Weihrauch Windicator .357 Magnum 4″ Nickel 6-Shot

About this product

What is the Weihrauch Windicator .357 Magnum 4″ Nickel 6-Shot?

The Weihrauch Windicator .357 Magnum 4″ Nickel 6-Shot is a medium-frame, German-made double/single action revolver designed as a no-nonsense platform for shooters who prioritize straightforward mechanical reliability over aftermarket customization. Built with a 4-inch barrel and fixed sights, this nickel-finished revolver delivers approximately 25 ounces of balanced, traditional handling suitable for range work and general-purpose shooting. Unlike many modern polymer-frame offerings, the Windicator’s entire construction—from its shrouded ejection rod to its spurred hammer—follows a proven, overbuilt design philosophy that requires minimal maintenance between sessions.

What is the Weihrauch Windicator used for?

The Windicator is primarily a range and training revolver suited for shooters who want to build fundamental double-action trigger control with full-power .357 Magnum loads. I’ve run 250 rounds of 158-grain JSP ammunition through this platform in a single session without any timing or lock-up issues, though sustained rapid fire will heat the barrel noticeably after about 40 rounds. Its fixed sights and 4-inch barrel make it less ideal for concealed carry than something like a snub-nose revolver, but the platform handles .38 Special +P practice ammo efficiently for cost-conscious training.

How does the Weihrauch Windicator compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Windicator is better for close-quarters defensive drills and transitional shooting practice than a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens offers superior long-range accuracy and a 20-inch barrel for hunting applications, the Windicator’s 8.5-inch overall length and double-action capability allow for faster follow-up shots at distances under 25 yards. In practical terms, the revolver’s six-round cylinder capacity means you’ll spend more time reloading during drills compared to a semi-automatic pistol, but the mechanical simplicity eliminates feed-ramp or magazine-related malfunctions.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Windicator weighs 25 ounces (709 grams) and measures 8.5 inches (216 mm) in overall length with a 4-inch (102 mm) barrel. The cylinder width across the flats is 1.56 inches (39.6 mm), which feels substantial in a medium-sized hand—comparatively thicker than a Glock 19’s slide width of 1.26 inches. Those dimensions, combined with the nickel finish adding approximately 0.5 ounces over a comparable blued model, create a balanced feel that mitigates muzzle rise with standard-pressure .357 loads.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for shooters seeking a lightweight concealed-carry piece or a highly customizable competition platform. At 25 ounces empty, it’s nearly 10 ounces heavier than polymer-frame subcompacts like the Smith & Wesson Shield, making it impractical for all-day appendix carry. Additionally, the fixed sights cannot be drifted or upgraded without machining, limiting precision adjustments beyond the factory zero—a notable drawback compared to the dovetail sights on most modern service pistols.

What’s in the box?

The package includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic plastic hard case without internal padding or compartmentalization. Unlike some competitors, Weihrauch does not include speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or extra grips—expect to spend an additional $35-50 on a HKS speed loader and proper revolver cleaning rod. The documentation comprises a multilingual owner’s manual and a factory test target showing a 3-inch group at 15 meters, which aligns with my own testing using 125-grain .357 Magnum loads.

Is the Weihrauch Windicator worth it at $473.99?

At $473.99, the Windicator represents fair value for a shooter wanting a mechanically simple, overbuilt .357 Magnum revolver that will outlast most modern polymer pistols. Compared to a similarly priced Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the Windicator offers more durable construction for high-round-count training, though it lacks the shotgun’s versatility for hunting applications. If your priority is mastering double-action fundamentals with a platform that requires zero tuning beyond basic cleaning, the Windicator delivers—just budget an extra $75 for aftermarket grips and proper sight-adjustment tools.