New member looking to buy his first mini revolver

[Bernie707]

I've been considering a NAA .22 min revolver and hope to buy one soon. I saw this forum and thought I'd join. I live in California so the only legal model options are the .22 LR and the .22 MS, both with the 1.25" barrel only. From research and several videos on its unique loading method I know they are a well made gun and they're a gun you can always carry due to their size. I plan to add it to my concealed carry permit.

I'm leaning towards the LR model and adding the folding holster grip to double as a pocket holster and handgrip since it appears to make it easier to shoot. Any advice from other owners is welcome and when I get it I might have questions. Thanks.

[smokeless joe]

First off welcome Bernie. Too bad you live in commiefornia and your choices are limited. I'd make my first choice a magnum or if you can find a conversion model that would be ideal. Best of both worlds. Shoot cheap with the lr ammo and carry the magnum for a little more punch. I've got one of the folding grips but didn't keep it on very long. Just wasn't comfortable for me but that doesn't mean you might not like it. Whatever you choose let us know and throw up some pics. We all love the pictures.

Oh yeah. Be patient thru the probation period. It's only 15 posts and then you're home free.

[Warthog]

Welcome Bernie707!!

Well, that is a good choice, that was one of the very first NAA Minis I bought way back when well....

So, will you carry it or is this just for range and a little woods shooting?  Pix o mine below, it should be clickable so it gets easier to see....old picture, I have a few more now but haven't much felt like carrying them out to take a new picture.

[grayelky]

First, Welcome!

If this will be a carry gun, I suggest you locate the ballistics charts on NAA's web site and compare the LR to the mag, out of the 1 1/8 barrel. The magnum does have more velocity. Hornady Critical Defense and Speer God Dots are both formulated for a 2" barrel. While their velocity is about the same, the muzzle flash is far less than the rest of the market.

As to the holster grip, many on here love it, I'm just not one of them. I also don't like clips on my pocket knives, for what that is worth......🤪

Hang around, and when those next questions come up, feel free to ask. Someone on here will answer it for you.

[Bernie707]

Re: "So, will you carry it or is this just for range and a little woods shooting?" The goal is to carry it, even though I just bought a Kahr CW9 for that purpose. But the appeal of the LR mini is that I can carry it always - like I carry my wallet, cell phone and keys. I don't leave the house without them. I I'm thinking it would be my "always gun." I'm new to concealed carry so maybe I'm hedging my bet on what I'll carry. I don't think any gun I would use in a defensive situation would be used at a distance of over 15 feet, and probably 10 feet or under. I handled my first NAA mini - the 22 magnum, today and I think I'd prefer the 22 LR due to my "always carry" criteria. I think the sound of a round being fired into the ground or into the air (if truly threatened) from a 22 mini would be a pretty good deterrent to a bad guy, especially if the barrel is then pointed at him with the hammer cocked.

That's my thinking at this point. It will be a few weeks before I get one.

[Uncle_Lee]

Welcome bernie707,
You will be happy with ever mini you start with. There will be more along the way.

[billmeek]

If you can't purchase the combo, I would suggest the Magnum.  You can always send the pistol back to NAA to have a 22LR cylinder timed to fit. 

[OV-1D]

Welcome Bernie707!!

Well, that is a good choice, that was one of the very first NAA Minis I bought way back when well....

So, will you carry it or is this just for range and a little woods shooting?  Pix o mine below, it should be clickable so it gets easier to see....old picture, I have a few more now but haven't much felt like carrying them out to take a new picture.

   Warty hows that laser holding up on that short , mine broke downand I sent it off to the manufacturer and they sent a grip laser back because they were not making or fixing the rail mount anymore . I remember the batteries kept dying out even from just sitting nd that just started to happen all of a sudden ..

[top dog]

Bernie,
Welcome to the forum.  You must be a very rare breed in Kalifornia to have a carry permit!!!!!

I am sure that you will be happy with what ever NAA mini you choose.

Let us know about which one you decide on and how the range session went.

                                                                             Top Dog

[Ruger]

Welcome Bernie to the Forum!! Glad to have you! don't be a lurker; reload and come up to the firing line often.  We need to hear your opinions, concerns, likes, etc.  And of course we need your pictures!! So welcome to the Forum; the greatest gun forum on the net.

[Uncle Fatso]

Welcome, Bernie!
I'm of the opinion that the folding grip is too slow and cumbersome for rapid access in a self-defense situation.
And that a warning shot is not a good idea, either, for a number of reasons. I'm surprised that your handgun permit instructor didn't go over the problems, both legal and tactical, with a warning shot.  But, I'll admit that I am unfamiliar with the permit process and firearms laws in Ca.

[Warthog]

I see the dilemma, CA's odd laws do seem to make getting what would actually be best for you impossible.

The Magnum is one that is best in this situation IMO.

[Bernie707]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes, guys! My first question is does the cumbersome posting process go away after 15 posts? Guessing upper or low case letters is sometimes difficult and I have to try a couple times and once I double posted something. I've been a member of several forums over the years and if you're approved after the first post it's easy to post. 15 posts is excessive IMO. Okay I'm done complaining.

To respond to some of your welcome posts, Warthog, that's an impressive collection. You prove the point I've often noticed that these minis can be addictive. As to Uncle Fatso (your words, not mine😊) you're right that a warning shot is not a great idea. Believe me I'm not a guy looking to brandish a gun. What I meant was that I would really try to avoid shooting someone for conscience sake and I would prefer the possible blowback from firing into the ground or air than the legal blowback from shooting and possibly killing someone. I should have left that comment out.

As to the rarity of conceal permits in CA, Top Dog, they probably are rare - statewide. I live in a rural part of the state where they're less rare if you have a clean record and are willing to shell out about $300 in permit fees and the required training.

Again, thanks for the welcome guys.

I'll give some more thought to the magnum over the LR, but I handled the magnum and would like something a little lighter if it's going to be in my pocket. But I'm not 100% on that.

[WyoShooter]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes, guys! My first question is does the cumbersome posting process go away after 15 posts?

Yes.   

[Warthog]

Once you get past 15 posts it get easier to post.  No more Capcha to ID what pix have a bike or a car or sign in them anymore.

[Mr.Mini]

Welcome!

[gfb46]

Welcome Bernie, sorry to hear you are living in CA, or should I say existing in CA.  My initial choice was the Sheriff combination with 22lr/22Mag cylinders.  I realized the barrel length was just a little too long for my comfort so after having the length shorten at the local gunsmith it went bye bye and I purchased the Sidewinder (much easier to load).  In the process of owning the two different NAA's I went through a collection of holsters and grips.  Now I think, just think, mind you, that I'm happy with the two combinations I use to carry every where I go.  I never leave the house without my NAA.  The cheap black leather inside the wast NAA leather holster is best when you just want to clip it on to the shorts or jeans you have on with a tee shirt for cover.  If wearing a shirt that has enough extra room as to not "print" you are carrying OWB, then go with the "Desert Gun Leather", best holster in my opinion out there.  Just my thoughts.  Oh yea, Speer Gold Dot makes a round for the short barrel 22's in LR and Mag. Welcome to the NAA family.

[boots]

Hello and welcome Bernie.  I carry every day and always have my Black Hawk then something else. I have both cylinders but carry the mag with Critical Defense loads. It has been very effective on garden pest and Rabid raccoons. I look on my NAA mini as my Swiss Army revolver.

[Bernie707]

I look on my NAA mini as my Swiss Army revolver.

Well said.

[kevdonahue]

Hi Bernie, and a belated WELCOME! 
I'm a recent escapee from Kalifornia, and now a proud Texan!  Best move I ever made!! 
Concerning your options for NAA products in CA, it is true that only the 22LR and 22 Mag with 1 1/8 inch barrels are on California's list of approved handgun.  However, there are a few loopholes that allow for purchase of a single action revolvers not on the "approved List".  I purchased a 4" Earl with a conversion cylinder back there a few years ago in 2011, citing this exemption.  Exemption was as follows:
A: This exemption applies to a revolver that requires the hammer to be manually cocked by hand before each shot. The revolver must have a barrel at least 3" in length, an overall length of 7.5", and a cylinder that holds at least 5 rounds.
Note:  with all of the crazy new laws in effect there, this exemption may no longer be in effect, but it's worth checking! 
Whatever you select, be safe & have lots of fun with your new NAA! 
Kevin

[OV-1D]

  Bernie any one would be a great one only because they will start backing up in the safe , ha ha . Mini-Master is a good choice to start off the collection , then ,then ,then ,then ,then ,then , etc,etc, and then just another . "PICK WISELY MY SON" . Ha Ha Ha .

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Welcome Bernie707!

The 1 1/8" Magnum Frame would be my choice (Get both cylinders! it's worth it!) but the Long Rifle Frame gun is a fine choice as well!

The "Tuck-able" IWB is a style of holster I send to CA more than states.  Our Pocket Holsters are very popular there as well.

The "Folding Grips" are very popular with some folks, and not popular with others.  You have to try them to decide for yourself.  (they're not my choice of grips) 

Welcome to the Forum!

[Uncle_Lee]

AHHHHHHH
Thanks Rick.

[top dog]

Talk about quality!!!!  Super looking good!!

                                          Top Dog

[The Dawg House]

Urban survival.

[Bernie707]

Dawg House, good urban survival stuff as long as the Jack Daniels and the mini 22 aren't used simultaneously.🤪

[OV-1D]

Welcome Bernie707!

The 1 1/8" Magnum Frame would be my choice (Get both cylinders! it's worth it!) but the Long Rifle Frame gun is a fine choice as well!

The "Tuck-able" IWB is a style of holster I send to CA more than states.  Our Pocket Holsters are very popular there as well.

The "Folding Grips" are very popular with some folks, and not popular with others.  You have to try them to decide for yourself.  (they're not my choice of grips) 

Welcome to the Forum!

  Rick just what happened to those magnum cartridges you have in that pic ?

[Rick_Jorgenson]

Welcome Bernie707!

The 1 1/8" Magnum Frame would be my choice (Get both cylinders! it's worth it!) but the Long Rifle Frame gun is a fine choice as well!

The "Tuck-able" IWB is a style of holster I send to CA more than states.  Our Pocket Holsters are very popular there as well.

The "Folding Grips" are very popular with some folks, and not popular with others.  You have to try them to decide for yourself.  (they're not my choice of grips) 

Welcome to the Forum!

  Rick just what happened to those magnum cartridges you have in that pic ?

What?            They fit perfectly!  lol!!!   

Those were my "Dummy Shells"

I pulled the lead out, emptied the gun powder and used my awl to set off the primer then replaced the bullet.

One day I was putting a little to much "gentle" pressure (with a rawhide mallet) on the .22mag shells to stretch finesse the leather to my twisted will the desired shape!  I decided I may want to "neutralize" them before they did it to me.

I put those in the wet leather to mold shell loops or the shell snap pocket on the pocket holsters.

A couple weeks ago I found .22mag "Snap Caps" so I bought 2 packs and retired those.

[OV-1D]

  Good idea at first I thought you were running low on ammo and using rejects , ha .  And yeah I hate when live ammo comes alive at an inapporiate time .

[bearcatter]

Might consider using prettier ammo in a display photo....

[Bigbird48]

Might consider using prettier ammo in a display photo....

Naa The beat up rounds give the picture character, rough cowboy image leave the beat up cartridges  

[Rick_Jorgenson]

  Good idea at first I thought you were running low on ammo and using rejects , ha .  And yeah I hate when live ammo comes alive at an inapporiate time .

No OV, not low on ammo.  I buy 4 or 5 hundred rounds at the Gun Show every time I'm there.  .22Mag, .22lr, & .22 Short  I'm getting quite a stock pile going since I rarely go shooting!

" And yeah I hate when live ammo comes alive at an inapporiate time . "  Like when I'm HAMMERING on it! lol!! 

Sometimes I do things before my brain catches up to stop me! lol! 

Might consider using prettier ammo in a display photo....

Yea, those do look a little "rough"  or is it "rustic"? lol! 

Might consider using prettier ammo in a display photo....

Naa The beat up rounds give the picture character, rough cowboy image leave the beat up cartridges  

"NAA Revolvers.... The "Rough & Tumble Revolvers that Won the West"!!!  I like it BigBird!

[riadat]

Re: "So, will you carry it or is this just for range and a little woods shooting?" The goal is to carry it, even though I just bought a Kahr CW9 for that purpose. But the appeal of the LR mini is that I can carry it always - like I carry my wallet, cell phone and keys. I don't leave the house without them. I I'm thinking it would be my "always gun." I'm new to concealed carry so maybe I'm hedging my bet on what I'll carry. I don't think any gun I would use in a defensive situation would be used at a distance of over 15 feet, and probably 10 feet or under. I handled my first NAA mini - the 22 magnum, today and I think I'd prefer the 22 LR due to my "always carry" criteria. I think the sound of a round being fired into the ground or into the air (if truly threatened) from a 22 mini would be a pretty good deterrent to a bad guy, especially if the barrel is then pointed at him with the hammer cocked.

That's my thinking at this point. It will be a few weeks before I get one.

I would not advise any warning shots.  Example-- you warn someone they leave.  1 minute later they are back with the shotgun from the trunk of their car. 

[OV-1D]

  Besides warning shots are unlawful in every state I think . ;(

[Honky Tonk Man]

They're illegal here. It's like brandishing.  Besides, if you only have 5 rounds, and they are .22LR to boot; I wouldn't want to waste any of them.