Sidewinder Accuracy

RICKS PLACE · September-01-18 08:09

While the price is a little steep,I am looking at a Sidewinder with lust in my heart. I am use to my B/Ws, with the fixed sights. The Winder has a small small front sight with a slot rear line up for a rear. Question for Sidewinder owners, do you get much accuracy from this? Does the gun stay tight after much shooting?

Canoeal · September-01-18 13:09

Rick, come on now...Do you think most of these guys actually shoot their guns?...I do, but I am a rarity...and only have the BW....

RogueTS1 · September-01-18 15:09

Still have not shot my SW nor my Ranger II so I cannot help you.

Now my other Minis are a different story.

linux_author · September-01-18 15:09

US-made Fiocchi FMJ .22 wmr at 15 feet in my Sidewinder (April 24th):

quite frankly, don't expect much from short-barreled models - i'd expect *much* better accuracy from 4" models...

i like my Sidewinder - carry every other day (or mostly every day)... i particularly like the Speer Gold Dots, so that's what i now carry...

in retrospect i would have been happy with just the .22wmr version... i rarely use the .22LR cylinder anymore...

AFA staying 'tight' - i haven't noticed any loosening of components nor any trigger changes... i did a slight mod of the crane of one of the cylinders to allow use of a speedloader (can't tell at all and the frame is untouched)

my advice: if you know you're gonna carry .22 mag, then get that model - if you want to shoot .22LR and .22 mag, get both...

personally, i'd recommend .22 mag if you plan to carry... if you want to plink on the cheap, get the .22LR

btw, i also had a mini mag w/both cylinders, but sold it... the Sidewinder is a superior design in my opinion...

hope this helps,

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

Dinadan · September-01-18 20:09

RP - you do not say which Sidewinder you are lusting after. I have two Sidewinders, the original short barrel and the 2.5" model. I mostly shoot LR and shorts, I do not shoot many mags at all. That said, I have well over a thousand rounds out of my older Sidewinder with no problems and it is still tight. Accuracy is at least equal to my Pug or Magnum Mini. I think it is better, actually, but that is a subjective judgement.

My 2.5' Sidewinder has a lot fewer rounds fired (it is newer) with no problems. The accuracy is comparable to my Black Widow or 3" Earl.

In summary: highly recommended. If you want to shoot it for fun I would suggest the 2.5" model. But it is a bit long for concealed carry in some of my trousers. I do carry it, but if concealed carry is a priority then the shorter version might be best.

RICKS PLACE · September-03-18 05:09

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I actually thought we all shot our guns. I do have a few I never shoot for various reasons. I will probably get the Sidewinder in Mag only, 1.5" barrel for max concealment. As long as I can put them in a normal "chest size" area at 7 yards, it will work for me. I have my 2 B/Ws for more accurate work. I want the quicker reloading in the Sidewinder. As for as the Mag only, I have over 2,000 rounds of Mag. I also have 2 Ruger Single Nines which only use Mags. Due to some changes in Texas law re shooting on private property, I no longer shoot in my garage where I use to practice with .22 low vel shorts. Range fees are up, so I don't practice as much as I once did. I will probably go with a Sidewinder as soon as my dealer can get one. I wanted a Pug "D" but the Winder is faster loading.

Rick_Jorgenson · September-03-18 07:09

Quote from: RICKS PLACE on September-01-18 08:09
While the price is a little steep,I am looking at a Sidewinder with lust in my heart. I am use to my B/Ws, with the fixed sights. The Winder has a small small front sight with a slot rear line up for a rear. Question for Sidewinder owners, do you get much accuracy from this? Does the gun stay tight after much shooting?

Let it out Brother!!! You must follow your heart!

We are here to support you though your journey of your next NAA purchase! (and you better post pictures!) lol!!

I have a 2 1/2" Barrel SW with both cylinders. I use them both because I have them and the grand kids don't shoot up all my Magnum Shells!

As far as accuracy, it is better than I am! but I'm not a great shot.

I can "get them on paper" at 5 to 7 yard distances so I say it's accurate.

I have about 500 rounds through mine and nothing has ever been loose. I did a lot of cleaning on mine for the first 150 to 200 rounds.

When brand new I noticed that any "gunk" that 15 to 20 shots leaves can make the cylinder tough to function so, I just gave it a quick Spray and wipe down every 3 or 4 times I loaded it. It seemed to function better and eventually loosened up so it didn't need that as often.

I do make quite a few pocket holsters for the 2 1/2" barrel SW. (more than I thought I would) but the 1 1/2" is more popular.

The longer barrel holsters for that gun tend to go to the east coast.

Hope to see photos soon!

jetcsa · September-06-18 18:09

I have the 1 1/2" SW, that I purchased as a combo. It is as accurate as any of my NAAs. My son might outshoot me with his Black Widow, but that may be more son than gun. I love to sit in the back yard with half a dozen Coke cans at various distances and nail them with Colibris - eye protection is the only accessory needed. Shooting at the same targets with bulk pack LR hollow points or CCI SV is also fun, but a little more challenging - also need ear protection with the LRs. I really enjoy mine, and plink at distances WAY past what is reasonable for self defense. I haven't shot a lot of magnum ammo past self defense distances - don't want to hurt my confidence levels

Ruger · September-07-18 04:09

Hey JETCSA . . . WELCOME to the forum. Great to have you!

Uncle_Lee · September-07-18 04:09

Welcome JETCSA,
Join in and help us out.

RogueTS1 · September-07-18 07:09

Ricks Place; please comment on these new TX laws regarding shooting on private property. I feel confident there are more than a few here that would be interested in said details.

motter · September-12-18 17:09

My Sidewinder 2.5 inch in .22lr has been plenty accurate. Don't have as many rounds down range with .22mag. I seem less accurate with that but still within a chest sized area. Most likely me rather that the firearm.

deewmson · September-15-18 11:09

I just bought my sidewinder and shot 150 rounds of LR through it yesterday. I would say it is pretty accurate for a 1" barrel at short distances, but that is find for me as I'm not going or expecting to use this gun for hunting. I was shooting at 10 yards and the spread was 5 inches or so, so it would have stayed in the body cavity or the head and that is what I was looking for. I'm 69 years old so my shooting isn't as good as it used to be anyway. I do find the small front sight bead a little hard to acquire with my trifocals, but at that range it worked.

Uncle_Lee · September-16-18 04:09

Quote from: deewmson on September-15-18 11:09
I just bought my sidewinder and shot 150 rounds of LR through it yesterday. I would say it is pretty accurate for a 1" barrel at short distances, but that is find for me as I'm not going or expecting to use this gun for hunting. I was shooting at 10 yards and the spread was 5 inches or so, so it would have stayed in the body cavity or the head and that is what I was looking for. I'm 69 years old so my shooting isn't as good as it used to be anyway. I do find the small front sight bead a little hard to acquire with my trifocals, but at that range it worked.

Welcome,
Keep shooting and keep posting...

Canoeal · September-16-18 15:09

Paint the front sight fluorescent Red or better, yellow.