New and over whelmed

[Deereagle]

I never knew that so many NAA models were out there.
Now to figure out what one first.
Like 22LR and 22Mag combos

[franco22]

Welcome Deereagle. I think you'll be happy no matter what mini you choose. my personal preference is the Sidewinder.

[Canoeal]

Best of the best. The Black Widow.

[billmeek]

Welcome to the NAA 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 concealability and better sights.  In either case, I do recommend the combo with both 22 LR and Mag cylinders.  Remember that you can always put any magnum grips on the Pug frame if you don't like what it comes with from the factory.

[Bigbird48]

Welcome I have 7 mini's and the Black Widow is my Favorite and carried every day

[smokeless joe]

Welcome deereagle. As stated above the Pug or Black Widow are great choices. I find the Pug is easier to carry but the Black Widow is more accurate. Also in a combo I think the Black Widow will be easier to find. With my Pug I had to send it back to the factory to get fitted with a lr cylinder.

[Uncle_Lee]

Welcome deereagle,
I think the Black Widow (or any mini) combo would be a good place to start. To see just what the minis are like.
For carry I use the Pug and Black Widow.

[Honky Tonk Man]

Welcome aboard Deereagle!  One thing to remember is there are basically 2 sizes of frames.  The smaller frames are for LR (or .22 short) only.  The frames are easier to conceal, but the grips are quite a bit smaller.  They're easier to conceal, but harder to shoot, especially for large hands. The magnum size frames have larger grips, aiding accuracy and power, but slightly harder to conceal.  They will fire .22lr or .22 magnums with an extra cylinder.

I agree with the previous comments.  Black Widow is a good compromise.  I wear 2XL gloves and find the standard BW grips perfect.  It's easiest to hold and shoot, but small enough to fit in my pockets.  The Pug is even easier to conceal, but the grip is smaller, and has a shorter sight radius.  Personally I find any of the models with rubber grips easier to shoot.  The slick wood grips look nice but are harder to hang unto with larger hands. 

All you have to do is figure out what's important to you, and go for it.  You really can't go wrong.  They're all nice.

[ikoiko]

There's another thing to consider if you want night sights. Some time in the "near" future, the BW will be awailable with them, currently the pug is available with them.

Sidewinder doesn't require cylinder removal to reload, no parts to drop.

And yes, I think getting the conversion cylinders at the outset is a good idea (mag and LR cylinders on a magnum framed mini) .

My 1/2¢

[top dog]

DEEREAGLE,
First,welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   As you can see,there is a lot of good advise for you here. A great bunch of folks more than willing to help you out.


No matter which mini you choose,it will be a good one but you will find out that they tend to "multiply" and before long you will have yet another,then another.

Watch out for Uncle Lee though.................he will tell you to store them in shoe boxes and take photographs!!  (that tends to make the "multiply").

                                                                                                                   Top Dog

[OV-1D]

  "WELCOME AGAIN"  DeerEagle may your choice be the best . The first mini will always be the mother of all the rest , like Lay's potato chips you can't have just one (but the whole bag) . All NAA accessories are the dips and relishes . Great way to start the New Year .

[Boisesteve]

Howdy Deereagle, welcome to NAA.
All the above is worthy info, and I'll throw in mine. I've got four North Americans, the first a small frame 22LR acquired in the 1980's when they came out with the safety cylinder. I've carried a NAA, every day, since then. My favorite for carry and practice is the simplest, a 1 5/8" barrel magnum convertible. The slightly longer barrel doesn't hinder my pocket carry but it gets me more velocity. The simple blade sight doesn't bother me: I practice a fast 'flash sight picture' down the top flat surface of the revolver after draw, with the sight blade covering the target, and fire.  Not pinpoint accurate, but that's not what need at the short distances I practice. Also, unlike many here, I like the little pushbutton cylinder pin in the least expensive model.  I find it easiest to manipulate with my stubby fingers. And the small original grip doesn't bother me, because it's in the drawer after it was easily swapped out for the oversize Black Widow grip that lives on the gun. For carry while hiking in the foothills, I have a 4" Earl in 22mag, also with the oversize grips.
The important take-home here, I think, is what you've already noted: NAA makes enough models to cover whatever your priority in small gun turns out to be. And as others have said, you likely won't stop with only one (I think I'm on the low end, only owning four).
Be well, Steve in Boise

[boots]

As said before my 1st and favorite is the Black Widow. It goes with me every day and i like the extra barrel length. Some of my grand children are also carrying a BW plus their wife's. It is a good place to start, but there again there is no bad place. Just get one to start to journey.

[RangerJim]

Welcome, Deereagle!


I agree that the Pug or Black Widow should be your first choice—but definitely go with the conversion cylinder so you have both 22LR and 22WMR.  Once you shoot them, you will definitely go back for seconds ... thirds ... elevensies ...  Good luck with your future addiction.  No judgement here ...  You're among friends.   

[RogueTS1]

Welcome to the Asylum, I mean forum. I say take the Pug.

[top dog]

DeerEagle,
By now you are probably wondering what have you gotten yourself into!!!!!!!!!!!

This "self help group"  will direct you how to "help yourself" to yet another mini.....and another!!!

Let us know which you have selected and I am sure we will all tell you what a great choice you made!!!

                                                                                          Top Dog

[Dinadan]

Welcome, Deereagle. I agree with those who suggest a Black Widow with both cylinders for a first NAA. The Black Widow is easier for someone new to NAA to shoot accurately than is the Pug or the Magnum Mini, at least in my experience. If you do not like the Black Widow grips you can easily change to different grips.


In a way it does not matter what you choose - you will like any NAA Mini!

[Mr.Mini]

You definitely can't make a wrong choice. Like the majority, I agree going with the Black Widow or Pug. But if you're looking for a more budget friendly option then the standard frame magnum is the way to go.

Welcome aboard!

[Warthog]

Welcome Deereagle!!

Personal favorite is the Black Widow, seen below.  A convertible one is also a good deal.

Then, when you get it and need a holster for it, ask Rick here on the forum, Rick Jorgenson. send him a PM when you are over 15 posts or send him and email, rick-at-desertgunleather-dot-com (also seen below)

[Uncle Fatso]

I bought several before acquiring my Black Widder. It's the only one I carry, now.

[Texduk3]

Deereagle, welcome to the world of  naa revolvers.
great info here from the members,
I started with the 1 5/8 with 2 cylinders mag/LR
then went to the Black Widow  with 2 cylinders  mag/LR
I shoot either, when at the range, but carry the 1 5/8 everyday w mag ammo.
its just a very good habit

[bleak_window]

Black Widow with both cylinders. 

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Welcome to the Forum!

One of every model   

Ok...... 

My Recommended First NAA Revolver.....

Black Widow or "Magnum" 1 1/8" or 1 5/8" Barrel

Get both Cylinders (Long Rifle & Magnum)

2nd.....

Pug

All are great guns.  There will be more.   Just warning you! lol!! 

[KEN AR]

My first was a 1 5/8 Magnum model.  Second just 2 weeks latter was a Black Widow.  My son in Law now has the 1 5/8 for daily carry.  We both are surprised that now that we have the NAA's how much the other guns are left at home.  22 Mag may not be the best for EDC but it is with you EVERY DAY!  Good habit I say.

I'd agree, Black Widow first, Pug second, Mini Master third...

Then you need to decide belt carry or pocket! Here is the page to help make that decision. 

https://www.desertgunleather.com/shop/?category=North+American+Arms

[Uncle_Lee]

Thanks Ken,
I had never seen that page.

[Bernie707]

I never knew that so many NAA models were out there.
Now to figure out what one first.
Like 22LR and 22Mag combos

Deereagle, did you get any help here to help you decide if you want to buy one, and if so which model? I see you've only made the one post. All the cryptic codes you have to type in as a new member can be frustrating - I couldn't even decipher them at first, but it would be good to hear from you again.

[Kimber1911]

         WELCOME DeerEagle,  the PUG-T is the way
to go. It comes with Night Sights. Remember, it
didn't happen unless you have Pictures...lots of
pictures. Again, WELCOME TO MINIS ARE US.

     TTFN.     R

[lefty dude]

Wasp; dual cylinder is my choice & EDC. Front sight is low profile, and quite accurate for both the 22LR & 22Mag.
For EDC I use Gold Dots.

[Biff]

I've carried the Sidewinder daily for a couple of years and since Xmas, the Ranger.  Am loving the Ranger. 

I've had a four inch Earl and think the three inch might carry as the four was only barely noticeable in the front pocket of a pair of jeans.  Gave the 4" to my brother.   Still have a 4" in Black powder.

I've also got the 1 5/8 LR.  It goes places the other won't, like in jogging shorts, etc.

You can't go wrong.  Decide on the caliber you want, then the size, cylinder release, sights, and grips.  You even have a few finish and speciality options in some models. 

Enjoy the hunt.

[holiday009]

Welcome aboard,


Your going to eventually own several different ones, so I'd start with the basic .22lr and go from there.

[blue_heron]

Get the Pug combo.

[pietro]

.

A "one & done" OP ? ?


.

[Dinadan]

A "one & done" OP ? ?

It does look that way. I wonder what percentage of forum members have made only one post? Maybe at some point Deereagle will be back to show off his new Mini.

[Uncle_Lee]

6.3% have made only one post.
Where as.
73.5% have made zero posts.

[smokeless joe]

And 1% have made over 10,000 posts 😉