3" earl vs sheriff for first naa???

[benny]

Hello All,
Looking for my first mini.  At first I was thinking of the sidewinder, but prefer a bit more barrel.  Really like the looks of the 3" earl and the 2.5" sheriff and was wondering if those who have used one or both have any comments as to which they prefer.  This will just be a little woods bumming / hiking plinker for me.  Would like it to easily fit in a front pocket (with holster), so does the extra barrel length of the earl put it over the edge size wise?  Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Dinadan]

Benny - welcome to the forum!

I have not shot a Sheriff, so no comment on it. I have a 3" Earl and like it a lot. It will fit in some front pockets but not in some. Whichever Mini you get, the most important thing is to be sure to get a conversion cylinder so you can shoot LR and shorts.  The Minis are fun little guns for the use you describe, but I find the magnum ammo to be a bit loud for casual plinking.

[louiethelump]

Having had both, I found that the extra half inch of barrel does make a difference and pushes the grip to the top of the pocket where it shows.  (in jeans) The Sheriff is just enough shorter to fit comfortably in the side front pocket.  I got a pocket holster from board member who runs Concealment Holster Solutions and it is perfect.  Also the rib under the barrel of the Earl adds bulk.  In my opinion the Sheriff is the best for carry.

Bob

[grayelky]

First, welcome to the forum!

I have 3 NAAs I shoot, and the 3" Earl is my favorite. If this is to be a woods gun, get a belt holster and the Earl. If it will do double duty, or you need or prefer to use your front pocket, then the Sheriff would likely be better over all.

[benny]

Thanks for the info gents!  Think I'm going with the sheriff with both cylinders.  All the best!