NAA Revolvers

wildenout

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I have always had an inexplicable crush on Derringers, and small pocket guns since I can remember. I believe it all started when I bought the capgun version of them at Disney World back in the day. I bought a Cobra Arms 9mm about a year ago, and sold it since it felt as if my hand had been slapped by a horse after each shot (though I could hit stuff with it!) Recently purchased another Cobra in .22lr and so far so good, despite the ammo shortage.
Anywho, have been shying away from NAA since you had to remove the cylinder to load and unload and it always felt like a pain. Saw they have the sidewinder out now and I handled it at the shot show, seems nice! Haven't been able to shoot one ever though.
Does anyone have any experience with them? Not just the sidewinder per say, but the pug, or any other? How are they? Are they worth the extra $$? Handling? Durability? Etc.
Thanks all!
 
attn wildenout

Hi Wild. Got that same itch. Can't get excited about a long bbld revolver, but a snub or derringer immediately catches my eye. I own a NAA 1" .22LR and have shot the 1" .22Mag. They're OK withing their limits as hideouts, pure and simple. Many LEOs carry one, not as a backup, but as a 3rd gun and lifesaving tool. IMO, they're too small for use as intimidation objects.

Ballistics (listed on the NAA website) are way below rifle or normal handgun figures, but they are firearms and will kill or cause a serious wound. Grips are small and accuracy is limited to very short distances, despite those who will feel compelled to shoot them at 10-15 yards at a range. They're not designed for that. Bullets will not tumble, but I would limit use to spitting distances, as a last-ditch surprise.

I've handled the Sidewinder and have difficulty in opening the cylinder. Would have liked to have one when active; now it's a curiosity. I do feel they're overpriced. Much prefer a Model 342 snub or .45 American Derringer as a back-up. Hope this helps.
 
I own a 22 lr/mag combo..1 & 1/8th " bbl..
It is OK for short range, up close and personal..
I have different grip set up's..The standard ones, Pocket flip open..
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And the Magnum grips with pocket holster..
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I have the folding grip .22 mag. Very well built. It is an always with you gun. That is its best attribute. It fits in ANY pocket. Very good for what it is designed for, in your face threats.
 
I've shot a standard .22 with the regular grip. It's pretty much a one shot proposition unless you have some time. Lots of muzzle flip and rotation, and not real fast to recock. YMMV.
 
In my toughts, They are at least something you can always carry. Sure beats nothing, and I think that's their main purpose. I like em, stainless, made in usa, simple, can get the basic 22 Inch 1/8 bbl (my fav) NIB for not much for over 200 dollars. My wife loves hers, its always with her, better than a plastic fork. Regards Ernie
 
A little FYI..The older ones did not have the Half cylinder notch..New ones do have the notch, it keeps the hammer from resting on a live round..A drop safety if you will...
I know some think the open trigger, no guard, looks dangerous, but it is a single action..Hammer must be pulled back..
 
A little FYI..The older ones did not have the Half cylinder notch..New ones do have the notch, it keeps the hammer from resting on a live round..A drop safety if you will...
I know some think the open trigger, no guard, looks dangerous, but it is a single action..Hammer must be pulled back..
I believe you can send the older ones back for a retro fit cylinder with the safety notches
 
I've carried my little NAA .22 lr in my pocket for many years. It has been trouble free, fun to shoot and easy to carry, I love it.
 
I have one in .22LR that you have to remove the cyl. to load. It is something to play with once in a while. The only good thing about carrying it for defense is after you shoot someone with it they may have to go to the hospital to get the bullet removed and it will help the law find who killed you. Larry
 
If I had one, I'd probably tote it (carry it). I always thought the .32ACP Seecamp was a more viable option, and a bit more elegant, as well.

Regards,

Dave
 
If nothing else,my NAA is a real " chick magnet" at the range..
My first range visit with the pistol had women saying" I want one"..Altho, most thought it was a cigarette lighter before I shot it...Yes they all wanted to shoot it...Bring plenty of ammo if you shoot with women around..
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I may wait a year on the sidewinder to let them work out the kinks. There are always kinks with the first model of most things...definitely going to get one though.
I wouldn't be using this as a primary EDC for any reason and like kaaskop49 said I wouldn't consider using it past spitting distance haha. I think a magnum is a bit of a deterrant though don't you think? If it can kill gators ha.
 
Well, I've owned and carried a .22LR mini revolver for maybe more than 30 years or so. It has been a constant companion from day 1. Never a primary weapon, usually a 3rd. but with the exception that it was ideal while at the beach wearing bathing trunks. It fits in that little bitty inside pocket real nice. Definitely better than most anything larger for that scenario and decidedly better than nothing at all. It has it's place and it's almost like carrying pocket change. Here's mine in a pocket holster I like to call the "Surprise" package.
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Cheers;
Lefty
 
I've had one in .22 mag for years. I bought it mainly because it was interesting and could serve as a last-ditch gun if my primary and BUG weren't enough or rare times when nothing else would work...I haven't shot or carried it much. My KT P32 isn't that much bigger...Others have said "Its better than a sharp stick."...Maybe...Depends on the stick. So far as reloading, the only realistic reload under any kinda of pressure would be a New York Reload. That's an excuse to get another one!...NAA had a top-break version briefly that I would definitely get but it never came out and the Sidewinder does't interest me much...
 
I've had one in .22 mag for years. I bought it mainly because it was interesting and could serve as a last-ditch gun if my primary and BUG weren't enough or rare times when nothing else would work...I haven't shot or carried it much. My KT P32 isn't that much bigger...Others have said "Its better than a sharp stick."...Maybe...Depends on the stick. So far as reloading, the only realistic reload under any kinda of pressure would be a New York Reload. That's an excuse to get another one!...NAA had a top-break version briefly that I would definitely get but it never came out and the Sidewinder does't interest me much...

Well, now you got me thinking about a NY Reload for two mini revolvers, Ha, ha, something to do in my old age. Would make a nice pair with 2 1911 autos, dontcha' think?

Best to you;
Lefty
 
I have carried a NAA .22 magnum for years. It is the 'back-up surprise' piece.
It rides in a pocket holster I call my 'give-me-your' wallet.
I have broken the main spring twice, and the company was quick with a replacement.
I have a spare and a spare ratchet pawl spring now.
I did hammer the little bugger a few(many) times, and the main spring gave up. The pawl spring escaped (flew across the room) during the technical intervention period, so I ordered a new one. Then I dragged a big magnet around and found the 'lost' one. (read: JEEZIS! spring)
 
I have a Sidewinder and really enjoy it! I got to handle one at the NRA Convention and soon after bought one. I had been waiting for NAA to come out with such a revolver.

I bought the .22 Magnum gun and being a lefty, it's really perfect for me. It shoots well too. It's a backup to the backup.

kaaskop49,
I had a little trouble too when I was first handling the revolver. It gets getter fast with some use and practice...plus the gun breaks in as you cycle it.

litenlarry,
Heck, and all these years I thought puppies & guitars were chick magnets! ;-)

Bob
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I have a Pug, wife has a Black Widow. Both of these have decent sights and can actually hit something like a head at 7 yards. We carry Hornady Critical Defense JHPs in them. or times when you need to have something small, REALLY small, to carry...
 
I have a Sidewinder and really enjoy it! I got to handle one at the NRA Convention and soon after bought one. I had been waiting for NAA to come out with such a revolver.

I bought the .22 Magnum gun and being a lefty, it's really perfect for me. It shoots well too. It's a backup to the backup.


Bob
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That is one nice looking gun
 
Hi:
I had a .22LR and and .22 Mag. I was planning on returning both to have a lanyard ring installed on the butts to wear around the neck like a necklace for "Deep Cover". BUT like so many of my plans, I never did.
 

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