Western Sidewinder .25 critique

PCP 25 caliber pellet rifle

[@AFitchguy07]

I just picked up the Sidewinder. I am noticing some quality issues out of the box that I didn't expect to see at this price point. As an engineer, I understand manufacturing consistently can be a challenge, but the manufacturer should be making it right at no cost to the customer.

[@murphystreeter]

What issues have you seen? Which model did you purchase?

[@AFitchguy07]

@@murphystreeter I have the .30 Sidewinder regular length. The power adjuster under the action in the back is sloppy when rotating. The mechanism used with linear spring force and detents just isn't cutting it for me. If you back out the knob and remove it, there are two balls and a third detent (120 deg apart) that has no ball. This might be the cause or it might be their normal practice--im unsure. The other complaint I have is the selector switch. The switch always gets stuck between SEMI and FULL, and it really isn't even aligned to the words/labels. These aren't massive defects or QC issues, but for this price point, I am disappointed to say the least.

[@Shooter.303]

This kind of issues happened when the company had no quality control department running.

[@prestonbinder637]

This was a good review.. good job man..

[@murphystreeter]

@@prestonbinder637 more to come!!!! Watch for an update video this coming week!!! Hint: I'm in Phoenix, AZ

[@senseismash4604]

I have a 2nd hand sidewinder on the way with 2 spare mags. Ill be sure to check asap. Great video thanks for the info

[@murphystreeter]

@@senseismash4604 2nd hand!!!???? How the heck did you locate that!!??

[@senseismash4604]

​@@murphystreeter@murphystreeter I was able to work something out on airgunnation with a gentleman for my highly tuned wingshot 2 shotgun. I saw in your video that you were able to get in touch with someone about buying a longer barrel, who did you talk to about that? Mine is the standard version but would really like the option to turn it into a compact with barrel and bottle for my truck or woods walking. I heard Western Airguns won't sell parts to the end consumer and AoA tells folks to contact Western so ots a death loop. Could you please provide who you spoke to about the barrel swap and pricing? Thanks in advance! You earned a sub

[@senseismash4604]

@@murphystreeter You mentioned in your video getting a barrel for $150ish I would like to purchase a shorter barrel and bottle who do you deal with to purchase your barrel? I have read that Western wont sell parts to the end consumer and most places will make you send the rifle in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Have a great Independence Day

[@murphystreeter]

@@senseismash4604 call the pellet shop for a barrel

[@kaleoariola]

Try getting properly sized slugs. I have a .30 sidewinder compact and the slugs I buy for it are .301 not .300

[@juniorimac]

This was a great video!

[@stevenjackson4076]

Amen

[@dan-o9621]

Lately I'm seeing people order air guns with barrels shorter than air tank 🤔... - The guns no shorter, not to mention the safety issues? Its assuming everything that leaves the barrel will fly straight. That's the same as assuming you're guns unloaded? I'm just saying, it's only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

Hi they do make slug magazines and standard pellet magazines. Sample on my edgun L2 in .35 caliber I can’t use slugs because they fall out. For me in .35 they don’t have a slug magazines yet. They offer in other calibers like 177 / 22 / 25 not .35.

[@murphystreeter]

@@Nick-gi6ym the Western Sidewinder has one magazine. If there were a different size for slugs, they would be obligated to send it with the rifle. There's one and it shouldn't be smaller than .046 or larger than .048. if you have a magazine from edgun for the leshi .35 and slugs are falling out then the magazine in UNSAFE. If a slug gets bound up and the gun blows up or there's damage due to misfeeding, the manufacturer of the magazine is liable. You should force them to supply a working magazine. Of course, the slugs should be from a reputable company, not some home press stuff.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

@@murphystreeter the slug magazine is rifled and the standard pellet magazine is smooth.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

The slug magazine is rifled and the pellet magazine is smooth.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

Question I would like to know you said you went through 500 rds on the sidewinder my question did you have any malfunctions why I’m asking I’m thinking about purchasing the short model sidewinder did you deal with any o rings issues or any other issues. Thanks for your help

[@murphystreeter]

@@Nick-gi6ym ZERO malfunctions. I will tell you.....if you forget to put the magazine in the gun and pull the trigger, your ears are gonna ring.

[@scorpionleader1967]

Got it. Don't buy it from Air Guns of Arizona.

[@murphystreeter]

I am not going to say that. I am definitely saying.... regardless of who you're dealing with, do your best to force them into providing acceptable customer service.

[@scorpionleader1967]

@@murphystreeter I will buy as local as I can in Florida, but you having problems with online air guns stores isn't an isolated incident. If they sell it, they need to stand behind the product. Not stand behind you while you assume the position.

[@murphystreeter]

@@scorpionleader1967 I feel like the Pellet Shop is doing a good job. My real concern is more with the product/factory rep.

[@DigitalCitizen1]

What’s sub 1 moa?

[@murphystreeter]

1 minute of angle (moa) is a 1" group at 100 yards

[@outlastproductions]

Nothing like a end company with a product everyone wants resulting in more productivity and less QC . Absolutely no reason Titanium mags should not be spec'd to absolute perfection 99.9% of the time. Especially at 150$ each. 300 dollar headaches that lasted a month is BS. If they had any class they would have hooked you up with an extra mag on the house. Business practices of the past it seems, customers always wrong these days, and annoying. With that said, I'm about to click "buy now" on my 3600$ shopping cart that includes a sidewinder compact 25! 🤣Yeeehaaolyhell.... fingers crossed

[@murphystreeter]

@@outlastproductions but wait.... there's more!!! Stay tuned!!!! You are not going to believe this shit!!!!