22 lr 1 1/8" or 1 5/8"

[mouselvr]

I have decided to add a .22lr mini to my small NAA collection of my 1 5/8" mag combo and 1860 4" Earl.  Now, I can't decide if I want to go with the 1 1/8" barrel or 1 5/8" barrel.  I would like to hear opinions on your preferences of the two for the smaller lr frame.  Thanks!

[bbgun]

mouselvr,    I'd get the 1 5/8 in. barrel.  It has more power, easier to point, and  just as easy to conceal

[TwoGunJayne]

1 5/8 would be my pick, too.

[RogueTS1]

I would pick the 1 1/8" gun. It looks much better in my opinion. They both shoot and carry about the same.

[bujeezus]

i was dead set on the 1 5/8" until i held the 1 1/8". i was sold. i just like the way the shorter barrels look on the 22lr. seein how you already have the 1 5/8" combo why not change it up an get somethin a little different?

[Kevin55]

Kommiefornia made it easy, we can only buy the 1-1/8.

22lr
From what I have read on ballistics, the difference is not significant from 1.125 to 1.625.
Ammo choice is critical.

22mag
The longer the barrel, the better.  If I was getting a 22mag, I would look for a used 1-5/8 or Black Widow.

Look at my posts, I have links to the ballistics web pages.

I bought the 1-1/8 as that was what is available.  I figured the smaller, the better.  The point is to stick it where the sun don't shine, like a pocket.

Shooting the 22lr with stock grips is not accurate.  It really needs a grip for one more finger.  I chose the holster grip.  If CVang is making 22lr grips again, I'd get one.

[TeeJay37]

From what I have read on ballistics, the difference is not significant from 1.125 to 1.625.
Ammo choice is critical.

Watch the video in the link on this post. ShootingTheBull410 tests about 25 different ammo types out of a 1 1/8". His result is that the 36 grain CCI MiniMag performs the best.

http://naaminis.com/smf/index.php?topic=4898.0

And Kevin, the CVangs are available in LR now. I looked earlier today.

[Dinadan]

I prefer the 1 5/8" LR because it has a very graceful, balanced look, in my opinion. Mine is also quite accurate, for a Mini. You will notice in the photo that I switched to boot grips: that is because my medium size hands have a hard time gripping the LR birds head grips. I have never shot a 1 1/8" LR so I have no insight into the relative accuracy or shooting characteristics. If you look at NAA's ballistics page, (http://northamericanarms.com/ballistics) you will see that my favorite ammo, CCI Velocitor has a mean velocity of 767 FPS out of the 1 5/8" LR, and a mean velocity of 725 FPS out of the 1 1/8 LR. How much that matters is up to you. Like I said, I based my choice on artistic merit.

[mouselvr]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!  Great info.  I admit to really liking the boot grip on that LR, Dinadan - I think that might be a must for me

You know it's funny - I wouldn't think that the 1/2" would be such a difference but I guess when the pistol is so small already that 1/2" looks more like a foot, lol.

[Uncle_Lee]

I see that you are starting to build your collection.
My advice to you is to buy them both.
You will get around to it soon anyway.

[Kevin55]

I am not a fan of boot grips, but with that 1-5/8 barrel, the 22lr looks great. 
Partially because I know the tiny bird head grip is useless.

[naabug]

   1 5/8"

[nastruck]

Mine is the 1 5/8" and I really want the boot grip for it. Really cool looking!!!!
Thanks Dinadan %$@&%$&@

[plinker631]

1&5/8 with boot grips...

[tocsn40]

So now let's throw this your way.
This is my 22LR w/3 IN IT'S CALLED BUNTLINE

[bigfeo]

I was stuck with the same question for about a week, decided to go with the shorter barrel, but with the 22/mag conversion.  Love the snub nose look.  The longer cylinder adds a little more length for the 22lr to come out of and the bigger grip gives gives more control.  Adding in you can shoot all 3 .22 round types and I stumbled across some 22 mag at wallys and 22 short at cabelas imo its all good, but ill probably buy another mini probably in short as im happy with the little mini mag   

ah just re read your post and you have the mini mag with long barrel, I would get the LR with short barrel version just to even out your long barrel mini mag and Earl, but thats just me

[cwlongshot]

In the mag frame, Both lengths look good... but IMHO the 1 5/8 is too long looking from the LR receiver size...

CW

[grayelky]

It depends on your eyes. From a carry stand point, I have quit carrying my LR, and always carry a mag, cause I could not tell the difference in my pocket. The longer barrel will give a little more velocity, but, to my eyes, the 1 1/8 barrel looks better.

[ksblazer]

Like grayelky I liked the looks of the 1 1/8th Mini better, but switched over to the 1 5/8 22mag/LR mini. I could conceal either of them in my front pocket with no problems and like the extra punch that the .22 mag offers.

[SteveZ-FL]

The 1 1/8th WMR is my choice.  Have one with the oversized rubber grips in the pocket right now in an Uncle Mike's #2 pocket holster with a half-dozen extra rounds in a mini-baggie at the bottom of the holster.

Punch-wise the differences in the two size barrel lengths are not that dramatic.  I go for the concealment.

[OV-1D]

Here's one of mine that I switch around .

[RogueTS1]

I like it OV.

[nastruck]

NICE OV-1D!!!!
My LR is the 1 5/8 for me they look the best....

[OV-1D]

 Thanks guys did you notice the little longer boot grips made them from some ironwood out of Arizona . 

[Dinadan]

Thanks guys did you notice the little longer boot grips made them from some ironwood out of Arizona . 

OV-ID - I did note that the boot grips appeared custom made. They look just a bit longer than NAA's boot grips. That is some nice work, especially if that ironwood is as hard as the name implies.