NAA Mini Revolvers

[spencer60]

They are great little guns, but you're right that they should hardly be someone's primary carry, especially in 22LR.

Like I mentioned above, I use mine w/ a Smart Carry holster as a backup or a backup-backup. However I will use it as a primary in a very non-permissive environment. In those situations I'd rather have 5 shots of 22 Mag than nothing at all.

I'm actually pretty impressed with the 22 mag loadings out there today. I'm using the Hornady Critical Defense load and it works pretty well from what I've seen shooting into wetpack, and on gel tests on YouTube. A bullet that small doesn't really expand much, but the penetration seems pretty decent. With the fold-down grip it's also pretty easy gun to shoot saucer-sized groups with at close range.

These definitely aren't the guns to carry if you have any other options. But having something as small and concealable as that is a great option to have if it's really needed.

Plus they do make great range toys.

 

[canoecanoe]

I have a Pug also but can't find a decent pocket holster. Who can I get to make me a holster?

Try ebay. I found a lady out of I believe Idaho that makes custom holsters for these. She made a really nice one for my Black Widow when I owned one. I am sure one of the vendors there would be happy to make you a custom one to your specifications. This one is $29.99 to give you an idea on price.

Here is an example:

 

[canoecanoe]

You have more than adequately covered the negatives. These reasons are primarily why I got rid of mine. They are still neat, well made pistols. Again, they are really somewhat of a novelty., but I still like them.

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.

 

[Redneck1919]

Have a NAA .22 mag. Carry it a lot, but not for primary. When I walk the dog I stick it in my pocket. First round is shotshell for copperheads.

 

[protective measures]

They are great little guns, but you're right that they should hardly be someone's primary carry, especially in 22LR.

Like I mentioned above, I use mine w/ a Smart Carry holster as a backup or a backup-backup. However I will use it as a primary in a very non-permissive environment. In those situations I'd rather have 5 shots of 22 Mag than nothing at all.

I'm actually pretty impressed with the 22 mag loadings out there today. I'm using the Hornady Critical Defense load and it works pretty well from what I've seen shooting into wetpack, and on gel tests on YouTube. A bullet that small doesn't really expand much, but the penetration seems pretty decent. With the fold-down grip it's also pretty easy gun to shoot saucer-sized groups with at close range.

These definitely aren't the guns to carry if you have any other options. But having something as small and concealable as that is a great option to have if it's really needed.

Plus they do make great range toys.

Also I believe Speer makes a Gold Dot that is a well designed load.
The NAA revolvers are so well built that when I see one priced low I am so tempted to get one I just don't know what I would do with it.
My favorite configuration is with that folding grip like you mention but I have recently seen a standard grip that feels really good in the hand & reduces the "fumble factor^ a lot.
For me the problem is that every time I get the itch to get one once I decide which handle setup I would go with it is about the same size as a .380 which I have never carried anyway cause I always carry my G-19 & now have a G-43 if I want to carry a backup....

 

[Rattlehead]

Like I mentioned above, I use mine w/ a Smart Carry holster as a backup or a backup-backup. However I will use it as a primary in a very non-permissive environment. In those situations I'd rather have 5 shots of 22 Mag than nothing at all.

Thats exactly how I use mine. I will carry it as a backup sometimes when I'm wearing something with small pockets that doesn't allow my G43 to seat fully. But I mostly use it for those times when I'm dressed very lightly (lightweight shorts or sweat pants) and just making a quick trip to the store. Definitely better than nothing at all IMHO.

Also I believe Speer makes a Gold Dot that is a well designed load.

Thats what I use.. The ones designed for a short barrel.

As for the grips, I agree the stock bird's head type grip makes it very difficult to control these little revolvers. First thing I do with any of mine that I plan to carry is swap out the grips. Have you guys tried the Black Widow/Mini Master grips? If not, give them a try. To me, they make these little guns very comfortable and easy to shoot. You can actually get all of your fingers firmly locked on, and it only increases the footprint of the gun by a small amount. When installed on something like a PUG, its still smaller than most small pocket autos and more comfortable IMHO.

Another grip that seems to be popular with NAA fans is the Cvangs.. I haven't tried them yet, but I do have a set on the way to me.

The sights on the PUG are actually pretty nice.

 

[protective measures]

Thats exactly how I use mine. I will carry it as a backup sometimes when I'm wearing something with small pockets that doesn't allow my G43 to seat fully. But I mostly use it for those times when I'm dressed very lightly (lightweight shorts or sweat pants) and just making a quick trip to the store. Definitely better than nothing at all IMHO.



Thats what I use.. The ones designed for a short barrel.

As for the grips, I agree the stock bird's head type grip makes it very difficult to control these little revolvers. First thing I do with any of mine that I plan to carry is swap out the grips. Have you guys tried the Black Widow/Mini Master grips? If not, give them a try. To me, they make these little guns very comfortable and easy to shoot. You can actually get all of your fingers locked on, and it only increases the footprint of the gun by a small amount. When installed on something like a PUG, its still smaller than most small pocket autos and more comfortable IMHO.

Another grip that seems to be popular with NAA fans is the Cvangs.. I haven't tried them yet, but I do have a set on the way to me.

View attachment 472434

The sights on the Pug are actually pretty nice.

Those are the grips I referred to earlier.
While they don't rectify the slow rate of fire they do aid greatly in making the gun more useable.
I was actually surprised at what a difference they make when I got to try them out.
Plus those sights are actually real sights that you can see & use.

 

[spencer60]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try the Speer loads....

 

[protective measures]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to try the Speer loads....

Like the Hornady C.D. they are designed specifically as a defensive load.
"When you care enough to send the very best...."

 

[DocHolliday]

I love em'... Perfect for close quarters to get a threat off of you