2 1/2" Sidewinder!

[CavScout]

  Why in the LORD's name would they change that beautiful prototype design of the plunger and end up with this thing that stabs you when you need to extract spent shells . Pretty stupid change for the worst . So many things with this sidewinder that it even seems to be unfinished with the design just the shells being interfered with the grips is just one example , whats up with that . They should clear going in and out for beginners . I'm really NOT any fan of this new model at all and probably won't even buy one for my collection , only unless I buy one to modify it to show just how the gun should have been produced , very simple mods would make it gun to really own and operate .

I can only guess they had issues with prototype cylinder pin compressing the plunger, without tapering the end... equivalent to the relatively large angled scallop they designed into the production lug... for compressing the sharply tapered cylinder pin mounted  plunger... our thumbs appreciate so much! 

Notice, the same plunger design is carried over to the 4"... and presumably, the 2 1/2"?

As to the opened cylinder clearing the grips for extraction... That's a function of the distance from the cylinder axis to the crane pivot.

To get extraction clearance, the crane pivot lug under the frame front would necessarily need to be enlarged downward to a point that would probably be both ugly, and cumbersome for holster fitting.

All that said... My Sidewinder is my EDC. The relatively few times I need to open the cylinder between range sessions is tolerable for me... to have something that virtually disappears in my jeans pocket... (still haven't shot or carried my Ranger!)

I literally live in the woods... 8 miles from the nearest population center of more than a family! When I venture out 50 miles or so to the nearest city of more than 1500 people, I have stouter iron I can pack!

[OV-1D]

 Thanks fo the reply CavScout . I sent NAA a deisgn fix a long time back forthe clearence problem , didn't need more material but less considering , it would have been more on hands time nothing else so I believe they didn't even consider the crude blueprint I sent them . Like I said if I had another to tinker with to change I would and take away that problem . Seems nobody is interested in prefection anymore just the bottom dollar , oh well life will go stumbling on . 

[CavScout]

Seems nobody is interested in perfection anymore just the bottom dollar , oh well life will go stumbling on . 

Even though I haven't actually fired my Ranger, I have cycled A-Zoom Dummy Rounds in it to experience loading/unloading .22Mag.

http://www.amazon.com/-Zoom-Precision-Snap-Caps-Proving/dp/B0053WTQZA

I feel the Ranger was the closest to a "Perfect" Mini-Revolver, out of the many NAA and Freedom Arms minis I have owned since the 70's.

Of course, it was based on a proven design... the Smith & Wesson Model 2... So NAA just needed to add their renowned "Swiss Watch" treatment:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_2

Alas... it was the Balance Sheet that caused the Ranger to become a Historical Artifact! 

[JRobyn]

Thanks Scout!  Yep, gotta have one of those!  Well, maybe my wife needs one for Christmas.

- Jay

[CavScout]

Here's another variation I think would be a worthy of consideration for future addition to the Sidewinder based Family.

[boots]

I only have a Black Widow but carry it every day and at least a couple of times a month use it to dispatch rabbits and other garden pest. With the tractor running you can often get inside 20'.  I wonder if the sight on the SW will let me do that?  I would like a SW for the convenience of reloading but I am not sure if it would let me be as accurate. 

[scbuxton]

CavScout, I think that you nailed it with the hybrid rendition. That'll go right up there with the break top as a mini I want, but can't have! 

[grayelky]

CavScout-
Nice rendition. The sights make it! If you send a copy to TALO, it would not surprise me to see a special edition in the future. Now, if those sights were on a 3" Earl....

[Uncle_Lee]

Good Grief, Good Grief, Good Grief !!!!!!!!
I don't have the 4"er's in my hands yet and now there is another pair that I have to buy......

Of course me and others may not live to see the 2.5 model hit the shelves......

[CavScout]

CavScout-
Nice rendition. The sights make it! If you send a copy to TALO, it would not surprise me to see a special edition in the future. Now, if those sights were on a 3" Earl....

Gray,

I submitted this to TALO:

Hello,

North American Arms has announced a new variation of their Sidewinder model, with a 2 1/2" barrel.

In anticipation of it's release, I created a few photo edits so members of their forum could visualize what they will look like.

One mock-up that has drawn attention is a hybrid, consisting of a 2 1/2" Sidewinder fitted with Black Widow style fixed sights.

http://naaminis.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6301.0;attach=10565;image

It was suggested that your company might be interested in a limited run of this configuration?

Please advise in a response I can pass on to the forum members at North American Arms.

Thank you,
Paul

[Uncle_Lee]

OK, OK !!!!!
I am ready for the 2.5" Sidewinders.
When will they be leaving the factory??

I sure wish Cvang grips still came in the wood look.

[grayelky]

It will be interesting to see TALO's response.

[redhawk4]

How about an early bird for the 2 1/2" Sidewinder?. I see these new models announced from NAA, but I almost never see any of them in local gun stores. In fact despite a lot of talk of revolvers making a comeback, most stores now seem to have 5 cases of semi autos and one case of Revolvers with a pretty limited choice of manufacturers and models - I can only assume this is based on market trends, however you are definitely going to reduce revolver sales, when the product isn't available to buy or fondle. I'm in the market to buy another handgun, but am not sure quite what, so have been looking, but based on what's in the stores it's more likely to be another semi auto, because I'm not seeing the revolvers that I might be interested in.

[CavScout]

It will be interesting to see TALO's response.

Crickets so far... and I'm not talking about small .22 rifles! 

I'll give the another bump, if I haven't heard anything by next week.

[CavScout]

I'm in the market to buy another handgun, but am not sure quite what, so have been looking, but based on what's in the stores it's more likely to be another semi auto, because I'm not seeing the revolvers that I might be interested in.

We don't need to start yet another debate about the virtues of semi-auto vs, revolver!

But, remember these truths about revolvers.

1) They tend to go bang every time you pull the trigger.
2) They are not dependent on cartridge potency for function.
3) Many can benefit from multiple ammunition types... helping to soften shortages.
4) Pretty much exempt from magazine capacity bans (so far!)
5) Pretty much exempt from micro-stamping requirements.
6) True Grit and Dirty Harry used them... Sorry!... just couldn't resist! 

For the guns I have purchased without the preferred benefit of hands-on selection... I have resorted to online reviews, both written and YouTube to help me visualize what is being offered.

Once I've identified the firearm i want to own, I find the best online price, and pay my local FFL to bring it in for me.

My favorite reviewer is Jeff Quinn at GunBlast. The truth is... he loves just about every gun he tests... but he has enough written data, and detailed images to represent the firearm... probably as good or better than the average 2-3 minutes one spends holding one at a brick & mortar store?

[redhawk4]

I like the Gunblast reviews too and have referred to them when purchasing more than one gun, but generally I like to be able to see what I'm thinking of buying and see it how it feels and fits the hand etc.  - guns aren't like buying a pair of jeans, you can't take them back if you get home and find they are not for you.

Regarding the semi auto vs revolver argument, I agree with both sides of that debate, the pluses and minuses, which is why I have several of each and tend to carry what I think suits my particular needs at any particular time  - they all have great merits .

I started out looking for a revolver and that's what had me noticing how few are on display locally, relative to semi-autos. Of the few on display quite a good proportion are hunting hand cannons, which I'm not in the market for and the massive selection, in comparison of semi autos gives you more chance of finding something for every day carry that appeals than in the revolver case that so often only contains a couple of S&W, Ruger and Taurus models, nothing close to the full line up, with perhaps a couple of brightly colored Charter Arms models occasionally thrown in, although as pinks and purples are not my scene they are not of interest. If they had some of the 44 spl. models that would be different. Is any one else noticing this trend with semi autos? the last couple of times I've dropped by a gunstore on my way back from somewhere, I've left feeling disappointed - and with out a gun

I still want an Earlybird for the 2 1/2" Sidewinder - I'll buy that sight unseen.

[CavScout]

Is any one else noticing this trend with semi autos? the last couple of times I've dropped by a gunstore on my way back from somewhere, I've left feeling disappointed - and with out a gun

I still want an Earlybird for the 2 1/2" Sidewinder - I'll buy that sight unseen.

As with any retail business these days... inventory is a financial negative... the longer inventory sets, the more accumulative financial negatives are felt.

Long gone are the family owned stores that always seemed to have what you wanted/needed in stock! Many retail businesses today will balk at ordering anything that won't turn in 30 days!

This brings us to guns and ammunition... demand can fluctuate with hunting seasons, holiday or other gift occasions... or the latest news/political event.... So, ordering ahead of desire/demand can be a challenge. Add to that some retailers judging by their own preferences toward what they want to sell... such as the latest decision at Wal-Mart.

Another desire factor is the "Keeping up with the Joneses" influence... or "Cool Factor".

40 or so years ago, it was rare to see Law Enforcement carrying semi-autos as service sidearms.

20 or so years ago, it was rare to see Law Enforcement carrying polymer frame semi-autos as service sidearms.

Even worse...

1934, the Tommy Gun was considered "The Weapon of Choice" for criminals.

1968, the Saturday Night Special was considered "The Weapon of Choice" for criminals.

1994, the Assault Weapon was considered "The Weapon of Choice" for criminals.

Now the public is being told that "Loophole Purchases" are considered "The Weapons of Choice" for criminals.

Trends change with the times!

*****

The five to one ratio you're experiencing at your local dealers will only change if they perceive, or realize an increase in demand for revolvers.

And yes, many of us here would seek out the corner loan shark if necessary to get whatever the next Earlybird offering is that shows up in Sandy's Soapbox!

[Uncle_Lee]

What law that I think is coming is that if you have taken any kind on a nerve pill, you will not be able to own a firearm of any sort.
It will be retroactive just like the "domestic battery" law.....


I have bought all my minis but one "sight unseen".
I did fondle one of my 4" Earls at a gun shop.
That did it. It bit me. I got the bug. There were 2 of them there with consecutive serial numbers. I bought them both. Nothing has been the same since.
I have a stack of copies of my dealer's FFL here beside my computer.
When I see one that I want I order it and e-mail my dealer to watch for it and he sends me an e-mail when it gets there.

[Bigbird48]

I think I would buy the 2 1/2" sidewinder unseen but don't think I'll live to see it So my immediate bigger dilemma is what to buy next.   I had 5 mini's traded one off but still have my 2 EB sidewinders, My Black Widow and the Black Jack Talo. I like the Sheriff but I really  wish it had a fluted cylinder. I like the 1 5/8 to 2 1/2 barrel lengths so my choices are limited. any advice? 

[Uncle_Lee]

I think we will have the 2.5" Sidewinders by Spring.
I hope we live THAT long.


My "advice"??
Buy a pair of each.
You will learn to love them. Fluted or not.

[Bigbird48]

Well thats cool so that means I can buy a sheriff ( if I can find one close to me)  now and then save till spring for a sidewinder.

[Uncle_Lee]

Yep !!!