Sidewinder vs the Ranger

45flint · December-20-12 10:12

I am fairly new to NAA got pulled into the fold with the Earl. The Ranger was just a treat by far the best revolver NAA had made, but in the end not viable and in a sense a step toward the Sidewinder: The first NAA revolver with opening cylinder to be put in the regular lineup. I had to order the Sidewinder but my expectations were not as great as they were with the Ranger. Much to my surprise the Sidewinder has exceeded my expectations. Without question it is now my favorite NAA revolver even beyond the Ranger. That may surprise some but I say this because it is machined in the same class as the Ranger. it has the same fun factor of being made like a fine watch with lots of moving parts. Mostly it exceeds the Ranger because of it ability to have a 22LR cylinder. To me the mag is not fun to shoot even though I have it for defense. The Sidewinder gives me both and the 22 pinker for just fun. Game set and match to the Sidewinder. Was not expecting that.

cedarview kid · December-20-12 10:12

I'm rather pleased with my Sidewiders, too. Makes me not feel quite so bad about selling my Rangers.

Dinadan · December-20-12 16:12

45Flint - I am very happy to read your comments about the Sidewinder. I did not try to get a Ranger before they became overly expensive. Because I do not have much use for a magnum only revolver, I was waiting for the LR conversion. I lived to regret it, as the saying goes. Glad that you find the quality comparable.

45flint · December-20-12 17:12

Dinadan. You will find out soon. Steve

zippovarga · December-20-12 19:12

I suppose this is as good a post as any to sneak in my videos on the Sidewinder. I'm with you Steve.......The Sidewinder, being a production piece, and NOT totally hand made, impressed and impresses me more than the Ranger which took a total hands on hand machined and hand built and finished approach to complete. There is much about the Sidewinder that I am overly impressed with, yet there is reminiscent tell tale signs of mass production with the piece. To me, those are character marks and with this becoming my daily carry, I will happily be adding character marks of my own to it. A "Zippo" job IS forthcoming with this piece!!

Videos include a short version for those with a short attention span and a longer more in depth video for the diehard NAA fans. I hope which ever you choose to watch, that you enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-vij1vu3wQ for the short version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gl4oxlUfa4 for the long winded version

blazinwv · December-20-12 21:12

Good job on the vids Zippo, I am looking forward to you putting a shine on the new beauty!

Uncle_Lee · December-21-12 05:12

Hey Zip,
Good videos.
Thank You.

45,
I put the Sidewinder right in there with the Breaktop also.
Fine little works of art, both of them.

45flint · December-21-12 05:12

Zippo, awesome job on the videos. Explains well all the features and why they are a very nice gun. Looking forward to the Zippo Sidewinder please let us see it. Bottom line on my comparison with the Ranger was the conversion cylinder really opens up the use of the extraction systems and makes it a far more useful gun.

CavScout · December-21-12 09:12

I'm happy with both my Ranger and Sidewinder. I do however have more of a "soft spot" for the Ranger. Having collected several Smith & Wesson Top Break revolvers, I see many of the same signature profiles used on the Ranger.

As much as I like my Sidewinder, and am very supportive of NAA putting in all the effort it took to bring it to us, it doesn't stir the same emotions for me as the Ranger. If I ever land an 1896 S&W 32 Hand Ejector that may change my attitude a bit.

I would love to see the Ranger design revisited after NAA gets tooled-up for all in-house machining. I think the Break Top design, using modern metallurgy, would be a great platform to bring in new caliber offerings. H&R lasted long into the 20th Century with theirs.

45flint · December-21-12 10:12

I hear ya on the Ranger but the Sidewinder gives us both cylinders at a better price. It is a platform that is the norm for revolvers. Great for attracting new crossovers from guys with larger guns. I have to believe that the Sidewinder is their future and I think it will be a bight one. I really think this will eventually be their best selling model. Good they are buying all that new equipment.

blazinwv · December-21-12 12:12

I certainly wish that the Ranger had gone into regular production so I could own one at a reasonable price. I just became familiar with NAA a couple of years ago. Even though I am unable to compare the two models I am quite impressed with the Sidewinder. Being a former jeweler I have a great appreciation for fine craftmanship.

zippovarga · December-26-12 19:12

Glad the video is well received! It's a very nice product worthy of praise. I hope all had a good Christmas and will have a great new years celebration. Dug my self out of an 8 inch snow fall today. It amazes me how quickly people forget how to drive in the white stuff. lol Cheers!!