November, 2001

This month, I've reviewed several of the most recent posts to our bulletin board and offer some additional comments 'from the factory'.

Out of the box reliability. This is our goal, and we succeed 90% of the time. A further 9% of the time, the pistol reaches that point of reliability after about 100 rounds and a good cleaning. Dave Spaulding, in Law & Order magazine, reports that a break-in period is the rule, and not the exception, for most stainless steel pistols. Before any gun leaves the NAA factory, it is fully loaded (5 rounds minis, 6 rounds Guardians) and test fired for function ­ we do not attempt to break them in. Any pistol that even hints at a hiccup is reworked. Guns that are returned to us are reworked immediately and several magazines of different ammo are cycled through the gun before they are returned, promptly and cheerfully. There have been occasions where we have been unable to replicate alleged problems.

Stopping power/cartridge effectiveness. I've repeatedly acknowledged that our firearms are not necessarily man-stoppers. In the overall scheme of the science of ballistics, the rounds they fire are relatively small and deliver commensurately limited amounts of energy. It's my firm belief, however, that stopping power is more a function of bullet placement, than caliber. There are countless stories, several of them published, of people who have been killed with .22 bullets from NAA minis. While it won't stop a deranged person in his/her tracks, a round of snakeshot in the face is very unpleasant and incapacitating. It's further my belief, supported by countless studies, that merely brandishing a firearm will have the desired deterrent effect (even if you felt it wouldn't kill you, would you willingly be shot by a .22?). Finally, it's my suspicion that the people who bluster the most about the size of their guns are the same people who brag about their sexual exploits (and who, typically, have the least to brag about).

California markets. Depending on the locking standards and how 'certifiable' locks apply to our firearms, despite my earlier protestations, you can expect to see NAA products back in California, and probably sooner rather than later. (Those bastards!).

Magazine releases for .32 Guardians. Upon the introduction of the finger extension on .32 magazines, we found that the downward forces applied to the magazine simply by gripping the pistol would occasionally, upon firing, sufficiently jar the catch causing the magazine to release. This release was subsequently 'beefed up' and has been included in production since it became available. New/replacement releases are available free of charge from the factory upon request for anyone who still might face this problem.

Magazines for the .380. Similarly, we found in production that reliability was improved greatly by a lengthening of the lips on the .380 magazines. We effected this change as soon as it became known to us and included these new magazines on guns after BC1100. We have, and continue to offer, these as free replacements on request. It should be noted that we relied on the engineering of our design partners and could have further tested the prototype configuration of this gun until the cows came home before we had the data and experience provided by the field to make this change. We feel we've been both very honest and forthcoming about the process, as well as apologetic and responsive to those early customers. We continue to enthusiastically support, free of charge, any product ever manufactured by NAA.

Aguila test ammo. We expect to receive samples of several types of this specialty ammunition and will post the results as soon as they become available.

.32 H&R mini. As we mentioned earlier, we have heard - and responded to ­ your interest in such a product. We engaged an engineer to design this product and thereafter built a firing prototype. Despite your expectations (and ours), it was not an attractive extension to our product line (it was very heavy and ungainly) and we elected not to pursue it any further.

Company stock. Your interest is flattering, thank you. NAA is privately held (wholly owned by myself). This company sports a well-recognized and respected brand, built by skilled workers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Notwithstanding, the company competes in an ever-softening market and faces extraordinary insurance and legal expenses, as well as generally hostile public policy. As a financial investment, it's not one I would recommend.

Sandy

Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) checks out the latest edition of the North American Arms catalog. He mentioned that he regularly carries two of the firm's firearm products after receiving death threats several years ago. ASSC's 1996 Congressional Leader of the Year Award was presented to Sen. Hatch "in appreciation of his leadership and commitment in defense of our heritage, our industry and our life"


Photo & caption by Robert M. Hausman - used with permission.