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NAA Mini Revolvers
- Thread starter Rattlehead
- Start date
I agree, that for a regular back-up there are better choices (My G43 fills that role nicely).. But an extra 5 shots of 22 mag when you need it, no matter how its delivered is not what I would consider a novelty.
These mini revolvers even make most pocket autos seem huge by comparison.
You can literally carry them anywhere and not even notice them. So for me, they still have a purpose... Back up to a back up, or something to carry when you're not carrying.
Yeah, it seems like a backup to a backup gun...like a 5th pocket jean carryI agree, that for a regular back-up there are better choices (My G43 fills that role nicely).. But an extra 5 shots of 22 mag when you need it, no matter how its delivered is not what I would consider a novelty.
These mini revolvers even make most pocket autos seem huge by comparison.
You can literally carry them anywhere and not even notice them. So for me, they still have a purpose... Back up to a back up, or something to carry when you're not carrying.
I have a 22 Mag version with the folding handle that I use a lot. With a Smart Carry holster it's a perfect 'deep-concealment' gun or as a backup for my backup.
I also have one of the man-card-revoking 22 Short models... just because it's so darn cute.
I also have one of the man-card-revoking 22 Short models... just because it's so darn cute.
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I like them and have owned one before. They are very well made. However, to me they still seem somewhat of a novelty, and yes, they are LOUD.
That being said, I would still like to have a Pug or one of the swing out cylinder models.
That being said, I would still like to have a Pug or one of the swing out cylinder models.
friend of mine thats a massage therapist and yoga instructor keeps one of those in her pocket all the time.
better than a .45 out in the parking lot in your vehicle.
better than a .45 out in the parking lot in your vehicle.
I was really hoping someone else would discuss the negatives on the NAA revolvers more but it doesn't seem likely so.....
It is definitely a very neat, well-built little gun. I've seen some newer versions that have improved grips that help make it more workable or practical.
For defensive purposes though there are several issues that make it undesireable.
Years ago in an article (I believe by Ayoob if memory serves) there was a discussion of "Hideout" guns.
The NAA is frowned upon by most of the training community for a variety of reasons.
1. Terrible ergos in most versions: The guns size is so small that it is very difficult to manipulate... especially under stress.
I've had around half a dozen on my range over the past 6 years & across the board training with it was very discouraging.
The shooter dropped it more than a few times getting it out of their pocket & then trying to get a decent firing grip on it or when trying to get it cocked.
2. Slow to fire multiple rounds: With a round as small as a .22 in a defensive situation there is an even greater need to fire fast, multiple rounds to increase the effectiveness of the round's wounding capacity by creating several individual wound channels quickly.
Since the gun is single action only the tiny little hammer has to be cocked in between each shot which is challenging under optimum conditions... much less under a dynamic, traumatic fight for your life.
3. Horrible defensive round/ ballistics: While the .22 is not exactly famous for incapacitating threats quickly the ballistics out of the little 1 5/8" barrels are horrible. In the tests I read in a gun mag. YEARS ago of the .22 LR vs. the .22 Mag. versions there was not much difference in the FPS mainly due to the abbreviated barrel. Also, as noted by the OP early on the rimfire cartridge is notorious for FTF's (duds), much more than centerfire rounds which are more reliable while also being larger & more expensive to make.
4. Terrible accuracy/ poor sights: Most versions have very poor sights & notoriously bad accuracy. As RamRodDoc noted they are prone to keyholing. Sure many consider it a "Get off me gun" or "contact gun" but there are better defensive options available.
5. Slow to reload... "it uhh... it umm... you can't... nevermind", just carry two if you think you may need a reload.
Is it better than nothing? Hmmm, I guess so. It's still a gun. I would want a close quarters shot into the ocular cavity (fatal T) or earhole for the best chance at stopping an attacker.
There is no doubt it is a cool very well-made gun. I wish I could like the gun more but I just can't find a defensive role other than as an ultra hide-out/ deep concealment gun that there is not a better option.
The Ruger LCP (especially the Gen. 2 version with better trigger & sights) is about as small a gun that I recommend for serious defensive use.
Even it is right at the edge of the envelope size-wise in most shooters ability to work effectively under even a little stress.
For those who won't carry a bigger gun I would encourage them to at least try using & carrying an LCP or similar sized .380.
If you just won't & will only carry the NAA then take at least take it to the range & try some drills with it & form your own opinion before placing "blind trust" that it will save you in a bad situation.
It is definitely a very neat, well-built little gun. I've seen some newer versions that have improved grips that help make it more workable or practical.
For defensive purposes though there are several issues that make it undesireable.
Years ago in an article (I believe by Ayoob if memory serves) there was a discussion of "Hideout" guns.
The NAA is frowned upon by most of the training community for a variety of reasons.
1. Terrible ergos in most versions: The guns size is so small that it is very difficult to manipulate... especially under stress.
I've had around half a dozen on my range over the past 6 years & across the board training with it was very discouraging.
The shooter dropped it more than a few times getting it out of their pocket & then trying to get a decent firing grip on it or when trying to get it cocked.
2. Slow to fire multiple rounds: With a round as small as a .22 in a defensive situation there is an even greater need to fire fast, multiple rounds to increase the effectiveness of the round's wounding capacity by creating several individual wound channels quickly.
Since the gun is single action only the tiny little hammer has to be cocked in between each shot which is challenging under optimum conditions... much less under a dynamic, traumatic fight for your life.
3. Horrible defensive round/ ballistics: While the .22 is not exactly famous for incapacitating threats quickly the ballistics out of the little 1 5/8" barrels are horrible. In the tests I read in a gun mag. YEARS ago of the .22 LR vs. the .22 Mag. versions there was not much difference in the FPS mainly due to the abbreviated barrel. Also, as noted by the OP early on the rimfire cartridge is notorious for FTF's (duds), much more than centerfire rounds which are more reliable while also being larger & more expensive to make.
4. Terrible accuracy/ poor sights: Most versions have very poor sights & notoriously bad accuracy. As RamRodDoc noted they are prone to keyholing. Sure many consider it a "Get off me gun" or "contact gun" but there are better defensive options available.
5. Slow to reload... "it uhh... it umm... you can't... nevermind", just carry two if you think you may need a reload.
Is it better than nothing? Hmmm, I guess so. It's still a gun. I would want a close quarters shot into the ocular cavity (fatal T) or earhole for the best chance at stopping an attacker.
There is no doubt it is a cool very well-made gun. I wish I could like the gun more but I just can't find a defensive role other than as an ultra hide-out/ deep concealment gun that there is not a better option.
The Ruger LCP (especially the Gen. 2 version with better trigger & sights) is about as small a gun that I recommend for serious defensive use.
Even it is right at the edge of the envelope size-wise in most shooters ability to work effectively under even a little stress.
For those who won't carry a bigger gun I would encourage them to at least try using & carrying an LCP or similar sized .380.
If you just won't & will only carry the NAA then take at least take it to the range & try some drills with it & form your own opinion before placing "blind trust" that it will save you in a bad situation.
