Alternatives to the NAA mini-revolver

[XnaV80]

I have one, i'm in IL so i can't carry. But i have mine loaded w/ 5 Aguilla SSS 60 grainers. I was impressed with the extra 20 grains punching a hole completly through a 3" phone book. Yes it was shot out of my 10/22 and i'm positive the barrel length did 80% of it, never the less, i was still impressed. So don't count the "noisy cricket" out yet.

 

[VacuumJockey]

Charter Arms has a variant called the Dixie Derringer. The name is a bit misleading; it carries 5 rounds, like the NAA.

(I have no idea how it shoots, but I thought I'd mention it.)

 

[Joe Demko]

NAA offers what they call "boot grips" for their revolvers. These wooden stocks change the profile of the grip from a birdshead to a more conventional single action revolver shape. They do not notably decrease concealability while dramatically increasing pointability and ease of cocking. I have a set on a .22 magnum mini. sm's points cover anything else I might add and then some. Y'all would do well to listen to him.

 

[fletcher]

I purchased one for the following reasons:
-At $200, the price was hard to beat (included both the .22 LR and .22 magnum cylinders)
-I needed a pocket carry, and was tight on $ (see above price)
-Any gun is better than no gun
-I knew that it would be for shooting at near-contact distances

That being said, it was my always carry for two years until I could purchase a Kel-Tec P32. The NAA is still smaller.

I especially like it for places where it is illegal to carry,



Damn brother, don't believe I'd a told that

That's when we say "That's what I carry when I'm not carrying."

 

[WeedWhacker]

I know that this thread is 6 months old, but I just have to say that I thought this was an EXCELLENT point. OC is designed to incapacitate through blinding, primarily, and the other reactions in the sinuses. It would seem that snakeshot should do the same thing only with FAR superior results. Basically, the NAA can be used like an OC on steriods. I like

Damn well better talk to your lawyer before actually trying to use lethal force (NAA) in a situation not worthy of it, with a maimed person resulting (however well deserving) to boot.

"Stick to the 40-grain solids."

 

[weisse52]

I have one to use as a BUG. But it is also what I carry when I cannot carry the G19.

22 Mag Solids, Yes I know it is a small gun, yes I know it is hard to shoot.

But as it has been repeated to death.

22 Mag in pocket is better than anything left at home.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Alternatives?

The OP wasn't asking about alternative guns but hey, if you're thinking alternatives, you might as well cover the bases.

In that spirit . . .

There's always the Beretta 3032 Tomcat (.32 ACP), tip-up barrel auto.

Closed:

Open:

Very compact. Centerfire. And starting to get into acceptable self-defense power territory.

Ammo in the 60 grain range. Of course, their MSRP is in the $375-to-$450 range, and some may find that tight, but the question didn't specify cheaper alternatives.

And, of course, there are a couple of Kel-tec pistols in this same size range, the P3AT and PF9.

With those available, and given their affordability, I think I'd have trouble convincing myself that I wanted to carry a rimfire.

BTW, in speaking with someone who's carried and fired the NAA in .22 WMR, I got the distinct impression that this round is awfully loud fired from a short pistol. Louder than (in his words) the .32 ACP from a small pistol.

I'd be interested in hearing confirmation of that.

You guys that shoot the NAA, what's the "loudness quotient?"

 

[WeedWhacker]

Regarding the relative loudness of .22WMR compared to .22LR out of a 2" NAA mini revolver, the difference is trivial with earplugs.

I know that the majority of self-defense uses don't allow for time enough to use hearing protection, but I'm not willing to risk my ears until then.

 

[goon]

A .22 LR will punch right through the side of an SUV. I know because I had an AD with one when I was about 14 (yes, I was stupid and lucky and deserved to have my @$$ kicked hard).

Having said that, I positively would not want to be shot a couple times with an NAA .22 MAG. It would probably kill me.
They are a little unimpressive on paper but that doesn't mean that they aren't vastly superior to many other options.

And the idea with the shotshells - I kind of like it. I think loading one shotshell as your first round might not be a terrible idea. I would allow you to fire for the face. It probably wouldn't "incapacitate" your attacker but I don't think he'd find it easy to squint down the sights at you after that either. It would create a gunfight where you can see and he can't.
Who has the better chance of leaving that one without leaking from any holes?