Guardians of the Malfunction – A Tale of Nostalgia, Regret, and Slide Failures

[Jaybird121]

Gather 'round, fellow tinkerers of tiny pistols, and let me spin you a tale. A tale of youthful mistakes, midlife nostalgia, and the ever-unforgiving laws of mechanical betrayal.

Roughly two decades ago, when I had more hair and fewer responsibilities, my very first concealed carry love affair was with none other than the NAA Guardian .380. Chunky. Heavy. Built like a mini brick. But I loved it like a labrador loves a tennis ball.

Then, I got older. Wiser, I thought. Swapped it for one of those sleek, modern, tactical Tupperware guns. Black polymer. Light as a feather. Utterly soulless.

Fast forward 20 years, and here I am—middle-aged, suburban, and about as high-risk as a decaf coffee. But the itch returned. I longed for that old-school Guardian comfort, like an ex you romanticize until you actually run into them.

So I bought a brand new-in-box NAA Guardian .380. Took it home like a giddy schoolboy. Slapped in a loaded magazine... or tried to. It wouldn't go in. Not without a level of force that would concern most chiropractors. Finally got it seated—only to find the slide wouldn't budge. Stuck tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.

Off to NAA it went for a spa day. That was six weeks ago. I'm still waiting. Maybe they're hand-forging a new one under a waterfall in Utah. Who knows.

In the meantime, what do I stumble across in my LGS but a gorgeous NAA Guardian .32. Sitting there in the display case like a flirty little reminder of the good ol' days. Naturally, I bought it. Cleaned it. Oiled it. Whispered sweet nothings to it. Then off to the range we went.

Cue the heartbreak: across three ammo types, the slide locked back mid-cycle half the time. Turns out the hammer was playing tag with the slide. I could replicate it by hand. Just a little too much wiggle where there shouldn't be.

Guess what? Back to NAA it goes. That makes two Guardians, both off to the mothership before I've fired a proper magazine through either.

So tell me—is this normal now? Has NAA traded their "built-like-a-tank" legacy for "assembled-before-coffee" quality? Because right now, I'm thinking maybe I should've scratched my nostalgia itch with a Walther PPK. At least if it jammed, I could pretend I was James Bond and blame Q.

[OV-1D]

  All I can say is I don't have one of any NAA semi-autos and thats some really great write up , thanks for the read , Ha ,Ha ,Ha .....         OH , sorry for your misfortune though .Walthers much better idea .     OH again maybe a Beretta also .

[dinooch]

I carried my 32acp Guardian yesterday and I will most likely carry it again today. Mine is a brand new replacement from NAA. Since my original one failed me I shot the new one enough with no malfunctions that I can trust it now. NAA will make you whole again I can speak from experience on that. I use the 73gr Fiocchi FMJ but mine likes jhp ammo just fine. The Fiocchi has a bit more snap (and trigger slap) but I appreciate the penetration v expansion with the 32.

[top dog]

Jaybird,
First welcome to the forum.

What you experienced with two NAAs is very rare and I am sure that NAA will correct the problem. Their customer service is superb.

I see that you are fond of autos,have you ever thought about a nice NAA mini??

When NAA first came out with their 32 Guardian,I was able to get one through their LE program and it has performed flawlessly over the years.

Before I retired I sent it back to NAA for a spa treatment. Stipling,guttersnipe sight and slide scallop.

                                                                      Top Dog

[Anvil]

So glad I'm a revolver guy! I've never had one fail me. 
Plus I have 4 single shots and they are as reliable as the sun rising!
You only need semi auto's if you are a terrible shot!

[top dog]

Anvil,
I tend to agree with you on that.

Old Indian saying was..........one shot,one deer.  Two shots,one deer..maybe,  Three or more shots.........no deer.


                                                       Top Dog

[bill_deshivs]

You need semiautos if you have multiple assailants.
Come to Memphis, and you'll understand.

[Anvil]

You need semiautos if you have multiple assailants.
Come to Memphis, and you'll understand.

No thanks Mr. Master Cutler.
I'll stick to rural Kansas where 5 shots with an NAA 
 is far more than ever needed!

[RogueTS1]

You need semiautos if you have multiple assailants.
Come to Memphis, and you'll understand.

Cannot argue with that statement. Memphis is nearly the Wild West these days.