Sorry for not getting back sooner, had a few things going on leading up to the 4th... just got things squared away.

Quote from: TheGunSmith on June-29-18 05:06
John- The cylinder star should align itself freely for reloading. This is something that is covered under warranty and we can rebuild your cylinder.

However with this being said, any modification to the frame to allow more travel does void the warranty of the revolver if the cylinder swings beyond the frame shroud. The SideWinder is designed to use the frame shroud as a counter for the cylinder to help with ejection of any spent rounds. If the cylinder travels past the frame shroud the counter action is no longer there and the cylinder can freely move past the shroud during ejection.

Dustin H.

Dustin, that is not the case on the Magnum cylinder. The LR cylinder aligns freely each and every time. The Magnum cylinder does not. I may get lucky, but it is definitely over 50% chance of it not aligning.

In regards to the warranty, will NAA rebuild the cylinder under warranty if I modified the frame? I don't see how the two are mutually affected by one another. My modification is identical to what Ruger posted. I'm guessing the entire gun has to go back to NAA for it.

If that is a no on the warranty, then what does it cost to have NAA to rebuild the cylinder? I have zero rounds through the Magnum cylinder, but your guys rules in regards to warranty. I don't expect any special treatment.

-John

Today, I took a file to my Sidewinder's frame to allow for the cylinder to open up a little wider. In the process of testing, I had both cylinders in the gun, to confirm fitment... and noticed an issue with the Magnum cylinder. For clarity of this, I only filed the frame, and no part of either of the cylinder assemblies.

I left the LR cylinder in the gun, as it was the only rounds I had avalible when I first took it to the range. Back when I got it, .22 Magnum ammo wasn't as avalible... but since then, I've got some supply of it (never fired it in the revolver, by the way). So when I tested the Magnum cylinder, I opened it up and pushed the ejector. Just sort of a habit with other revolvers, but when I looked down, the extractor start was hung up above the face of the cylinder.







It sort of looks like the extractor rotates slightly, and the furthest part of the star gets onto the cut for the rim on the cylinder. When that occurs, cylinder isn't going to close. The extractor actually gets stopped by the shield. It is hard to get a measurement of slop in the extractor, but the end of the star's points look to move somewhere between 1/32" and 1/64".

Swap in the LR cylinder, works correctly 100% of the time. I can actually extend the extractor out, attempt to push it out of alignment, and not be able to cause it to happen.

Anyone notice this or know if it is something to contact NAA about? Don't get me wrong, if it was something that I'd actually have to try to get to occur, I wouldn't care about it... but this seems to happen more than not. If I just tap the rod back with my off hand, 9 out of 10 times results in it being misaligned. I can pinch the knob, and that gets better results (lets say it might do it 2 out of 10 times), but it just doesn't seem to be right.


-John

Quote from: Canoeal on June-23-18 20:06
No J-frame in my pockets, in work clothes...the pockets are way too small.

I'm in the same boat... only centerfire gun I can effectively pant pocket carry is my Ruger LCP. Actually, it is the only gun I can draw out of those sized pockets. I cannot get a full grip and draw my SIG P938 (even with the six round magazine) in a normal pocket. That gun, I use in a cargo pocket holsters.

For my 642-1, I carry it IWB or AIWB (latter disappears). I run the LaserMax weapon light, so White Hat Holsters is my main holster company since they make ones that fit it. I do have a LaserMax pocket holster for it, but don't use. Ankle carry, I have an option or two. Favorite of those is actually Gould and Goodrich... forget the model name, but it Velcros around your leg, and is threaded into a duty boot. Galco makes good ankle holsters, as well.

First off... thanks to everyone for the welcome.

Quote from: jennflip on June-25-18 08:06
The  Ds10speeds will load the Sidewinder at an angle---the revisions cv ammo pod are a waste of money--IMHO

Got you. Figured I would be able to angle them in (is that in stock configuration, or with the frame clearance for a further cylinder swing). Prior to converting my S&W 642 to 9mm, I ran HKS speedloaders with .38s. Having CT LG-405s, angling them in was the best route.

Why don't you like the Ammo Pods, if you don't mind me asking?

Quote from: franco22 on June-25-18 08:06
Welcome Screwball. I carry a 10 round speed strip with my minis. Quickstrip is the brand name. There really is no such thing as a fast reload with any of the minis but the strips allow me to carry extra ammo in a convenient manner.

Thanks, but not really that interested in speed strips. I have them for my J-frame and my 629, and never liked them. For external loaders, HKS speedloaders are my favorite... even though moonclips definitely got my preference.

In regards to speed reloading... not really what I'm looking for. Just rather have rounds go directly into the cylinder all at once.

Quote from: Canoeal on June-25-18 08:06
In a word, plastic. In two words, cheap plastic.

Care to elaborate? Just wanted to see if there was a specific issue you saw, or if you are more against plastic (nothing wrong with that).

I don't really mind the fact that they are plastic, but was drawn to them for the release setup. I think that is pretty innovative, and always was surprised that a company never figured something like that out for larger revolver calibers.

Been lurking for a little bit (got my Sidewinder back in August 2016), but figured I'd join.

Have the Sidewinder Convertible, which I'll be filing the frame this week to allow the cylinder to open fully. Been one of those things that always bothered me. Glad I saw it on here, as it has been a slow week, and looking for stuff to do.

The Sidewinder isn't a carry gun for me, but I like how small it is. Eventually going to get the Ranger II Convertible, as well. But I do like trying new things with it. Being there isn't a lot of stuff to do to them... one thing has caught my eye; speedloaders.

Not looking to be Jerry Miculek with the gun, but I have speedloaders of some form for most of my revolvers. Read in another thread that opening up the cylinder swing on the Sidewinder will allow for the DS speedloaders to function. Probably would pick up two for poops and giggles.

But another option peaked my interest... Revision CV's Ammo Pods. And haven't seen any info regarding figment with the Sidewinder (with frame modification or not). Looking at the pictures of the cylinder position with the modified frame, and how the Ammo Pods work, I'd think you'd have clearance to drop them in, if not just on an angle to get them to fall in.

Anyone try this? Figured I'd ask, in case I'm not seeing something.

Thanks,

-John