Do you carry a NAA Mini for Self Defense?

[cfsharry]

I think he is using the mini to give the "coup de grace" not as his hunting gun.  Unfortunate he failed to kill so many deer outright.  More range time required.

[Dinadan]

I use the over sized rubber grips (offered by NAA) for my other two NAAs, so I ordered the Rubber Cobblestone Grip, and hope it makes it easier to hold.  The factory will send them in stead of the wodden ones, those are just too slippery.

Red - since you already have hand issues, I am going to guess that you will need bigger grips on the Short. The Boot grip will make gripping the Short about as easy as gripping a Magnum Mini with birds head grips, in my opinion. My hands are average size and average dexterity, and I cannot use the birds head grip on the LR and Short easily.

[red14]

I use the over sized rubber grips (offered by NAA) for my other two NAAs, so I ordered the Rubber Cobblestone Grip, and hope it makes it easier to hold.  The factory will send them in stead of the wodden ones, those are just too slippery.

Red - since you already have hand issues, I am going to guess that you will need bigger grips on the Short. The Boot grip will make gripping the Short about as easy as gripping a Magnum Mini with birds head grips, in my opinion. My hands are average size and average dexterity, and I cannot use the birds head grip on the LR and Short easily.

I won't know for sure until I get my Shorty.  I have a pair of boot grips, for another NAA but they really blister my hand.  I don't see anymore that are available, I wish the oversize ones would work but I don't believe they fit. 

[Dinadan]

I see that 55 folks voted in this poll. About 80% sometimes or normally carry a Mini for their primary self defense gun. About 11% sometimes carry a Mini as a backup gun, and about 9% never carry a Mini for self defense.

As I remarked earlier, I expected more folks to carry a Mini as a backup. It seems clear that most folks on this forum really believe in these guns, which is not surprising considering that the forum is the NAA forum.

[Javier C.]

Usually I use the NAA Minis as backup to my primary carry piece, so the answer to this question is yes.
Sometimes, if the situation is ultra casual, it may serve as the only handgun I would have on my person, but I would have one, regardless of the conditions, unless prohibited by law.  Some of those restrictions are on federal properties, any courts, some financial institutions, and major sporting events now that they screen for weapons.

I don't turn up my nose at the idea of using a .22 LR or .22 WMR round as a defense cartridge.  It may not stop a pissed off great dane, but it is still better than just empty fists or a nearby stick; and against a human attacker, it can be as debilitating as any larger round if the shot is well placed.  Any caliber firearm is better than none at all in an emergency.

[labrat]

Nobody ever seems to mention the mini master with the 4" barrel in 22 mag as a carry gun.  It has the same pound feet of energy as the average .380 auto.  I tried out a  MINI MASTER in .22 mag at the range, and I prefer it over any .380 auto I have ever fired.  What do people have against the mini master?

[Bigbird48]

If I had to hazard a guess and it would be my reason, its the 4" barrel. The reason I carry a mini is it small size, very easy to carry in my pocket, now your putting a long barrel on a 22 I might as well carryn a bigger heavier cal. gun.

Nobody ever seems to mention the mini master with the 4" barrel in 22 mag as a carry gun.  It has the same pound feet of energy as the average .380 auto.  I tried out a  MINI MASTER in .22 mag at the range, and I prefer it over any .380 auto I have ever fired.  What do people have against the mini master?

[labrat]

The 4" barrel is no problem at all to conceal due to the fact that it so thin and flat.  The problem I find with bigger guns is in the grip and cylinder area being much larger than the NAA.  And if you look at the ballistics, you will find that the power out of the 4" barrel is almost double that of a 2" barrel, and way more than the 1" to 2" barrels.

[Uncle_Lee]

Nobody ever seems to mention the mini master with the 4" barrel in 22 mag as a carry gun.  It has the same pound feet of energy as the average .380 auto.  I tried out a  MINI MASTER in .22 mag at the range, and I prefer it over any .380 auto I have ever fired.  What do people have against the mini master?

I just have never shot any of my Mini Masters.

[grayelky]

I'm with BigBird48. Due to the long barrel, I have never given the mini master a thought for a carry gun. I have a 3" Earl I love to shoot, and suspect the mini master would be a great gun to carry hiking or just wandering in the woods. There are a lot of folks carrying bug out bags. I feel the mini master would be ideal for that scenario.

[Dinadan]

I agree with Bigbird and Gray that the barrel is the reason no one seens to carry the 4" Minis. I have a 3" Earl and it will fit in most pockets, but it is really a bit long for me to carry in  trouser pocket. A 4" Mini would need a different kind  of carry.

[auburn1975]

Although I don't currently carry other than to the range, I am ready for self defense and any other varmints that might come around in my woods/home. However, my CC permit is pending and I may carry 1st one of the 380s as primary & then .22 mag as secondary ... if the need should comes up. 

There is so much more to all of this than being able to shoot well and having the "right" handgun available.  It's the head part that I am still working on.  Would I freeze-up and in what circumstances could I act to save a life by taking another.  I think about these things more than the other parts of self defense.

Here are my range shooters:

[RogueTS1]

Very nice all but the Colt Vest Pocket is especially nice.

[Bigbird48]

Can I ask a couple personal questions have you ever served in the military if so what branch and how old are you.
Because your skeptical about weather you could defend yourself or family in a critical situation, I would guess you didn't serve and if you did probably not in any kind of combat unit. The age question because sometime as we get older our views change and were not as certain of ourselves or our abilities as we were when we were younger.
I know my outlook on life has change and I know I'm not the man I was 30 or 40 years ago.One of the biggest reasons I carry now and never did when I was younger. I just got done taking a refresher ccw course, and plan on taking a personal defense course soon. Just to get familiar with those situations again.Because I served in the USMC my head always knows that in a situation that called for me to use my gun to defend myself or  my family it would not even be a question, its if my body can react in that situation. Hence a course in personal defense. Hopefully the instructors can tailor a course for us older not so quick guys .
  I would suggest you also take a course or two and spend a lot of time at the range, the more you practice the more confident you become. If you ever doubt yourself then don't carry, that's when you or an innocent bystander could get hurt.

Although I don't currently carry other than to the range, I am ready for self defense and any other varmints that might come around in my woods/home. However, my CC permit is pending and I may carry 1st one of the 380s as primary & then .22 mag as secondary ... if the need should comes up. 

There is so much more to all of this than being able to shoot well and having the "right" handgun available.  It's the head part that I am still working on.  Would I freeze-up and in what circumstances could I act to save a life by taking another.  I think about these things more than the other parts of self defense.

Here are my range shooters:

[auburn1975]

Big bird, you point to train well is 100% in line with my own.  I truly agree with every thoughtful word you wrote and do not take my CC responsibility less than it is meant; it is to protect and defend family/people safely.  I totally agree  about the level of continued classes and like you, I have taken many classes and will continue to do so.  Thank-you for being bold and saying what you did. I appreciate your thoughts.  I do.

[grayelky]

We can train and become proficient with our weapons and manual of arms. We can learn the law and rehearse different scenarios in our minds until we could teach the subject. Until the time comes to pull the trigger, the only way to know for certain s to be placed in one of those situations. I am a retired LEO, with 28 years. I never had to fire my weapon. I did, on 2 different occasions give someone the option of finding out if I could actually shoot a person. Both times, they chose to not call my bluff. Good thing for them, cause, at the time, it was no bluff. I don't think. At least, I felt for sure they were about to get shot, but we will not know for sure, cause they chose wisely.

Knowing the laws, and having confidence in your weapon and your ability will go a long way towards being able to actually pull he trigger.

[cwlongshot]

I think he is using the mini to give the "coup de grace" not as his hunting gun.  Unfortunate he failed to kill so many deer outright.  More range time required.

EXACTLY... and I did NOT say they where my deer.

NOT hunting with the NAA, and its NOT bull.

CW

[PugNStuff]

Maybe it has been discussed on here before but I wonder why NAA doesn't make a 3" MM or Black Widow?

[boone123]

If it comes down to a me or them, it has to be them. Any less would be a poor tradeoff.

[grayelky]

Maybe it has been discussed on here before but I wonder why NAA doesn't make a 3" MM or Black Widow?

I don't recall a 3" MM or BW coming up. Of course I could have missed it. I'm sure they would sell some, don't know if it would be financially feasible. If Sandy made an early bird offering, I'd buy a couple, maybe 3, depending on the checkbook.

The MM is on my "to get" list, but it is not at the top.

[NOTL21]

Perhaps I am more pragmatic than I should be but I consider carrying a relief should an "oh shit" moment occur.  If you have ever been in a car and know you are going to be in an accident, that is similar to what I am referring to... is my seatbelt on, will my airbag work, will I live...these thoughts are after...I know he is going to stop...I think I can get in the other lane.

To me, similarly, having a firearm as a tool to consider provides a broader array of options.  While none of us wish to be in an "oh shit" situation...the hair raising on the neck feeling of danger (did I hear someone behind me in the alley, why did I walk on this street tonight when there are 3 scary looking dudes hanging out, why am I driving in this neighborhood when someone bumps you from behind to make you leave your vehicle) what do you do when it happens?  Should I run and can I outrun him, are there any stores open I can go into, should I drive to the nearest police station are supplemented with another solution.

Will any of us shoot first and ask questions later?  I doubt it.  Will the firearm give us an edge when we most need it...maybe.

The survival instinct is very strong and protecting our loved ones is even stronger.  The very fact that we consider these issues and heighten our awareness and possibly avoid these scenarios due to situational awareness, moves us up a limb or two on the survival tree perhaps just out of reach of the ever growing number of predators.

You can always choose not to pull the trigger on the firearm you have with you rather than rue the fact your safe is full of defense weapons and safe queens when you need them the most!  Carry responsibly and with confidence my friends.  Predators can spot weakness and rarely attack a possible threat.  IF they do, you may be able to provide the predator with their own "oh shit" moment.

[Uncle_Lee]

Maybe it has been discussed on here before but I wonder why NAA doesn't make a 3" MM or Black Widow?

Call it the "Black Master".

Wait a minute we already have one of those in Washington, DC....

[Uncle_Lee]

"Perhaps I am more pragmatic than I should be but I consider carrying a relief should an "oh crap" moment occur.  If you have ever been in a car and know you are going to be in an accident, that is similar to what I am referring to... is my seatbelt on, will my airbag work, will I live...these thoughts are after...I know he is going to stop...I think I can get in the other lane."


All my wrecks were well before air bags and seat belts.
Well, a couple after seat belts.

[Paulgl32]

Pug 22 mag is always in my left cargo pocket at work (with Glock 26 or 29 iwb)
Never used as primary

[bleak_window]

I like the idea of a 3" Black Widow.  Theoretically it would increase velocity by 200 - 300 fps compared to the 2" BW.  I would buy one.  Maybe they could make a limited run of them.   

[Goldsmithy]

I am a survivor. I will do anything necessary to protect myself and my family. I have devoted enough time with accessing the weapon I happen to be carrying, aim and shooting it, to have confidence in them. My first plan of attack is to run away as fast as possible (dis-engage the situation) and my next plan is to .............. It will happen so fast, it will be reactional...and I hope God protects me.

[OV-1D]

  I feel I have one up on everyone around me because I figure them to be guilty till they prove me wrong  , so in other words my radar is always going even in church . It is tiring but that's what sleep is for at the end of the day in the house then the dogs take over . 

[Bigbird48]

I don't see any master in DC just another idiot

Maybe it has been discussed on here before but I wonder why NAA doesn't make a 3" MM or Black Widow?

Call it the "Black Master".

Wait a minute we already have one of those in Washington, DC....

[Bigbird48]

Gezzz Uncle Lee how bad a driver are you ? ::)How many wrecks have you had?

"Perhaps I am more pragmatic than I should be but I consider carrying a relief should an "oh crap" moment occur.  If you have ever been in a car and know you are going to be in an accident, that is similar to what I am referring to... is my seatbelt on, will my airbag work, will I live...these thoughts are after...I know he is going to stop...I think I can get in the other lane."


All my wrecks were well before air bags and seat belts.
Well, a couple after seat belts.

[Bigbird48]

Running away is not an option for me, If confronted I have to stand my ground.

I am a survivor. I will do anything necessary to protect myself and my family. I have devoted enough time with accessing the weapon I happen to be carrying, aim and shooting it, to have confidence in them. My first plan of attack is to run away as fast as possible (dis-engage the situation) and my next plan is to .............. It will happen so fast, it will be reactional...and I hope God protects me.

[Bigbird48]

I'm with you OV.... I just said running away was not an option for me. But being constantly aware of whats going on around you will almost always let you avoid a bad situation.Park in well lit areas close to the entrance  of were your going, don't walk down that back alley , cross the street to avoid that group of teens. Just always have the radar going and you can avoid and that's better then having to run.

  I feel I have one up on everyone around me because I figure them to be guilty till they prove me wrong  , so in other words my radar is always going even in church . It is tiring but that's what sleep is for at the end of the day in the house then the dogs take over . 

[OV-1D]

Oh yea my running days are long gone that's for sure . I'm with Unc_Lee with those knees except I need mine done but can't afford the time down . Ain't it a shame you work HARD all your life and can't afford to rest when your way up in age , I'm stuck in that twilight zone with Social Security and retirement . Hows that saying go " a body in motion tends to say in motion "that's me , I dare not stop for fear of restart . OUCH that hurts ........ what  ..................... everything  . So don't piss us old guys off by being as*holes were just looking to take it out on somebody . Besides killing some jackas* is a plus by going to jail for affordable healthcare and avoiding taxes with all the other perks .

[Dinadan]

SNIP
There is so much more to all of this than being able to shoot well and having the "right" handgun available.  It's the head part that I am still working on.  Would I freeze-up and in what circumstances could I act to save a life by taking another.  I think about these things more than the other parts of self defense.

We can train and become proficient with our weapons and manual of arms. We can learn the law and rehearse different scenarios in our minds until we could teach the subject. Until the time comes to pull the trigger, the only way to know for certain s to be placed in one of those situations. I am a retired LEO, with 28 years. I never had to fire my weapon. I did, on 2 different occasions give someone the option of finding out if I could actually shoot a person. Both times, they chose to not call my bluff. Good thing for them, cause, at the time, it was no bluff. I don't think. At least, I felt for sure they were about to get shot, but we will not know for sure, cause they chose wisely.

Knowing the laws, and having confidence in your weapon and your ability will go a long way towards being able to actually pull he trigger.

I think that Auburn brings up an important point about carrying for self defense. Will a person pull the trigger and take another person's life even if it is the only way to save his own? And I agree with Gray that you just will never be sure until it happens.

I have never been in that situation and I hope I never am. But I will make a suggestion for those who have never done any boxing or martial arts. Enroll in some kind of class where you do contact hand to hand training. I think that walking into a ring and actually fighting someone can be a revelation for anyone who has never done it. It was for me, and I was middle aged when I did it the first time. I do not like hurting anyone so it was hard for me to really go for the win. But when the bell rings and someone is kicking and punching me with no intention of stopping for two minutes - that is an attitude changer. It definitely gave me a feeling for combat that I never had before. And I am just talking about a neighborhood martial arts school, not some kind of mystic super training. And of course, aside from the mental aspect, with a little luck you will learn how to throw a decent punch!

[OV-1D]

  AH Grasshopper I see you bought a mini ! I have a Black Widow myself said the sensei but check out my Kimber 45 Ultra Light with the laser grip . 

[OLD and GRUMPY]

Sort of in the same not so speedy boat as you guys. Can still turn it on in short bursts but recovery time is long. Refer back to the topic when we talked about a "stout cane" for defense. They can look cool and do a lot of damage with a little practice.Also pass security check points.It would not be PC to take a old mans cane.