Why did you purchase your naa?

[Jimbobcc]

Just curious what everyone's deciding factor was for getting their first naa.

My first ccw was the ruger lcp in .380. I sold it after fully accepting that I just don't shoot it well. Jams were very frequent. Also it never felt right in my pocket. Hard to explain, but it was slightly too big for me in my pocket. I even thought of purchasing it again and "manning up" after the ruger lcp2 came out. Nope didn't do.

Purchased a glock 43 for hip carry and its perfect for me on my hip most of the time. I love it. I shoot great with it and carry it well. But. . .

There are times when the company around me may freak out it they knew I was carrying, seen the bulge, or if by accident my shirt came up to high.
Also sometimes in dress clothes, going for a jog, business establishments with non legal no carry signs.

So as I was walking out of my local gun range one day, after renting the lcp to remind myself why I don't like it. There they were. 2 naas right beside the door. I thought well those are a gimmick. 2 days later seen this forum. 2 days after, I order the black widow.

Haven't even took it to the range yet. Soon with pics for everyone

[smokeless joe]

I purchased my first mini because of the craftsmanship. Like a fine watch. I bought my second one to keep the first one company 

[barrytheprof]

I had a Taurus TCP for pocket carry, but arthritis made it difficult to rack the slide. I also didn't like keeping a round in the chamber. Then it started failing to feed.

So I dumped it and got a Ruger LCR 38. From the pictures online it looked like I could pocket carry it. I found it barely fit in my pocket and was a pain in the neck to carry. It was also annoying to shoot. I didn't like the grip, or the recoil. So I dumped that too.

I kept looking for small revolvers online, and came up with the NAA mini mag 1 1/8. I really like that little fella. Fit easily in my pocket, so's I can almost forget I"m carrying it.

Then I found out that the two inch barrel of the Black Widow added about 50% to the speed and energy of the bullets, so I got one. The improved sights alone made it a good purchase. I also fits well in a pocket, although nothing seems to beat the smaller one.

I'm really happy with the two NAAs for concealed carry. It was a great find.

I've since gotten a Taurus M380 revolver for a bit more power. It also fits in a pocket, but you know it's there.

And I have a Taurus Judge 45/410 revolver for when things get serious.

But the NAAs are the core of my system. There's something about the quality and simplicity of the NAAs that I find really attractive.

And all the semi-auto pistols are gone.

I have a magazine fed 22LR rifle, and a folding Chiappa Little Badger that I consider a cousin of the NAAs because it's so small and easy to carry. If I get another rifle I think it would be the Rossi Circuit Judge. I've definitely become a revolver kinda person.

[zorba]

Saw the .22s and it was just too cute not to have one! I think its the very best looking model in the entire lineup - the proportions are just "right".

[heyjoe]

There was a group buy at work for NAA 32ACP Guardians when they first came out. Quite a few of the people i worked with had a Seecamp, but they were very hard to get at the time. I didnt get a mini revolver for another 8 years.

[Canoeal]

Wanted something to carry that was not obvious I was. My BW fit that bill. It was always meant to be a pocket carry. I felt my first gun (Grandads H&R in 38 S&W) was too big to feel comfortable carrying it. It was a 16 oz gun (weighed by me)

[KEN AR]

A very bad influence on me kept showing me these little guns he had started making holsters for.  Yep kept showing me new styles of holsters for these cute little guns and he kept getting new ones.

One day I saw one on Gun Broker and threw out the starting and winning bid...That was the first.

Now I hope someone goes to Gunbroker and bids on a Mini Master over there that is very cheap and has no traffic on it. 
I do not need another one at this time... Paid 600 for a root canal today. Ouch in more than one way...

Ken AZ

[smokeless joe]

Another reason I purchased an NAA. I wanted to do this 

[Uncle_Lee]

Because they were so little & tiny & cute...

[OV-1D]

  I'm with Unc_Lee besides you can have one heck of a collection when its in miniature and you don't have to buy that many more show boxes , right Unc .

[Uncle_Lee]

  I'm with Unc_Lee besides you can have one heck of a collection when its in miniature and you don't have to buy that many more show boxes , right Unc .

Right.
Shoe boxes don't take up that much space.
Think how much space 50 Dirty Harry Smith & Wessons  would take up........

[Canoeal]

I have no use for the MM although it looks to be a good gun. My next will be one of 3: The BOII, The Ellett Bros 15/8 in magnum with trit sights, or another BW. Unless I find a used one cheap...

[bearcatter]

I don't have a mini, but you did say "naa". After trying to make a snub SP101 work for carry, I decided to go as small as possible on an EDC. Research led me to the Guardians, then to the .32 model. Super small center fire semi-auto, less than a pound loaded, and all stainless. High quality fit and finish. Fit the bill perfectly.

I don't know what I would have bought if there was no Guardian 32. Plastic? No way. A .380? Nope; bigger, heavier gun and more kick.  Seecamps have some negatives. Maybe a Precision Arms Baby Browning, but pricey and .25 ACP is a bit too wimpy. PA's future is a bit iffy, too.

[Dinadan]

About ten years ago I started a hobby that took me to deserted places alone. (My hobby was photographing and identifying wildflowers and building a web page about them.) I was concerned about getting robbed and killed so I started wearing an ID bracelet so my body could be identified after my wallet was stolen. Then I decided to be a bit more proactive and carry a gun. I have owned handguns all my life, but never carried one for self defense until that time.


I searched the internet for information about the best concealed carry revolvers and decided on a .357 Ruger Sp101. I loved it. Unfortunately, it took a very short time for me to give up on it for carry. Just too bulky and heavy. Then I searched the internet again and found this forum. A short time later I bought my first NAA, a Pug. I loved it. And I could carry it anywhere. In fact, the Pug was so easy to carry that I decided that I could carry two NAAs. Then three ...

[Boisesteve]

I started working in the ER back in the mid-70's.   From what I saw, I came to believe that evil was very very real.
I'm a little guy.  I started carrying a High Standard two-shot 22magnum.  When Freedom arms came out with their mini revolver, I got one of those, but it was effectively a 3-shooter because the hammer had to be down on an empty cylinder. Then I saw a Spanish Fork 22LR NAA that held five rounds and had safety notches so it could be carried full up. That was my first, and I still have it 35 years later, followed by a 1 5/8"" 22mag, a 4" Earl convertible, and a 1 5/8" NAA/Ellett Bros tritium sights convertible.
I am never without one.
Steve in Boise

[LHB]

When i was young and dumb, I used to occasionally illegally, carry a 1911.   When it started to look like Illinois was going to get concealed carry, I started to get serious about a EDC.  1911 too big and heavy for an old man.  I like the old Colt's, so thought a Dec Special would do.  Spent a small fortune on holsters, but still too big.   Got a PPK, every time I shot it, the railroad tracks on the back of the hand meant I was not going to shoot it often.  Same problem with a Tomcat.   Colt Government 380 didn't bite, but not that small either.   3 different Kel-Tecs all bit me.
Was in local gun store, when a man was taking delivery on a 1 1/8 NAA convertible with holster grip.  Went on line, lurked here and read, bought used mag mini, then Black Widow convertible, sold mini to get a convertible mini, then needed LR to fit belt buckle, then a mag pug, sold to get convertible pug. a sidewinder that became the EDC, then a Newbury Park, and another NAA and another NAA and then a Rocky Mountain, and I"M not sure how many are in the drawer, maybe I need to inventory.   And I know, if no pictures, it didn't happen, but it did.

[RogueTS1]

Was looking for a small, easily carried pocket type pistol for the Princess to carry in her purse so she would carry her gun. Could not find one at any of the LGS's but one turned up at a local auction that nobody was bidding on. I picked it up for a song. The Pug came out shortly thereafter with the XS Big Dot sights and I had to have it for myself.

[Texduk3]

seen a black widow on the cover of a handgun magazine.   

[orntar]

My friend talked me into it. He kept talking about how cool they were.

Did'nt take much. I love little things. Fell in love with the wasp. I plan to carry all the time with it.

[riadat]

Because they were so little & tiny & cute...

Nothing wrong with that.  They are.  And effective.

[bleak_window]

I had a concealed permit but no suitable carry weapon.  They were all 2 or 3 lbs of steel.  I had researched the NAA minis and thought if I was getting a mini it would be the 1-1/8" LR for maximum concealability.  But I had essentially settled on a J-frame .38 as more practical.  I went to a gun show with $350.  The J-frames were close to $400 and I thought they were a little big for pocket carry.  I was looking at belts and holsters, thinking this concealed carry thing is getting complicated.

Well, there was a table with several NAA minis.  I handled the LR models and thought, no way will my fat fingers be able to shoot this tiny thing.  The magnum minis were a better fit and I liked how heavy they were for the size.  Then I picked up the Black Widow and knew I had found the answer.  The larger grips fit my hand perfectly, and the sights were significantly better than the standard minis.  There was also something about the unfluted cylinder and the ridges along the top strap that was appealing aesthetically. 

Now I have J-frames, including one that holds 7 rounds and only weighs 3oz more than the BW.  I still carry the BW.

[Uncle_Lee]

Really, in 1976 I saw a write up in "Easy Riders" motorcycle magazine about the little 22 short mini revolver and how easy it would be for  your ol' lady to hide one.
I immediately went to the local gun shop and ordered a consecutively numbered pair of them.

Then the Earl came out and I had to have a set of those.
I got started buying them and bought until I have no more room to put them in.   

[top dog]

My first purchase was the 22lr mini as it was what I considered the perfect hideout piece for work. Then,as usual,things tended tp multiply.

One of several reasons for the purchase was because of the outstanding quality and superb customer service.

An added bonus..........................is all the fine folks on this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                           Top Dog

[red14]

Another reason I purchased an NAA. I wanted to do this 

Great pic, and it would be a great giant Cockroach weapon.  Laser sight for the crawling one and bayonet when those bastards fly at your face.  TWICE, one of those SOBs flew at me and landed inside my glasses and on my eyeball !!!  Totally true and gross/scary/infuriating all at the same time.  Last month at dusk, wife opened the front door and a huge one flew at me and landed on my shoulder.  I thought it was a Bird !  Panic ensued.

I buy my Minis purely for protection, concealment, and cause my hands just can't control a bigger, heavier gun. 

[OV-1D]

  Glad you didn't stab yourself to death , ha .

[RangerJim]

My first NAA was actually bequeathed to me by my late Father-in-Law in 2014—a Black Widow in 22 WMR.  I was quite impressed by the quality, size, and accuracy of the little beauty.  As a result, I started researching NAAs online and found this forum.  Well, it took me about a week to buy my first NAA ... a ported Pug with tritium sights—which, in my opinion, is the perfect pocket gun.  Not surprisingly, I was hooked.  Five years later ... I'm running out of room in my safe ...   

[top dog]

I think that the big selling point for me at least was an article in the July '97 issue of Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement titled "Say Hello To My Little Friend" by Dan Goodwin.

Nice article about the 22lr mini.  Right after reading that,I purchased my first mini,obviously it was a 22 lr just like the one in the article.

Did not take too much longer for things to "multiply".

                                                                                                          Top Dog

[Biff]

Another reason I purchased an NAA. I wanted to do this 

Great pic, and it would be a great giant Cockroach weapon.  Laser sight for the crawling one and bayonet when those bastards fly at your face.  TWICE, one of those SOBs flew at me and landed inside my glasses and on my eyeball !!!  Totally true and gross/scary/infuriating all at the same time.  Last month at dusk, wife opened the front door and a huge one flew at me and landed on my shoulder.  I thought it was a Bird !  Panic ensued.

I buy my Minis purely for protection, concealment, and cause my hands just can't control a bigger, heavier gun.

It also makes a great laser guided toothpick. Unloaded of course 

I reported you to the moderator!   Told him I thought this comment was hilarious, and that he should know!

[smokeless joe]

Another reason I purchased an NAA. I wanted to do this 

Great pic, and it would be a great giant Cockroach weapon.  Laser sight for the crawling one and bayonet when those bastards fly at your face.  TWICE, one of those SOBs flew at me and landed inside my glasses and on my eyeball !!!  Totally true and gross/scary/infuriating all at the same time.  Last month at dusk, wife opened the front door and a huge one flew at me and landed on my shoulder.  I thought it was a Bird !  Panic ensued.

I buy my Minis purely for protection, concealment, and cause my hands just can't control a bigger, heavier gun.

It also makes a great laser guided toothpick. Unloaded of course 

I reported you to the moderator!   Told him I thought this comment was hilarious, and that he should know!

[Ruger]

My Sig P238 & P938 kept pulling my gym shorts down, since I pocket carry a lot.  My first Mini helped with that issue. 


But now I wear Under-Up suspenders from Hold Up Suspender Co. with all my pants, sweats, and shorts.  They allow me to pocket carry just about anything I want, without having to use a restrictive belt, and don't give me that old man with suspenders look since they are always under my shirt.

[Bigbird48]

Another reason I purchased an NAA. I wanted to do this 

Great pic, and it would be a great giant Cockroach weapon.  Laser sight for the crawling one and bayonet when those bastards fly at your face.  TWICE, one of those SOBs flew at me and landed inside my glasses and on my eyeball !!!  Totally true and gross/scary/infuriating all at the same time.  Last month at dusk, wife opened the front door and a huge one flew at me and landed on my shoulder.  I thought it was a Bird !  Panic ensued.

I buy my Minis purely for protection, concealment, and cause my hands just can't control a bigger, heavier gun.

It also makes a great laser guided toothpick. Unloaded of course 

you always make me laugh thanks

[zburkett]

Back to the original question.  I carried a Derringer for several years.  I never felt under armed because Derringers pack a lot of punch in a small package.  Then I realized that I had a more threat from snakes and other critters where punch was not that important.  Derringer's barrels never print in the same place and you never know which barrel is going to go off.  A Mini is snake head accurate at ten feet.  A mini is also much better made than most Derringers.  Now one of my Minis goes into my pocket first thing every morning.

[Wumbey Goomba]

I also am with Mr. Uncle Lee
(little and cute)

[Uncle_Lee]

I also am with Mr. Uncle Lee
(little and cute)

Well, I ain't so little but I am cute as a button....

[smokeless joe]

 

Morning unc.