my first NAA purchse, need help

[foneman]

I'm looking to purchase a NAA mini. I thought I wanted a Ranger II. When I finally located one at a local shop I realized it's not much more concealable then my Sig P238. I'm looking for something really small so now I'm about to purchase a PUG-D
instead. Being inexperienced with the mini's I'm hoping I'm not making a mistake.
I realize the Ranger II is easier to load etc. but I'm figuring since I don't intend to shoot hundreds of round at the range with it, the Pug should be fine plus it has better sites. I intend to Load it and keep it on my person. I'm not concerned with reloading because that's ridiculous with either model in a defensive situation.
Any opinions from those experienced with these firearms would be greatly appreciated.

[grayelky]

I keep trying to talk me into a Ranger to carry, and I keep failing. The standard mini is less bulky, and for me, easier to carry in my pocket. My current EDC IS A 1 5/8 Wasp, but the new Rainbow is calling me.....

[Warthog]

OK, the Ranger III isn't hard to conceal nor is it heavy  Many have had problems with the sights but I haven't really had a lot of range time with mine,  I'v only shot if a few times but I was able to hit what I was aiming at.

Lotsa folks here love their PUG.  Personally I favor the Black Widow most to carry.

I wish you a very warm WELCOME foneman!

I am sure there will be some folks along to "tell" you what is best before too much longer.  I simply will say that they are like Ruffles or Pringles, one will never be anout for you.

[Uncle_Lee]

Welcome foneman,
What you get is up to you.
Personally I mainly carry a Pug and a Black Widow. Both with Cvang grips.

[billmeek]

foneman,

The 2 NAA pistols most recommended by forum members to carry are the Black Widow followed by the Pug.  So your choice of the Pug is a good one.  I would suggest spending a bit extra getting the NAA-PUG-T (XS Tritium Sight) for around $20 more.  I'd also go for the combo NAA-PUG-TC (XS Tritium Sight, Combo 22LR/22Mag), but they seem to be out of stock.  The combo lets you use inexpensive 22 LR for target practice and carry the 22 Mag.  Personally I shoot mostly 22 LR for practice but also shoot some 22 mags (~10%) during practice too.  You can always send the Pug to NAA at a later date and have a 22 LR cylinder timed to the pistol. 

[kpla51]

Still new to NAAs but I've been carrying a PUG the past week or two and i like it. I have a very crazy schedule and change into different uniforms a couple times a day and noticed I was leaving my glock 19 or 43 in the center console of my truck due to being unable to carry it in workout attire ext. I noticed the value of having something this small so I ordered another PUG. The pug has some decent sights and I was able to keep a couple inch group at 7 yards. I too am looking for a ranger since the size and weight is about the same. For ccw If i pop off 5 rounds I'm not sticking around to reload, Im headed for the hills so the break top isn't a deal breaker for me   Still want a ranger though.

I opted for the solid wight dot vs the tridium

[Canoeal]

Best "really small" is the Pug. Best overall for carry? The BW...JMHO...

[top dog]

Foneman,

Welcome to the forum.

As you can see,most folks suggest the PUG or Black Widow. As with all things,it is what you feel most comfortable with.

Make sure that you get one with the spare 22lr cylinder so you can practice often.

So you are looking at one??  Now.....once you get one....you will want another.

That is quite normal,especially for the folks here.  I would venture to say,most,if not all have at least five (or more).

Let us know about you choice. I am sure that you will be more than pleased.

Uncle Lee,will want photos for his coffee and will probably tell you to store the minis in a show box.

                                                                                                        Top Dog

[Warthog]

Best "really small" is the Pug. Best overall for carry? The BW...JMHO...

+1 for what Al says above.

[Bigbird48]

Still new to NAAs but I've been carrying a PUG the past week or two and i like it. I have a very crazy schedule and change into different uniforms a couple times a day and noticed I was leaving my glock 19 or 43 in the center console of my truck due to being unable to carry it in workout attire ext. I noticed the value of having something this small so I ordered another PUG. The pug has some decent sights and I was able to keep a couple inch group at 7 yards. I too am looking for a ranger since the size and weight is about the same. For ccw If i pop off 5 rounds I'm not sticking around to reload, Im headed for the hills so the break top isn't a deal breaker for me   Still want a ranger though.

I opted for the solid wight dot vs the tridium

seriously a couple inch group at 21 feet with a pug wow you must be a great shot I can't do that with my BW at 10 feet and I thought I was a pretty good shot

[RICKS PLACE]

Welcome to the forum.  Not sure what you consider most concealable, The 239 is a great gun.  I have a Ranger II, B/W, and Pug T. I consider all much more concealable than my son's Springfield 911, which is about the same size as the 239 and Sig .380.  I am a NAA fan of long standing, have owned many.  For the sake of complete concealment, I would go with the Ranger II or the B/W, and last, the Pug. Once I feel the Ranger II is dependable, it will probably become my EDC and I will retire the B'W and Pug.  For their intended purpose, I feel any of the named NAA's are a good choice. 
I hear the Sidewinder is a good choice, but as I have never owned or shot one, I can't say.

[cfsharry]

Yeah but the 1911 carries seven .380s and it is not that much bigger.

[foneman]

After a lot of deliberation I ordered the Pug.
Next mission is defensive ammo. I think I'm going to try Speer Gold Dot short barrel and Hornady Critical Defense FTX for starters.
Are there better choices on the market?

[Honky Tonk Man]

Welcome foreman!  Kudos to you for doing your homework.  I own a Sig P238 .380 as well as a Pug, and Black Widow.  The NAA offerings weigh half or less than than your loaded P238, and much easier to carry and conceal.  I prefer pocket carry for the majority of the time.  The shape of the gun is as important as the dimensions, and I find the Black Widow and Pug prints much less than my Sig.  I like pocket carry because if the hair on my neck goes up; my trusty friend is already in my hand.  Much easier to me than lifting shirts and coats.  If you pocket carry, I also recommend a good holster that keeps your gun clean and oriented for an easy draw. 

I always have a Pug or BW in my pocket when it's legal to do so.  When visiting riskier areas, ie. cities, traveling, etc. I also carry my S&W 340PD (.357) , Glock 9mm, or P238 (.380), either in my pocket or on my hip.  Clothing matters when making your choice.  I wore blue jeans all my life.  After I retired from the Army; I missed all the pockets we had on our uniforms.  I switched over to cargo/ 511 tactical type pants.  They fit looser and the pockets are roomier and more gun friendly. 

Holster recommendation?  Look at Rick's (forum member) offerings at desertgunleather.com  There are others, but those are the ones that I like best.  Keep doing your homework, and you'll make decisions that work for you.

[Ruger]

Hey . . . .  Foneman . . . WELCOME to the Forum!!

[OV-1D]

  Another WELCOME here Foneman and about your mini buy the likelihood of having to reload a belly gun in a situation just isn't there . Like a lot of us here much larger calibers are our main carries , myself nothing will do except my Kimber 45 and its still concealed in a sorta stripped down fanny pack slipped onto my belt . Good luck with your choice .

[linux_author]

welcome mr fm - i like my Sidewinder and Ranger II, and can use a speedloader with either (yes, that includes the Sidewinder, but the Ranger II is easier)

i use .22wmr for carry and .22LR for fun...

enjoy your Pug!

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

[bleak_window]

The Pug is a *** fine little weapon.  I don't shoot it as well as the Black Widow, but the Pug can be concealed in the hand.  Perfect for the 3 block walk between the theater and the car in the bad part of the city.