So, what are the chances...

[Adk.IBO]

...of actually seeing the 2 models of NAA revolvers I want to see at the Syracuse Gun Show next month? I am interested in a Sidewinder and a Black Widow either combos or 22mag only. Cash in hand for the right gun, don't know which one yet. I don't have a problem buying over the internet but I really want to touch and feel first. They are non existent where I live.
            Thanks, John

[Goatpacker]

IDK about your chances but do understand the touch and feel thing with the products that are being put out today. I see them in shops down here but usually not several of the same style to choose from and most of the ones on the shelf have the issues that have been discussed here. This leaves one with buying it and fixing it yourself or sending it in for the repairs. This being said I feel it is a crap shoot either way (Internet or touch and feel). I'd say roll the dice and order the one you want.

[TwoGunJayne]

I feel your pain, sir. It took me forever to get a Black Widow conversion and had to buy it as .22 mag only and send it in for the conversion. At least I had it then.

I had to "make some calls" and "pull some strings" to get my Hogleg and Mini Master conversions. They were particularly hard to get. At least, around here, 95% of what I run across is a standard mini revolver, .22 mag only.

I think I hunted for a Black Widow for about a year, avoiding online gun auctions. I, too, wanted to see it and touch it first.

I got lucky with my Guardian. Walked in, there it was, walked out. Bingo.

Most of all, if it is new and you have any issue whatsoever, call NAA. They'll make it right, they always have for me. Unfortnately, we're all only human. I've had a couple go back more than once. These things don't really "wear out." Life.

[Adk.IBO]

Here's the rest of the story, I have never seen a NAA revolver of any kind.....ever, just pics on the net. Can't, won't buy without that visual first. I'm in no hurry, if I can see some one else's and I like it, I don't mind ordering one and waiting ect. It sure is a crazy market these days (for some stuff). I would like to see both models first as I won't own both, I am not a collector and I don't feel the need for two. If I had to buy sight unseen, I think (think) I would lean towards a Sidewinder (on some days) .

I've never attended anything but a very small local show, 8-10 tables, maybe 20-30 people inside with a couple hundred wandering around at the flea market outside. Do people bring these things to larger shows?
             John

[cfsharry]

ADK,

Will this be your first handgun?  If so, you definitely want to see and hold it first.  Because of it's small size and short sight radius it is not the easiest gun to shoot well but a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.  In my opinion, the mini is not the best gun to buy as a first gun but each to his own.

[TwoGunJayne]

NAA stuff tends to fly off the shelves. It's hard to find the rarer models. I've seen them at shows.

"Got an NAA Black Widow? Mini Master? Hogleg? ANY conversion minis? Guardians? Anything other than these standard .22 mag minis you've got here on the table?"

"Yeah, just sold them all. Some guy cleaned me out. Sorry."

True story. More than once.

[Adk.IBO]

Nope, I've had a S&W 640 J frame 38spl for 21 years, bought it new. My firearm interests have been renewed in the last couple years with the addition of an outdoorsman future son in law, grandson and a year ago I took the Utah CC class to add 32 states to my NY permit. Just spoke to an NRA instructor/ retired NYS BCI this morning about a day of private CC training. "Bring a hundred rounds and your chosen method of concealed carry". I'm pretty stoked (and pray it's never needed). He's dropping off some lit to get me started while I order and wait for my Kangaroo Carry holster that I think will work for me (fingers crossed). I figure a NAA mini will make a fine NY reload and fit nicely in the Kangaroo Carry, or go in a pocket when a gun just won't do .
                    John

[TwoGunJayne]

If you're looking for a backup piece (BUG,) then minis have you covered.

Alternative carry methods thread: (I'm sure you saw it.)
http://naaminis.com/smf/index.php?topic=3254.0

That's one of my favorite threads on this forum.

[Adk.IBO]

Yes, a BUG. It's funny you posted a link to that thread. I was just looking at it yesterday, I like the suspender type holsters. I have been known to dabble in leatherwork. I showed the iron/sew on to any shirt type holster to my wife last night, she said "you won't be happy, just a waste of $8.." After 30yrs married she knows me to well .

So, I'm gathering if I want much of a chance of seeing/ buying a mini at a gun show, go early and be decisive.

[TwoGunJayne]

Yeah, "camp out" to be first in line to the door, bring a wedge of cash, toss it on the table, point, and say "MINE! NOWWWW!"

[Classanr]

...So, I'm gathering if I want much of a chance of seeing/ buying a mini at a gun show, go early and be decisive.

TGJ cracks me up.  Money talks.  You won't have to say a word, just check the correct boxes on the IBC form and sign.

Finding what you want, however, depends on the state. For instance, you will never see an NAA anything even in 800-1200 table guns shows in MA - because MA won't let us citizens buy the smokeless versions.  On the other hand, UT, NV, CA, FL, TX are popular new homes for NAA products, so dealers there always bring a few to the shows.  But as TGJ points out, mostly just the "standard" models.

NY?  Now, that will be a bit wierd experience this year at gun shows, what with the unsafe act confusing everybody.  But in general, it will be "safe" to say that the best NAA models will be as hard to find as would be a 30-yr old virgin movie star in your local beer parlor.  The only two places I know where you can fondle one of any type (NAA guns, I mean) are the factory and the S.H.O.T. show.

Not being able to go (affordably) to either venues, my recent factory-direct acquisition of a 4" Earl C&B was the happy result of TGJ's multiple Earl postings.  I adopted my Earl based on trust alone (well, I do have a very early Guardian that proves NAA makes gems).  I simultaneously purchased a range of options including a bag 'o repair parts, extra cylinder, the folding grip and several considerably-different holsters.  Then I mixed it all up to the layout that fits me best.  The process took 4 months (119 days of waiting, 1 day of assembly), but I have no regrets whatsoever with the end result.

I didn't have to spend lots of money trolling adjacent state gun shows hoping for an attractive "pick up".

Frankly, if you don't like your NAA, it will quickly sell for near retail on Gunbroker, ArmsList, or NAA forum.  That is because very few people are ever dissatisfied, making the used market a seller's dream.

Syracuse - you might be able to get a list of vendors from the promoter.
Show Manager Sandy Ackerman Klinger 607-748-1010 1:00 PM-6:00 PM Weekdays

If you can wrangle out the dealer list, you could call as many dealers as possible: "I see you are in booth #12345678.  Will you be bringing any NAA guns to the show?"  Try a credit card deposit and a 10am appointment at the show.

[TwoGunJayne]

Quite well written and informative as usual, sir. Thanks for the compliment!

I didn't have to spend lots of money trolling adjacent state gun shows hoping for an attractive "pick up".

I agree. I had better results by looking with a telephone that I ever did by driving, wing and a prayer. Googling the phone numbers of all of the gun dealers in your state can be effective. Don't forget that you CAN buy a pistol out of state, then complete the transfer with an FFL within your state. I've done that trick several times, but with reference to the law... they're supposed to block you if a law says so. "Getting by with it" a couple of times gets you into the sauce eventually. I don't want to find out what that sauce tastes like. 

[I]

... I saw nothing! 

[Kevin55]

As I recall, I used the NAA site to find a local dealer.  They had a 22lr in stock.
Being California, there are only 2 approved models and dispute owning a Glock and 686 for 20 years, I had to take a handgun safety test to buy a .22lr mini.  Also, had to wait 10 days to be cleared to buy a mouse gun despite having other handguns registered to me.

http://northamericanarms.com/sales.html

[heyjoe]

when i wanted to find a 22 short, i called all of the gun stores where i lived starting form closest then further out to find out if they had one. i realize where you live in the adirondacks there arent that many but you can add vermont and even new hampshire stores to that list. if they have one head on over asap and look at it. most gun shows arent worth the price of admission in the last few years.

[OV-1D]

  Been a loonnngggggggggg time since I've seen a decent gun show , years and years 15-20 , just like flea markets , those are useless also anymore . Shame .