overall length and about 2 pounds when empty, it is a great choice for concealed carry. With a double and single action pull, you can find the right fit for you easily. It is a fixed sight, which some are opposed to. But when you break down what you want the revolver for in the first place, this might not be an issue at all. If you’re not using it for competition or hunting, you don’t need anything other than fixed sight anyway.
Pros of the EAA Windicator
- Very affordable
- Comfortability with fit
- Ammo versatility
- Precision
- Great for personal defense
- Concealability
- Easy trigger activation
Cons of the EAA Windicator
- Muzzle flash from the short barrel
- Refinement lacks
- Fixed Sights
- Parts are imported
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Features
Concealed Carry Made Easy
One thing that so many of the users said they liked, and I agree with them, is the size of the EAA Windicator makes it easy to conceal and carry. It’s small, light, and easy to fit into a holder. This would make the revolver a good choice to carry around without worrying anyone else that might be around.
Fixed Sight
Whether you like the fixed sight feature of this revolver or not is a complete preference in usage. Using fixed sight during a competition or out hunting would not be ideal. You really need to be able to adjust your sight accordingly. However, if you’re just looking to use the revolver for personal defense against either humans or animals in emergency situations, you’d be fine with the fixed sight feature. Again, this is a preference in terms of intended use, so know how you’re going to use the Windicator before you jump.
Affordability
Let’s talk about one of our favorite topics when it comes to gun purchases. If you’re like me, you have your fair share of guns in your gun cabinet right now. And, in order to keep the house a happy home, some of us has to be a little bit more careful when it comes to dropping major cash on a gun. That’s not to say that some guns aren’t worth the extra money, but it’s also not saying that every gun requires dropping serious amounts of money to get good quality.
When I started my EAA Windicator review, one of the top things that people were saying was that this gun is affordable and good quality. The affordability of the revolver allows users to get function and fit for a fraction of the cost that other revolvers in the market cost. Smith & Wesson and Ruger all offer exceptional revolvers for varied uses, but their price tags are, of course, up there. With the EAA Windicator, you can get something that works well and gives you room to breathe in the financial department. I call that a win.
Fit and Comfort
Revolvers don’t typically boast large sizes, especially snub-nose revolvers like the EAA Windicator. Some gun users who have larger hands may find that revolvers fit awkwardly in their hand or cause discomfort when it comes to shooting. That’s because the handle is typically not large enough to get a good rip. But the EAA Windicator is easy to hold and fits comfortably in the hands of most users. Of course, this may come down to preference, so it’s recommended to test it out for yourself. Fit and comfort are two things you should not take lightly when it comes to buying a gun. If you don’t like or can’t even hold the gun properly, you won’t be able to use it properly.
The truth of the matter is that you can hold this revolver comfortably and get the shot when needed. This is a huge deal for any revolver, but especially for snub-nose revolvers that are smaller in size like the EAA Windicator.
Shot Capacity
Small the gun, smaller the shot capacity, right? Not necessarily. Size will always play a factor in how many shots a gun can hold because that’s just logic. Somehow, though, the EAA Windicator actually has a shot capacity that surprises most gun users.
Revolvers typically hold about 5 rounds, which is not ideal for a lot of gun users. Again, though, if you’re just looking for a revolver that will protect you in case of an unwanted visitor in your home or on a hike in the woods, having a large shot capacity might not be something you’re worried about. Hopefully, it’s a one-and-done kind of deal, right?
But the EAA Windicator actually does holder a slightly larger shot capacity with 6 rounds in the chamber at a time. Not too bad for a 2-inch barrel.
.38 Special / .357 Magnum
Choices are great when it comes to ammo. The Windicator uses a unique approach to versatility in this department with the option to use either .357 magnum or .38 special shot. The .357 magnum is actually ideal for self-defense, but they do have stronger recoil and muzzle flash.
On the flip side, you can use a .38 special, which is more cost-efficient. It is also easier on the recoil and muzzle flash side, which might be better for first time users.
No matter which ammo you choose, the EAA Windicator actually delivers an accurate shot up to 25 yards. This is good news for those who are aiming to defend themselves against unwanted guests or visitors wherever they are.
Pros and Cons – EAA Windicator Review
Pros of the EAA Windicator
Affordability
I’ve touched on this a couple of times in this EAA Windicator review, but it’s worth mentioning again. As one of the top reasons the EAA Windicator wins out against its competition, the price tag of under $300 for a revolver is hard to beat.
Comfortability and Fit
Smaller revolvers tend to have a more difficult time fitting in larger hands. In all honesty, this doesn’t seem to be an issue for the EAA Windicator. It has a nice grip and larger hands can hold it comfortably. This is a win for the small revolvers of the world.
Ammo Versatility
It doesn’t matter if you want something with a lot of punch (.357 magnum) or less kick but still gets the job done (.38 special), the Windicator can shoot both nicely. You get more of recoil with the .357 magnum, which is expected, the revolver does what it needs to do nicely with either ammo choice.
Precision
You want a gun that is going to give you an accurate shot a majority of the time, right? The Windicator can do that up to 25 yards with either ammo choice you go with. And if you’re looking to use this as a home defense firearm, precision is kind of important. (Bit of an understatement, I know.)
Easy to Conceal
Carrying around a large firearm with you into the mall might not be ideal. You might not think twice about it, but the bulging revolver under your jacket might not give off the right impression to other shoppers. The EAA Windicator is small enough to conceal and keep hidden without lacking in quality. Your wife will probably thank you.
Cons of the EAA Windicator
Muzzle Flash from Short Barrel with .357 Magnum
It’s expected that larger ammo will produce a more serious recoil and muzzle flash and it’s no different with the Windicator’s use of the .357 magnum shot. If you don’t want something like that, you can opt for the .38 special, which is easier on recoil and flash.
Fixed Sight
This is a preference and may not be a con for you at all, but the fixed sight on the Windicator may be a problem for some users. To be honest, if you’re not trying to enter a competition or hunt for game in the wild, the fixed sight shouldn’t be an issue. Personal defense firearms such as the Windicator will work just as well for the intended purposes with fixed sight, trust me.
Imported Parts
Controversy surrounds imported parts for firearms because of a couple of reasons: you can’t get the customer service you want with international companies sometimes and the parts take forever to get here for replacement purposes. Hopefully, you never need to get replacement parts, but if you did need to, the imported piece to this puzzle might make getting them harder.
Reviews from Other Users
It’s pretty obvious that there are some serious positives to the EAA Windicator and a few negatives. As with most firearms, there are going to be people who swear by it and others who swear it’s a waste of money. From what I’ve seen, however, when it comes to reviews, you really can’t go wrong with the EAA Windicator. Of course, there will be people who tell you that the short barrel produces too much recoil and muzzle flash (but only when using the .357 magnum really) or that the craftsmanship lacks in the production. The truth is, however, it is a steal when it comes to paying for what you get. For only $300, users reported that it was a great option for a self-defense revolver. I’d have to agree with them on that one.
My Opinion
If I’m being completely honest here, when I first started researching and reviewing the EAA Windicator .38 special / .357 magnum, I was skeptical. Reviews weren’t terrible, but some of the reviews led me to question whether the price point really did affect this revolvers quality.
I was wrong. There are so many positives to this small revolver that outweigh the negatives. And if you know that you’re going to be using the gun for self-defense purposes, some of the negatives aren’t even in your range of worry.
Positives
If I was to pick the positives that really stand out to me about the EAA Windicator, they’d be that the revolver is easy to conceal, it has versatile ammo choices, and it is great quality for the price. Of course, there are going to be some hang-ups when it comes to true craftsmanship and refined details because you’re getting what you pay for. But you aren’t going to get a piece of junk, either. You might see some tool marks on the material or some less-than-polished parts, but that doesn’t hurt the quality of the shot. It’s a style thing, and for the purposes of the gun, it’s not something that bothers me.
Negatives
I’d probably steer clear of this revolver if my aim was to use it for hunting or in a competition. It’s not made for that, and it’s pretty obvious. So, if you know that’s what you’re wanting, don’t buy this gun. Also, if you don’t want to worry about possibly recoil and kickback, a revolver might not be the best option for you either. Period. That’s not to say that you won’t like one, but revolvers are meant to give a little kick when delivering.
EAA Windicator FAQs
Where is the EAA Windicator .38 special / .357 magnum made?
It is made in Germany and shipped to retailers.
Can the revolver shoot .38 Spl +P rounds?
Yes, it can shoot .38 Spl +P rounds because it is chambered to fire .357 magnum.
Does the revolver have a steel or zinc alloy frame?
The gun has an all steel frame, which means it will meet state requirements in almost all states in the USA.
Is the barrel ported?
No, the barrel is not ported. It is what is called a “ventilated rib.” The intention of the ventilated rib is to keep the barrel cooler, not necessarily to cut down on recoil.
Does it come with a case?
Yes, the gun comes with a case, manual, and gun lock.
Final Thoughts
It’s probably fair to say that finding a revolver that won’t cost a fortune and also gives you good quality shots is hard. Buying any type of gun is no easy task, let alone choosing a revolver that will protect you and/or your home if needed. After reading our EAA Windicator review, I hope it’s obvious that this an exceptional firearm that will do the job well.
The EAA Windicator .38 special / .357 magnum is an exceptional tool that will get the job, no doubt.
Click here to check out the product more and find out if it’s the right choice for you.
Want more revolver reviews? Read our thoughts on the Chiappa Rhino and our Best Magnum Revolver picks.
Are you positive the ea/r can handle 38 special +p ammo? I only ask because the manual says not to use +p ammo. Are they just being over cautious? Or is there a 357 +p and they are actually referencing that?
1/20/2021; considering the revolver in 38/357 with a 4″ barrel. In your FAQS section it is asked if 38+p can be shot and the answer is yes. Not knowing when this review was written and from where that information was obtained, in all of the owners manuals I have found and read states to not use 38+p as it voids the warranty. Reason I am hesitant to buy the gun.
I know these comments are old but from what I’ve gathered 38+p should not be an issue in the 357 windicator since it’s well below 357 power levels. The “don’t use +p” deal is most likely because it’s the same owners manual for both versions. It makes sense because the .38 only Windicator has an alloy frame. It just doesn’t make sense that .38+p would cause issues in a 357 magnum. Not to mention the 357 frame is steel. I like this gun but alot of things with it are like this. They use the same barrel shrouds on both models too which is why the 357s have .38 special stamped on em also.