New Member Intro/question

[jdiddy]

Hey y'all. This is my first post here so please forgive me if it breaks any of the rules. I wanted to join this forum because after firing a friend's NAA, I have quite an itch to pick one up for myself. Before I get into that though, let me introduce myself. I have been into guns and knives my whole life and have a particular attraction to revolvers. I do not have all that many, just what I feel that I need. If I had all the money in the world, i would probably have a collection. I am a big supporter of the right to keep and bear arms, as i am sure many of the members here are. My additional political views are probably irrelevant for this forum, but fall in the realm of libertarian-conservative. I am an occasional hunter and fish quite a lot. I enjoy golf and being outdoors in general. I work somewhere in the realm of finance.

Anyways, I am excited to purchase my first NAA revolver as a back-up to my J frame or other carry pieces. I am torn between options however. I wanted the 22lr at first for it's compactness (and the fact that it would easily fit in a 5th pocket), but after reading up on the power differences in these guns I have decided to go with a 22WMR/LR combo. I am torn between the 1 1/8 and 1 5/8 barrels. Is there a big enough difference in sight radius to justify the extra length? will the 1 5/8 still conceal in a fist? I would love a sidewinder but cannot really justify the extra 100 dollars just for the swing out cylinder, especially since money is a little tight. Any recommendations from y'all? Thanks for having me.

[billmeek]

Welcome to the forum.

I think you will find that the most common suggestion for a first NAA will be the Black Widow followed by the Pug for it's compactness.  In either case, getting the combo with both the 22LR and 22 Mag cylinders is highly recommended.  Most carry the 22 Mag and use the 22 LR for inexpensive practice. 

[smokeless joe]

Welcome jdiddy. I lean towards the Pug but do carry the Black Widow from time to time just to change things up.

[bleak_window]

jdiddy, the sights on the standard Minis are fairly crude compared to the sights on the Pug or Black Widow.  I'm not sure how much difference the extra 1/2" of barrel makes on the 1-5/8" compared to the 1-1/8" Mini.  Maybe someone who has both models can weigh in.

My pudgy fingers could not easily hold or shoot the smallest Minis, so I went for the Black Widow and absolutely love it.  The larger grips fits my hand very well and the sights are very useful.

[jdiddy]

Thanks for the input so far! I did a little research as I waited for my post to be approved by a moderator. It seems that the bead sight on the wasp may make for a more usable sight (as well as the sights on the PUG or black widow). I just prefer the classic look with wooden furniture over the more tactical look of the PUG or the wasp. The Black Widow looks like a neat gun, but seems to be a little large and snag-prone compared to the other options. Also, I realize that in a self defense scenario the sights on these little things are not going to be that important. I just want to be able to enjoy some plinking with them and would like to make the best out of it. Also, the sights could come in handy when taking care of a copperhead or rattlesnake. There are plenty of those around here in the summer.

[Canoeal]

First of all welcome. No wrong  questions except the one you don't ask. I too did a lot of research when I bought mine and ended up with a Black Widow in 22 mag. I too looked at velocity and size, and the ability to control the gun (grip). I have come to the conclusion that 1. for me I made the right choice, 2. the grip doesn't matter as much, as they can, and probably will change. I use larger ones. 3.Velocity is another matter...get the longest barrel you are comfortable carrying.
Each 1/2" in semms to change velocity around 200fps  from 1-2" and from 2-4" each inch seems to do about the same. That is what my research compilation showed. I have not seen anyone on this forum post expansion tests with gallons of water, but I did do them for my 2" BW 22 mag. Both the handgun rounds (Speer Gold Dots and Hornady CD) expanded out of my Black Widow, so I did not bother doing the same tests out of my 4" Charter Arms Pathfinder...I have read reports that none of them expand out of the 1" barrel.
This is what I found and my opinion only...YMMV...
Tested rounds shown below...Gold Dot first.
I found this article helpful...https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/6/8/the-22-magnum-for-self-defense

[Warthog]

Welcome jdiddy!!!!

Well, I personally lean towards the Black Widow.  I also like to put some better grips on it too.

[top dog]

Jdiddy,

Welcome to the forum!!!

I have said this many times before,more than likely you soon will be owning more than one Mini. They do multiply...pretty rapidly.

No matter which mini you choose,it will be a good one. They are like little Swiss watches.

Let us know which one(s) you choose and let us know about a range session.

                                                                                                               Top Dog

[Honky Tonk Man]

Jdiddy, I guess my opinions mirror most of the views above.  If concealability is the most important issue for you, then I'd go with the Pug Combo, if you can live with the larger grips and the 2" bbl; the Black Widow is the way to go.  It is still a very small and pocketable weapon.  Both of those choices have more robust cylinder pin retention, and better sights.  I have a 1 1/8" LR model, and I like it as well, but have to admit; it is hard to shoot well with my X-L paws. 

Picking your first is a very personal choice.  You're on the right track asking for opinions and advice, but the best way is to actually see them in person.  I realize that's not always easy.  Good luck and welcome aboard!

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Welcome Jdiddy!

I lean towards owning them all!    OK, I know that's not feasible for most of us.

My 1 5/8" magnum rarely sees the outside world, not sure why, but I prefer to carry my Black Widow and Pug the most.

With that said, I still am looking for a 1 1/8" magnum!  (I have an illness, its these guns)   

You may get it to after owning one, especially if you hang out here on the Forum.  I speak for myself but I think others will admit....

We are Enablers   

To get money to buy these guns you will read or hear things like....  "Sure, sell your lawn mower to buy that new NAA" and "You don't need a retirement fund, buy that third Black Widow" or my favorite "You don't need a house, you have a Pick Up to sleep in, buy both "Bug Out" models, you know, they will only make so many of them"

Well.... thats what goes on in my head! lol!! 

As you're shopping, go to some gun shops. Ask about the NAA's.   The reactions are interesting.  You will get everything from "We don't stock toy guns" to "I wish we had some" or "we only stock these 2 models". Maybe even a "Whats that?" 

No one seems to stock a wide range of them to give people a chance really get a feel for what they might like.  Post your results of gun store shopping. I'm always interested in how the retail stores handle NAA's and the selling of them.

Again, Welcome!  Get through the first 15 posts and it is smooth sailing (its much easier after those to post) just go in threads with photos and comment "looks good" or "nice gun"  you won't get flamed, everyone here knows your getting your "count" up to 15.

[jdiddy]

I posted 15 times yesterday, now I'm free! 

[OV-1D]

  Another BIG welcome to you also and if money is tight I would go with any standard magnum model with the optional l.r. cylinder . They are cheap enough and shot just as well as any fancier models . Be sure to get a pair of boot grips to see how you like those , you can always use them on any other mag. model down the line . Barrel length is your own preference but longer is better for the magnum I figure .

[Warthog]

Congratulations jdiddy  Now remember, we love pictures of stuff.  So post up and post pix!

[jdiddy]

Thanks everyone! I am getting ready to make my decision. I was holding out for cyber Monday but there do not seem to be any sales. So far, gunsmidwest seems to have the best prices. Anyone recommend somewhere else to look?

[RogueTS1]

Hey y'all. This is my first post here so please forgive me if it breaks any of the rules.

Rules? What rules? No worry on that subject around here; at least not very much. LOL 

My additional political views are probably irrelevant for this forum

Not likely ..................... go check out the Politics and Religion section for that one. It probably sees the most action around here most of the time.

Welcome to the forum. Glad to see another addict showing up to the meetings. 

[Uncle Fatso]

Check Bud's Guns online

[billmeek]

Thanks everyone! I am getting ready to make my decision. I was holding out for cyber Monday but there do not seem to be any sales. So far, gunsmidwest seems to have the best prices. Anyone recommend somewhere else to look?

It depends on the model of NAA you want.  Have you made a decision yet?

I've seen few deals on the NAAs for Black Friday and the one really good deal sold out fast.  Here's one you might not have seen:

https://www.gunsmidwest.com/22lr-22mag-minirvlvr-wlntcase-hipo-5rd.html

It's the 22LR/22Mag combo of the 1 & 5/8ths with a walnut case.

[jdiddy]

Thanks everyone! I am getting ready to make my decision. I was holding out for cyber Monday but there do not seem to be any sales. So far, gunsmidwest seems to have the best prices. Anyone recommend somewhere else to look?

It depends on the model of NAA you want.  Have you made a decision yet?

I've seen few deals on the NAAs for Black Friday and the one really good deal sold out fast.  Here's one you might not have seen:

https://www.gunsmidwest.com/22lr-22mag-minirvlvr-wlntcase-hipo-5rd.html

It's the 22LR/22Mag combo of the 1 & 5/8ths with a walnut case.

Do you know if the walnut case is in leiu of the steel box? Or it comes with both? Also, is NAA’s Matte finish bead blasted? i have a hard time with bead blast finishes and sweat. Thanks!

[billmeek]

I don't know if it includes both the walnut and the locking safe boxes.  Looking at the UPC online, none of the listings that I looked at specify.  The only thing is I saw one site (https://www.wholesalehunter.com/Product/Details/11141606) that showed both in their images.

[Doc Holliday]

Hi jdiddy,
Welcome to the forum! I like the Black Widow, but have the Boot Grips on mine as they just look better to me. I also like my Ranger II with same grip setup.  My latest and favorite is the Color Case Hardened Mini with Engraved Boot Grips.
Whatever Mini you choose, you just cannot go wrong! They are quality firearms and little works of art!
Cheers,
Doc Holliday

[jdiddy]

I am leaning towards the 1 5/8 barrel standard combo mini because it has the best price and the longer barrel theoretically gets more out of the round. I am still worried about one thing that is keeping me from pulling the trigger. Does the longer barrel make this gun impossible to palm? It looks much bigger in pictures. I would like to be able to palm it in a dark parking lot or similar places. That and hopeful 5th pocket carry was why I was leaning towards the 1 1/8 barrel before.

[riadat]

I have owned lots of naa minis.  Either of the standards sized naas can be palmed.  Magnum frame is bigger than 22 lr. 

I don't think it is an issue until you get black widow or bigger.

I do not think the long rifle only naa is bad.  The 22 LR with boot grip is very palmable

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/18878/North+American+Arms+5+Round+22+Long+Rifle+w%2F1+1%2F8+Barrel+%26

Not plugging buds but they carry it.  This with 36 grain cci mini mags should penetrate decently and give you a very palmable weapon with a decent improvement over the tiny basic lr grip.

That plus you dont have to buy magnum ammo-- and can feed this one with 22 ammo available wherever. 

[Uncle Fatso]

Here's my BW in my hand. I wear a size XL glove.
I don't know if you'd call it palmable or not. I carry in a pocket holster, if I'm in a skeevy area I stick my hand in my pocket so I can pull the gun quickly if needed.

[jdiddy]

Here’s my BW in my hand.

Thanks!

[billmeek]

Here's my Pug for comparison.  I wear an XL glove for length, but have a narrow hand and fingers.

[jdiddy]

Here's my Pug for comparison.  I wear an XL glove for length, but have a narrow hand and fingers.

Thanks! Do you ever run into keyholing issues with the 1” barrel? Beautiful grips by the way.

[billmeek]

With a couple of hundred rounds (just over 4 boxes) of Speer Gold Dot - Short Barrel through the Pug , I haven't noted a single keyhole yet.  I've not paid as close of attention to the 22LR rounds as I have the carry ammo. 

[billmeek]

Beautiful grips by the way.

Thanks.  Better pictures in this post:

http://naaminis.com/smf/index.php?topic=17306.msg165661#msg165661

[smokeless joe]

Not likely ..................... go check out the Politics and Religion section for that one. It probably sees the most action around here most of the time.

That's the one section I stay away from 

[Rick_Jorgenson]

I posted 15 times yesterday, now I'm free! 

It's a great feeling! 

[Uncle_Lee]

Welcome jdiddy,
I suggest that you buy them in pairs.
That way one don't get lonely.
When it comes to which one to get, that is totally up to you.
I carry two Black Widows and a Pug.
I feel protected.

[Rick_Jorgenson]

I am leaning towards the 1 5/8 barrel standard combo mini because it has the best price and the longer barrel theoretically gets more out of the round. I am still worried about one thing that is keeping me from pulling the trigger. Does the longer barrel make this gun impossible to palm? It looks much bigger in pictures. I would like to be able to palm it in a dark parking lot or similar places. That and hopeful 5th pocket carry was why I was leaning towards the 1 1/8 barrel before.

Either barrel length Magnum is a great NAA  "starter" gun. And, getting both cylinders is always a good idea. 

I have several here at the shop in both barrel lengths (Dummy Guns),  sometimes I have to do a "double take" to grab the right gun to use to mold a Holster.  They are so close to the same size you don't immediately notice the 1/2" difference, visually. (imho, I'm no expert, I only play one in my shop!) lol!!

Lr cylinder to practice and magnum for self defense.

I'm looking for the "Smoking Deal" for a Magnum 1 1/8" Bbl Combo.... No such luck yet    

Although, there is a  posting with an article showing one manufacturer lr ammo excelling for self defense.  I can't find it right now but, an interesting study.

Maybe Bill Meek has it handy?

[OV-1D]

  Those are some sweet looking grips Billmeek .

[Uncle Fatso]

I am leaning towards the 1 5/8 barrel standard combo mini because it has the best price and the longer barrel theoretically gets more out of the round. I am still worried about one thing that is keeping me from pulling the trigger. Does the longer barrel make this gun impossible to palm? It looks much bigger in pictures. I would like to be able to palm it in a dark parking lot or similar places. That and hopeful 5th pocket carry was why I was leaning towards the 1 1/8 barrel before.

Either barrel length Magnum is a great NAA  "starter" gun. And, getting both cylinders is always a good idea. 

I have several here at the shop in both barrel lengths (Dummy Guns),  sometimes I have to do a "double take" to grab the right gun to use to mold a Holster.  They are so close to the same size you don't immediately notice the 1/2" difference, visually. (imho, I'm no expert, I only play one in my shop!) lol!!

Lr cylinder to practice and magnum for self defense.

I'm looking for the "Smoking Deal" for a Magnum 1 1/8" Bbl Combo.... No such luck yet    

Although, there is a  posting with an article showing one manufacturer lr ammo excelling for self defense.  I can't find it right now but, an interesting study.

Maybe Bill Meek has it handy?

Think you may be thinking of CCI Mini Mag .22 hp.  Specifically the "swamp people" 300 round package, if memory serves.

[pennsy]

Welcome jdiddy,
I suggest that you buy them in pairs.
That way one don't get lonely.
When it comes to which one to get, that is totally up to you.
I carry two Black Widows and a Pug.
I feel protected.

All three at once or in rotation?