Thinking of a Pug...

[driften]

I am thinking of getting a NAA Pug with the conversion cylinder. I really like the sights on it better then any of the other models. Not that the BW has bad sights but they don't seem as fast as XS sights. I want something for pocket carry and using in the pocket of my leather vest when I go riding. Besides I have never owned such a tiny revolver and it would just be plain fun ;)  

   

   I have a question about the slip on grip. How durable is it? I was thinking of getting a boot grip for it but might want to be switching back and forth a little. I was worried it might not like being removed and reinstalled. That said if the boot grip does not limit which pockets I put it in too much I might just stick with that. It reminds me of my single action colts and I expect it will let me have two fingers on the grip.

[bud]

You'll like the pug!

   Personally, I like the grips that come with it, but some don't.

   If your going to be switching the grips from rubber to the boot grip, you'll probably want to get the rubber cobblestone grip-for magnums.

[22man]

Driften,,,,the pug is a good choice. You may have to get your dealer to contact NAA to order a conversion pug with the LR cylinder. It's better to get the conversion cylinder upfront with the initial order imo.  

   The rubber slip on grip may tear if not carefully lubed and removed. Frequent removal is not advisable imo. Most people DO seem to like the Boot grips. I'll see about posting a pic of the pug with the boot grip installed.

[22man]

   Pug with Boot grip

   

   

   

   Pug with oversized rubber grip

[driften]

That is good to know about the grips. So its best to try and live with the standard grips first (and they look nice) since going back could require a new set if the boots don't fit smaller pockets. For pants I would not worry.. My Sig P238 fits most of my pants pockets in its pocket holster. I think the only place the boot grips might not work is in the hand pockets of my Coronado leather vest. Which is not a deal breaker.  

   

   Does the slip on grip hold up under normal use or after a lot of use do they start moving around under recoil? It seems like grips secured with a screw might be more stable.

   

   Buds has the Pug with conversion in stock. My local deal just has it listed with out for ordering. For $30 more its sure cheeper to get it with the gun then $50 plus shipping each way....

[driften]

Thanks 22man... I really like the look of the pug with the boot grip.

[Dinadan]

Driften - the Pug is my favorite for pocket carry - but you may have  

   trouble finding one with a LR cylinder. Like 22man suggested, you can

   try ordering one.  

   

   The slip on grip is tricky to get off without damaging it. Some folks seem to  

   have no problem: others, including me, have torn it even after careful lubing.  

   I left the slip on grips on for at least a year with a lot of pocket carry - no  

   problem with getting loose or slipping around.

   

   One other comment - I do not think the sights on the Pug should be the deciding  

   factor when it comes to choosing a mini revolver. I like the sights on the Pug better than  

   the sights on any other NAA revolver that I have handled. However, I am not a bit more  

   accurate with my Pug than with my Magnum Mini, which has a cosmetic front sight and  

   no rear sight at all. My point is that while I like the Pug's sights I do not  

   think they help my accuracy much. Just my opinion.

[driften]

Hmmm... Dinadan in your opinion is it worth the extra money for the pug over Magnum Mini or Wasp if its someones first NAA? The Magnum mini with conversion is about $100 less plus less hassle to get. The Wasp and Ported models are $40-$60 less.  

   

   I expect that if I like the little guys long run I will have a small collection of them but I need to start somewhere.

[Dinadan]

Driften - honestly, I would get a Magnum Mini conversion. Easy to find and  

   cheaper than a Pug. Then, once you are thoroughly hooked, you can get a Pug! I  

   would hate to have to choose between my Pug and my 1 5/8" Mini - both are fun  

   little guns. I have not handled a Wasp, but it is the same gun as the Magnum Mini  

   except for the cosmetic stuff.

[driften]

Any real difference between a 1 1/8" and the 1 5/8" models other then a 1/2"?  

   

   Thanks guys for the help

[grayelky]

Any real difference between a 1 1/8" and the 1 5/8" models other then a 1/2"?

   

   First, WELCOME to the forum.

   

   I have and carry both. My 1 5/8 is a Wasp, my 1 1/8 is a Black Jack. In my front pants pocket, I cannot tell a difference. Go with the longer barrel. It will not make a lot of difference which one you start with, as you will get more.  

   

   Just for fun, start with a 1 5/8 with the LR cylinder. I like the Wasp, because of the cosmetic differences. I prefer the standard type grips, but then, I am an exception to the rule on here regarding grips. I swapped out the pebble grain Wasp grip for a Corian grip, in part because I like the looks, in part because they are smooth and will let the gun roll in my hand. I don't care for the boot grips.

[driften]

I contacted my local deal and he can get me the white dot pug with conversion for $329 and have it on Friday. So I am going to go that way for my first NAA Revolver. I have Tritium on some of my guns and don't care that much for it.  With my old bi-focal eyes the white dot should be easy to see.  

   

   I expect if things turn out well I will add more models to the collection.... I was too late to get in on the first set of sidewinders and was stupid to not get a Ranger for the limited time they were available. I just had expected it go into full production.... I would see about ordering a case hardened model but would rather have the standard stainless steel model for better rust resistance in every day carry, but as a second one they sure are nice looking.  

   

   Grayelky the Black Jack is very cool.... I know from shooting SAA Colts and Ruger Vaqueros that smooth grips that roll in your hand are a good thing. That does not happen some with the boot grips? They seem shaped like SAA grips...

[dale_az]

I'll just add that my one and only NAA is a white dot Pug with the conversion.  I absolutely love this gun!  The accuracy is better than I expected and its tons of fun to shoot.

   

   Dale - AZ

[grayelky]

Driften-

   I don't care for the boot grips, as they just do not feel good in my hand, so they get replaced quickly. The minis do not roll like the SAA does, but it will move a little.

   

   I sent an email to Turnbull Manufacturing (the ones who do the CCH for NAA). They cautioned with the shallowness of the finish, they expect it to wear rather quickly. I have a pair of the CCH at home, in the safe, and one at the shop for sale. My plans for some time next year are to have a CCH gun made with a blued cylinder/cylinder pin. Once I get it, I will get some real Stag grips.  

   

   For quite some time I have wanted a matching gun belt/holster, etc. I will place an order in Sept. for the belt/holster/mag pouch for my Kimber 3" 1911. I am also having a pouch made for my iPhone, and a holster made for the CCH mini for those rare occasions I want to carry a "fancy Bar-B-Q" gun.

[bleak_window]

I think you'll really like the conversion Pug.  The little gun has a nice balance in the hand and the grip works very well for steady shooting - that's not always the case with the birdseye wooden grips on the standard minis.

   

   Plus, the Pug can be concealed just about anywhere.  You'll never know you're carrying it, neither will the bad guys.

[Dinadan]

Driften - Great choice. For some reason I thought it would take a lot  

   longer to get a Pug conversion by ordering it.

[22man]

if accurate,,,,,,Pug Conversion in stock, free shipping, $320

   http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_344/products_id/411550734/NAA+PUG+22MAG+CONV+DOT+ST">http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_344/products_id/411550734/NAA+PUG+22MAG+CONV+DOT+ST

[driften]

I was going to go with Buds but my local dealer at $329 with no credit card fees and and no transfer fee is cheeper. I have to pay sales tax both ways here in WA.

   

   Grayelky - I thought Turnbull did a real bone CCH not just a case color finish. I would expect that would be more then just a surface finish. Maybe the gun is still the same stainless steel as the others. Then only a case color finish would work. It takes carbon steel to get a real case hardened finish where its part of the heat treatment. Turnbull is the master of this stuff so I would follow what they say. I have a number of cowboy guns that are maybe 15 years old where the CCH has held up great but they don't get carried except in SASS matches. That is much easier then pocket carry on a finish.  Thanks for the feedback about the grips!

   

   Bleak_widow - I loved the way my Ruger LCR carried but it was not a fun gun to shoot. Controllable but not fun. Its light weight (and the pug is at least 1/2 the weight) made me forget it was there. Unlike its replacement Sig P238 with a steel frame. I know when its in my pocket. Still its lighter then my full size carry guns (HK P7/Sig P226/1911) that get added to the mix in the winter.  

   

   I think the pug will become a EDC backup to what ever I do. Heck its only a couple ounces heavier them my iPhone. Right now when I am home I lock away what ever was being carried. With the pug it will just live in my pocket.

[appliancejunk]

"I loved the way my Ruger LCR carried but it was not a fun gun to shoot. Controllable but not fun."

   

   Interesting to hear that. I was so close to buying a Ruger LCR before buying a mini.

[grayelky]

Driften-

   They explained is as the grain of the metal is so much more dense than older steel, the finish cannot penetrate like it used to. The CCH guns are suppose to be carbon steel. If you can locate a Titanium P238, you will notice a difference in the weight. Your checkbook may also notice the difference, but they are super nice.

   

   You mentioned the LCR (.38 sp) as a previous carry gun. Did you mean the LCP (.380)?

[appliancejunk]

Not sure what Driften meant, but I was thinking LCP don't know why I typed LCR, lol...

[bleak_window]

Driften, I suspect the Pug will find a permanent home in your pocket and you'll begin to think of reasons to leave your heavier guns at home, the primary reason being your increasing confidence in the abilities of the Pug and shooter.  It really is a formidable little defender and practice is rewarded - the conversion cylinder pays off big there.  If I had a choice of 2 Pugs or 1 J-frame .357 I'd have to think about it for a while.  I like redundancy, so I'd probably pick the 2 Pugs.

   

   Another cool thing about the Pug, it really is one of the few guns you can actually conceal in your hand.  There are times and places that could be a life-saving advantage.

[burncycle]

I've owned a classic 1 1/8" barreled .22 LR mini for a long time (passed down from my grandfather) and I've always thought it was enough gun to get me into trouble but probably not enough to get me out of it. It's just too small to get a good grip with one hand without it being a little awkward to aim. With two hands it's better.

   

   I've acquired an NAA pug today though... and I'll be honest, I've always wanted one because of their distinctive look more than any practical reason, but I must say it's like night and day. With the grip it comes with, I can actually get a good (one finger) hold and aim more naturally while still having a secure grip. It's much more comfortable and side by side it's not much bigger than my other. I'd be confident carrying it as a backup

[driften]

Appliancejunk - I was talking about the LCR 38sp revolver. I have never owned the LCP 380. I really liked the LCR but the recoil on the LCR was worse then shooting 45acp or 45Colt. It was controllable and I would have no problem using one for defense usage but it was not a fun range gun. The Sig P238 is gentle to shoot and accurate.  

   

   Grayelky - Yes the alloy version of the P238 would be lighter in the pocket, but in going from the LCR I went with the heavier steel version. I am happy with the decision since its a shoot all day at the range type of gun that fits in a pocket. Thanks again for the Turnbull info!

   

   I think the pug will take the place of the of an alloy P238 for a lot less money. Besides I have no problem mixing a revolver backup with a semi-auto of any type.  

   

   Bleak_Widow - Being able to hide a pug in the hand if the need comes up is part of its charm for me.

   

   Burncycle thanks for for your comments about your new pug.

[driften]

Pug grips.... I ordered a set of boot grips to try. I have made grips for a few knives and I have some nice stabilized wood, G10, and micarta that I could try and make some. How are the rubber cobblestone ones held on? I have some blackhawk grips in progress but never finished them.  

   

   I also have some Kydex that I have made knife sheaths from that I might try to make a pocket holster for the pug. Otherwise maybe pick up a leather pocket holster... any suggestions?  The ones from Concealment Holster Solutions look nice. Sometimes leather can be more comfortable then kydex.

[blue_heron]

I can definitely recommend the PUG and get the extra 22 Long Rifle cylinder.  

   

   I like the concept of this sheath-holster and ordered one. It appears to be quite versatile and will cover most carry situations.  

   

   The link: http://newtlivesayknives.com/WEAPON_NORAM-SHEATHS.htm">http://newtlivesayknives.com/WEAPON_NORAM-SHEATHS.htm  

   

   I also ordered a pocket holster from John Losey; the Pug Traditional. I always go with the KISS PRINIPLE and admire John's philosophy of functional no-nonsense holsters.  

   

   The link: http://concealmentholstersolutions.com/Home_Page.php">http://concealmentholstersolutions.com/Home_Page.php  

   

   I found these holsters from reading the recommendations from others on the message board, and I thank everyone for these fine recommendations.  

   

   I would also recommend the Tuff Product Quick Strips. They hold 10 rounds neatly and securely in a pocket or pouch and don't necessitate the removal of the holster from your pants pocket to get to the rounds secured in the sewn on ammo pouch found on some pocket holster such as the fine ones made by RKBA for example. It is all a matter of preference though; what works for me might not be your cup of tea.

   

   The link: https://www.tuffproducts.com/home.php?cat=265">https://www.tuffproducts.com/home.php?cat=265  

   

   I have no ammo preferences yet, but am leaning towards the  22 WMR 45 gr. FTX Critical Defense and the Speer Gold Dot.

   I fired twenty rounds of each today and am waiting until it gets dark to check out the muzzle flash.

   

   I'm a big fan of the CCI Stingers, a time proven round and am considering the CCI Velocitors.

[driften]

Thanks Blue_heron... The noram sheaths are very similar to what I did for some knives that worked as a neck sheath as well as belt vertical, horizontal positions, and IWB. Its common way of doing kydex.  

   

   I liked the looks of John's holsters. If good then I might go with that if I don't make my own in kydex.

   

   I have used Tuff Product Quick Strips for 38sp and was wondering if they made them for 22mag. Looks like I will be picking up more of them for the pug.

   

   Thanks!

[RogueTS1]

Yes they make them for 22 mag and also for 22 LR.

[driften]

I was expecting to pick up my new Pug today but the supplier messed up and it went out today and not Wednesday, so my dealer should get it on Wednesday since Monday is a a holiday.... oh well. At least I don't have a waiting period before taking it home.

[Black_Jack_Rackham]

I just bought a PUG and put 200rds thought it last week. Not a single failure to fire and I tested it with 5 different brands of .22mag including a half dozen CCI mini-shot shells.

   

   The factory grip fit my large hand quite well and looks like it will hold up to daily carry in a pocket holster.

   

   Enjoy your new PUG.

[blue_heron]

Initially, I chose the 32 Guardian as "my mouse" or "bug" gun for closed quarters.

   The PUG has taken its place as my small and very concealable companion.

   On the plus side, and at least for me, the PUG is much more accurate. Actually, I'm impressed with the accuracy for such a diminutive revolver.

   My Kahr PM9 with a pocket holster is as comfortable to carry as my Guardian and exceptionally accurate with the plus of being a serious caliber.

   That being said, I think I'll put the Guardian out to pasture.

   Good luck with your new PUG.

[herbcoop]

I'm looking as well but can someone tell me the differece between a NAA-PUG-DC (NAA PUG 22MAG CONV DOT ST) and a NAA PUGD(Pug Tritium 22 Mag 1" 5rd White Dot Sight Rubber Grip Stainless­­­)

   Thanks in advance

[RogueTS1]

Not sure if the conversion means it comes with a 22LR cylinder but sounds like it. The first I believe comes with XS standard dot sight while the second comes with XS tritium dot sight.

[driften]

I got the NAA-PUG-DC which is the white dot model with conversion. Its been riding in my pocket every day since the 5th when I picked it up

[Uncle_Lee]

Yes, conversion means that it comes with a 22LR cylinder.

   So you can "convert" it to a different round.

   

   http://northamericanarms.com/firearms/minis/pugs-1.html">http://northamericanarms.com/firearms/minis/pugs-1.html

   

   This will explain the stock/model numbers. Add a "C" to the end for the conversion cylinder.