New to forum opinions on my new to me 32acp Guardian

[dinooch]

I'm new to this forum since I just purchased my second NAA gun a .32acp Guardian "AF" serial number. Took it out yesterday for the first time and I must say it was painful to shoot battering my trigger finger regardless of finger position on the trigger. After 50 rounds of fmj the grips loosened up and I had a few stovepipes which I figured on but a few failures to chamber the last live round which may have been me not strangling the grip. I would love to hear from some of you especially if you have some tips on maintenance etc. I am not new to guns I've had a CCW for 40 years. I'm not recoil shy either I regularly carry a 340sc .357 j-frame with medium velocity Remington 125gr jhp.

Any experienced advice and expert opinions from any of you will be great.

P.S. love my .22lr mini "nasal spray from hell" great dog walk gun and a good "New York reload" just in case.

[pietro]

.

Welcome to the board ! ! 

You're between a rock and a hard place - which I too found out albeit via an easier way.

It's hard to change an auto-loader's grip, like trigger fit, grip frame shape, etc.

So I made several road trips to fun shops near & far, so I could determine which of the different autoloader grips designs suited me.

It was less costly than a series of buy/try/sell/buy/try/sell, ad infinitum.

I did have to check most of the small autos from A to Z before I settled on one or two that fit me.

Kel-Tec & Walther were best for me - YMMV.

.

[dinooch]

My second trip to the range with the Guardian was so much better. I learned a few things which helped. #1 extended base plate magazines pop free under recoil yes I read about that beforehand but I didn't use them the first range session. #2 two fabric band aids over the spot on my trigger finger that was getting battered that changed everything no discomfort at all. While I'm in the learning to trust to carry it mode this will help. #3 Making sure you have a firm grip something you really have to concentrate on with that little gun. I shot a box of FMJ and except for the two jams due to the dislodging extended base mags it went flawlessly. I really want to love this gun I'm almost there if I get through another box clean I'm good but for now the P32 still comes along for the ride.

[OV-1D]

  A BIG WELCOME to the asylum there Dinooch . Haven't had the displeasure of shooting a Guardian . All these mini auto's have a tendency to slice the web of my hand because of gripping too much (AKA) bad hand placement , have others but for looking at only ... 

[postalman]

This sounds like a job for @bearcatter, our resident Guardian lover!

[bearcatter]

Two .32 ACP Guardians are the only NAAs I own, I've had them for over two years, and I like 'em. They are AF serials too. I don't think production has made it to AG yet.

It took about 100 rounds for each one to smooth out and function well. I like the factory nylon grips. Using the factory rubber washers under the screws, I've never had them loosen. I switched to the stainless screws, just for looks. Some people add a rubber grip sleeve, or one of NAA' s wood grips, to make the grip thicker. I've never had enough trigger slap to consider bad.

I know this is hardly any help. I think I've avoided some issues simply because of my hands. They are size large, but slim and almost bony fingers.....

Guardians use the top round in the mag as the ejector. When that last round is fired, it's open to stovepiping but not every time. I think I've learned to tilt the gun on the last shot.

Cleaning, just follow the field strip in the manual. Cleaning such a small gun, cotton swabs are your friend. I swab out every place I can reach. Re-assembling, be careful to orient the recoil springs as in instructions. I put the smallest possible dot of oil on the pivot points, and wipe the slide rails with an oiled cotton swab.

Holsters, I have a thumb break paddle holster made by a member, Rick Jorgenson, who has a holster shop. You'll see his great work throughout the forum. Ready made, I have several in all types. I normally pocket carry.

[bearcatter]

This sounds like a job for @bearcatter, our resident Guardian lover!

That's me !  ........ ...

Just glad you guys let me hang out here, not owning a mini..

If I had liked Seecamp or Kel-tec better, I would have never met you....

[Wumbey Goomba]

Guardian 32 acp hurts me exactly like
you describe. No joy to shoot.
As to jams and stove pipes, not many new
pistols are flawless til they are broken in.
Mind you this is just my opinion.

[bearcatter]

Guardian 32 acp hurts me exactly like
you describe. No joy to shoot.
As to jams and stove pipes, not many new
pistols are flawless til they are broken in.
Mind you this is just my opinion.

Thinking how many complain about trigger slap on the .32, imagine the .380. I'd guess a larger trigger guard might help. One thing, I don't release the trigger until after the bang. This pistol doesn't lend itself to fast shooting. I'm always on guard for squibs anyway.

[Wumbey Goomba]

If you release the trigger before the bang, there
would be no bang. It seems to have sharp edges,
or maybe it is the trigger being too narrow or short.
This lets meat get in to places that can pinch
the skin(finger). Not sure what causes the hurt,
just aware of the hurt. I have not wanted to take the time
to figure out what causes it. I will give it a go next time I shoot
to be able to offer a better explanation as to what causes it.

[bearcatter]

Probably getting pinched between the tip of the trigger and the guard. I can see that happening with a fleshy finger....

[top dog]

Dinooch,
Welcome to the asylum!!!
I consider the 32 Guardian pretty much the flagship of the NAA line up.

With size reduction,you will also experience some trade offs in handling characteristics.  I had a problem with the grip "feeling" on my Ruger LCP and then slipped on a Hogue grip sleeve which pretty much solved the problem.

The Guardian can be ammo finicky but things should clear up with some more break in a proper grip/hold.

Glad to see that you take a NAA mini on your dog walks. Always good to be prepared!!!

We have a serious coyote problem in my area with several folks being attacked while walking their dogs. Last year,6 folks were attacked and three dogs had been killed and three more injured.

                                                                                             Top Dog

[bearcatter]

I consider the 32 Guardian pretty much the flagship of the NAA line up.

With size reduction,you will also experience some trade offs in handling characteristics. 

                                                                                             Top Dog

At least that makes two of us..Yes, you do have to remember the Guardian is a mouse gun, not meant for 100 rounds at the range....

A .22 Guardian would sure be nice for range practice......

[heyjoe]

Try putting on a bandaid where your finger is getting slapped. Works for many people with Guardians and Seecamps

[dinooch]

Try putting on a bandaid where your finger is getting slapped. Works for many people with Guardians and Seecamps

I actually did that and it worked I put it in this conversation yesterday but since I'm on "probation" it doesn't show up yet.

[top dog]

Bearcatter,
The closest thing I think that would be to a 22lr Guardian would be the Ruger LCP in 22lr or the Walther TPH in 22lr which I think are no longer made.

                                                                                                            Top Dog

[bearcatter]

Ruger plastic, Walther big $$ and slide bite. I had two Beretta 21s years back, unreliable. I know all about pocket guns, from researching for the Guardians. If the TPH was still in production at a good price, it would be a weak second choice to the .22 Guardian which has never been made.

A .22 Browning Baby would probably be a good gun but has a complicated action. PSA is manufacturing new Babys with Browning's tooling, but they are all the original .25 and expensive.

I think there is a hole NAA could fill. A .22 Guardian might outsell the others, since with .22 recoil it would be fairly pleasant to shoot. Owners of .32s and .380s would buy it for a training and practice gun.

[pietro]

.

it's all about different folk's hands and the ergonomics that make a grip comfortable.

I have had zero issues, like slide bite (which can usually be fixed with a bit of stoning of the slide's sharp rear edges) with my TPH

[RogueTS1]

The Guardians need some upgrades, in our opinion, before being ready for carry and being nice to shoot. Our .380 Guardian has had all the things done to it and has never been uncomfortable to hand nor finger to shoot. Same thing with the LCP. Needs some things done to it before carrying, but once done they become great shooters and easy on the hands.

I had a problem with the grip "feeling" on my Ruger LCP and then slipped on a Hogue grip sleeve which pretty much solved the problem.

[heyjoe]

Try putting on a bandaid where your finger is getting slapped. Works for many people with Guardians and Seecamps

I actually did that and it worked I put it in this conversation yesterday but since I'm on "probation" it doesn't show up yet.

glad to hear it worked!

[dinooch]

Quick post to get to 15 to get off of probation

[Naa NinJA]

A .22 Browning Baby would probably be a good gun but has a complicated action. PSA is manufacturing new Babys with Browning's tooling, but they are all the original .25 and expensive.

astra cub on 22 short,they are small and concealable,I got 2 and love them the first one is the first year they made them in 1954 it's blued,and the second is a nickel finish one made in 1963, I want a 1967 model....
And I have 42 minis but no guardian yet...I been thinking about it though

[bearcatter]

Forty two ?

[Uncle_Lee]

A .22 Browning Baby would probably be a good gun but has a complicated action. PSA is manufacturing new Babys with Browning's tooling, but they are all the original .25 and expensive.

astra cub on 22 short,they are small and concealable,I got 2 and love them the first one is the first year they made them in 1954 it's blued,and the second is a nickel finish one made in 1963, I want a 1967 model....
And I have 42 minis but no guardian yet...I been thinking about it though

There is one on GunBroker but I don't see the date code on it. Maybe you can find it.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/967742886

[OV-1D]

A .22 Browning Baby would probably be a good gun but has a complicated action. PSA is manufacturing new Babys with Browning's tooling, but they are all the original .25 and expensive.

astra cub on 22 short,they are small and concealable,I got 2 and love them the first one is the first year they made them in 1954 it's blued,and the second is a nickel finish one made in 1963, I want a 1967 model....
And I have 42 minis but no guardian yet...I been thinking about it though

   Unc_Lee might have some extra shoe boxes he's not using .

[Naa NinJA]

Forty two ?

still got more cars than naa's but yes 42 and i got one more on the way so 43 soon, and today we just picked up the wife's new winter edition- she has 3 that are not included in my number,and I'll still be buying more spend the money before it's useless paper

[OV-1D]

  Wise move on getting those paper dollars to work BEFORE it becomes useless so to say . A lot of crying is a coming from what is being said  .

[Naa NinJA]

url="https://www.gunbroker.com/item/967742886"]https://www.gunbroker.com/item/967742886[/url]

the older models the date code is on the left by the safety then the later ones it is under the right grip panel

[heyjoe]

Forty two ?

still got more cars than naa's but yes 42 and i got one more on the way so 43 soon, and today we just picked up the wife's new winter edition- she has 3 that are not included in my number,and I'll still be buying more spend the money before it's useless paper

NAA Collector always had the most minis, but I think you are king of the hill now!

[bearcatter]

Forty two ?

still got more cars than naa's but yes 42 and i got one more on the way so 43 soon, and today we just picked up the wife's new winter edition- she has 3 that are not included in my number,and I'll still be buying more spend the money before it's useless paper

You have more cars than NAAs? So you have more than 42 cars? You must run a car dealer or junkyard, right? ....

[dinooch]

  Wise move on getting those paper dollars to work BEFORE it becomes useless so to say . A lot of crying is a coming from what is being said  .

Bring it on corrupt government. I'm 65 years old life in prison isn't much of a deterrent anymore of course we must all do our part to avoid an untimely "dirt nap" Fight of flight depends on the man.

[Uncle_Lee]

I have always said:
I would rather die FOR America than die from cancer.

In my family, if you live long enough, you will die from cancer. Mom made to 91 before it got her.

[heyjoe]

  Wise move on getting those paper dollars to work BEFORE it becomes useless so to say . A lot of crying is a coming from what is being said  .

Bring it on corrupt government. I'm 65 years old life in prison isn't much of a deterrent anymore of course we must all do our part to avoid an untimely "dirt nap" Fight of flight depends on the man.

have you ever been inside a prison?

[dinooch]

  Wise move on getting those paper dollars to work BEFORE it becomes useless so to say . A lot of crying is a coming from what is being said  .

Bring it on corrupt government. I'm 65 years old life in prison isn't much of a deterrent anymore of course we must all do our part to avoid an untimely "dirt nap" Fight of flight depends on the man.

have you ever been inside a prison?

No sir I have not. I'm just a lover of the United States of America as our founders intended not the woke ideology and double standards that they force us to accept.

[OV-1D]

.

it's all about different folk's hands and the ergonomics that make a grip comfortable.

I have had zero issues, like slide bite (which can usually be fixed with a bit of stoning of the slide's sharp rear edges) with my TPH

  It's odd that my cheap old Jennings 22 looks so much alike , the shape of the gun is so comfortable looking . That was my second gun I've owned I believe . It started the MADNESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS .