So I am a sucker for 'deals'...

[Njanear]

Years ago I traded into my first NAA (a .22LR 1-5/8) and it has been a constant companion whenever venturing into the woods (never had to shoot anything with it yet).  Always wishing that I had gotten a .22WMR to go with one of my small game rifles, I lucked into an online deal a few weeks back for a new .22WMR 1-5/8 ($143).  Flash forward to a few days ago - I discovered a BW on sale for $220 shipped, so I jumped on it.  True, it is only a .22LR and has the adjustable sights, but I figured I could always send it back in for a new .22WMR cylinder if I decide I need another WMR.  Thanks to finding this forum and reading about all of these neat minis, I am now searching for a great deal on a Earl (still undecided on 3" vs 4").  Fortunately I haven't been bit by the Sidewinder or Ranger bug yet - while neat, they just haven't won me over... YET.

Now for a question or two:

*  Is the WMR cylinder the same for all NAA frames?  For example, would the Mini WMR cylinder fit in the BW frame?  <my BW has not arrived at the FFL yet so I figured I would just ask on here first>  If not, am I correct to assume that if I do get an Earl, its cylinder would be the same size as the BW?   NOTE: I do realize that it is always recommended to have them tested (and possibly fitted) before firing - just asking the question right now.
*  How big of a difference is there in the height of the Adjustable sights vs fixed in regards to the BW?  I notice some sites mention the difference for their holsters - but not all of them.  I just don't want to order a holster to find out the front sight is going to rip it apart.
*  In case I decide I don't care for the A/S on the BW, can they simply be replaced with F/S or are the sight cuts so different that I am stuck with them?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.



   

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Years ago I traded into my first NAA (a .22LR 1-5/8) and it has been a constant companion whenever venturing into the woods (never had to shoot anything with it yet).  Always wishing that I had gotten a .22WMR to go with one of my small game rifles, I lucked into an online deal a few weeks back for a new .22WMR 1-5/8 ($143).  Flash forward to a few days ago - I discovered a BW on sale for $220 shipped, so I jumped on it.  True, it is only a .22LR and has the adjustable sights, but I figured I could always send it back in for a new .22WMR cylinder if I decide I need another WMR.  Thanks to finding this forum and reading about all of these neat minis, I am now searching for a great deal on a Earl (still undecided on 3" vs 4").  Fortunately I haven't been bit by the Sidewinder or Ranger bug yet - while neat, they just haven't won me over... YET.

Now for a question or two:

*  Is the WMR cylinder the same for all NAA frames?  For example, would the Mini WMR cylinder fit in the BW frame?  <my BW has not arrived at the FFL yet so I figured I would just ask on here first>  If not, am I correct to assume that if I do get an Earl, its cylinder would be the same size as the BW?   NOTE: I do realize that it is always recommended to have them tested (and possibly fitted) before firing - just asking the question right now.
*  How big of a difference is there in the height of the Adjustable sights vs fixed in regards to the BW?  I notice some sites mention the difference for their holsters - but not all of them.  I just don't want to order a holster to find out the front sight is going to rip it apart.
*  In case I decide I don't care for the A/S on the BW, can they simply be replaced with F/S or are the sight cuts so different that I am stuck with them?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hi !! Welcome to the Forum!

It's always great to find deals, especially on guns 

I'll take a shot with your questions. If anyone has different advice feel free to chime in.

#1. Yes, The Cylinders for Magnum Frame NAA Guns are the same size & dimensions BUT..... Should not be interchanged. The cylinders are "timed" to each particular gun so what lines up in the Black widow may not line up with the Earl.  I have read of owners swapping cylinders with a couple guns so it has been done but I think its best for myself and my guns to follow the advice from NAA.  (I am not a gunsmith nor do I play one on TV) 
My advice....Do your own due diligence on this before moving forward.

#2. The adjustable front sight is 8mm tall and the "Fixed" is 6mm tall.  That is a huge difference in a holster.  The Rear Sight moves forward and backwards, I don't remember the maximum height but a holster should be made to accommodate them if you have them or it will shred leather inside (if it will go in the holster at all. Let the Holster Maker know you have adjustable sights.

#3. Great News! You can go back to the fixed sights!  I swap them back and forth on the Black Widow Dummy Gun I use to make Holsters at least once a week.

Hope this helps.  Be sure to post photos once you get your gun!  We have seen 100's of them but we have never seen yours!

[Njanear]

Years ago I traded into my first NAA (a .22LR 1-5/8) and it has been a constant companion whenever venturing into the woods (never had to shoot anything with it yet).  Always wishing that I had gotten a .22WMR to go with one of my small game rifles, I lucked into an online deal a few weeks back for a new .22WMR 1-5/8 ($143).  Flash forward to a few days ago - I discovered a BW on sale for $220 shipped, so I jumped on it.  True, it is only a .22LR and has the adjustable sights, but I figured I could always send it back in for a new .22WMR cylinder if I decide I need another WMR.  Thanks to finding this forum and reading about all of these neat minis, I am now searching for a great deal on a Earl (still undecided on 3" vs 4").  Fortunately I haven't been bit by the Sidewinder or Ranger bug yet - while neat, they just haven't won me over... YET.

Now for a question or two:

*  Is the WMR cylinder the same for all NAA frames?  For example, would the Mini WMR cylinder fit in the BW frame?  <my BW has not arrived at the FFL yet so I figured I would just ask on here first>  If not, am I correct to assume that if I do get an Earl, its cylinder would be the same size as the BW?   NOTE: I do realize that it is always recommended to have them tested (and possibly fitted) before firing - just asking the question right now.
*  How big of a difference is there in the height of the Adjustable sights vs fixed in regards to the BW?  I notice some sites mention the difference for their holsters - but not all of them.  I just don't want to order a holster to find out the front sight is going to rip it apart.
*  In case I decide I don't care for the A/S on the BW, can they simply be replaced with F/S or are the sight cuts so different that I am stuck with them?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hi !! Welcome to the Forum!

It's always great to find deals, especially on guns 

I'll take a shot with your questions. If anyone has different advice feel free to chime in.

#1. Yes, The Cylinders for Magnum Frame NAA Guns are the same size & dimensions BUT..... Should not be interchanged. The cylinders are "timed" to each particular gun so what lines up in the Black widow may not line up with the Earl.  I have read of owners swapping cylinders with a couple guns so it has been done but I think its best for myself and my guns to follow the advice from NAA.  (I am not a gunsmith nor do I play one on TV) 
My advice....Do your own due diligence on this before moving forward.

#2. The adjustable front sight is 8mm tall and the "Fixed" is 6mm tall.  That is a huge difference in a holster.  The Rear Sight moves forward and backwards, I don't remember the maximum height but a holster should be made to accommodate them if you have them or it will shred leather inside (if it will go in the holster at all. Let the Holster Maker know you have adjustable sights.

#3. Great News! You can go back to the fixed sights!  I swap them back and forth on the Black Widow Dummy Gun I use to make Holsters at least once a week.

Hope this helps.  Be sure to post photos once you get your gun!  We have seen 100's of them but we have never seen yours!

Rick:

Thank you very much for the welcome and the feedback.  I will probably just keep the BW in .22LR since I have a ton of that - I can satisfy my next .22WMR itch with an Earl or something.   I do appreciate the feedback on its sights too.

PS:  love your site.  One day I will have to get a quality holster for one of these minis and now I know where to go.

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Glad to help Njanear!

I have a 4" Earl and rarely carry it. (I guess I should find a holster for it!)  Seriously, I have not stopped to make holster for that gun.

I need to..... just do it!

I have a 3" Earl "Dummy Gun" that I really have taken a liking to. I don't know why but I think it looks a little "cooler" lol!! 

Anyway, I vote for the 3" Earl as your next gun! Hope that helps your decision! lol!!

[top dog]

NJ,
Welcome to the forum.

And yes,you are right. Best to send the piece to NAA so they can properly fit a Magnum cylinder to your gun.

As you can see,lots of nice folks on this forum here,willing to help.

                                                                   Top Dog