Tell me about your experiences with the NNA Guardian
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I've owned the .380. I shot a few boxes of ammo through it. When shooting it bear in mind that the next round in the magazine is the case ejector. I have been told that the last round can stovepipe, although it did not occur for me. It was a bit heavy and the reason I sold it was that the triggerguard beat the heck out of my trigger finger when firing and the CT lasergrips for it would not mount in a stable manner. I now own a not recommended P3AT. 
bergmen
Member.
I've had a .32 ACP Guardian for several years. It is in the back of my safe right now collecting dust for several reasons:
1) It is brutal to shoot. It has sharp, nasty recoil and beats up my hand to the point of limiting my practice sessions earlier than any other handgun I own.
2) The sights are 100% completely worthless.
3) For the first several hundred rounds, reliability was an issue. At least once per magazine a FTF, FTE, stovepipe or other jam occured. This seems to have improved since it jams much less frequently now.
4) There is no slide lock of any type. As a result it is impossible to set this gun down or hand it to someone in a clearly disabled state. I will not own another firearm that cannot be visibly disabled (for the sake of safety).
5) Since there is no slide lock, there is no indication of "last shot fired". The manual states that the gun must not be dry fired or damage may result. In this case, I had to load a "snap cap" as the first one in the mag (last round chambered) for practice sessions. .32ACP snap caps can be tough to find (ours were).
6) Ammo is very expensive, at least twice what I pay for 9mm defensive rounds. For such a pipsqueak caliber I hate paying that much for dinky ammo.
Reliabilty concerns, lack of decent sights for self defense aiming accuracy, lack of slide stop, brutal recoil all of these points have relegated it to decommisioned status.
The only reason I still have it is it could make a handy pocket gun for around the farm if I need a dinky gun. I have never pulled it out for that use, however. The wife sold hers, I may do the same someday.
Dan
dogtown tom
Member
Reasons to Pass on a NAA Guardian??????
-Heavy as a boat anchor.
-If you pocket carry it will cause your pants to sag to one side.
-Recoil from this straight blowback semi auto is a beast. For me it was the most unpleasant gun I've ever fired.
-Trigger pull is so heavy it's considered a safety feature.
I sold my Guardian a week after getting a Kahr CW9...lighter AND a 9mm.
I would NEVER recommend Guardian to anyone. It WAS a reliable, well built firearm, but there are much better choices for a pocket .380 auto.
-Heavy as a boat anchor.
-If you pocket carry it will cause your pants to sag to one side.
-Recoil from this straight blowback semi auto is a beast. For me it was the most unpleasant gun I've ever fired.
-Trigger pull is so heavy it's considered a safety feature.
I sold my Guardian a week after getting a Kahr CW9...lighter AND a 9mm.
I would NEVER recommend Guardian to anyone. It WAS a reliable, well built firearm, but there are much better choices for a pocket .380 auto.
Shot a friend's a few times. It was chambered in .32. I found it to be a solid little pistol. As others mentioned it is heavier than the latest and lightest plastics du jour, but I loved the feel of it. It is quite compact. The small sight picture is to be expected for the pistol's purpose (still accurate). No slide catch as mentioned in anothers post, but it is not necessary as this is a duty gun. Reminds me of the old Colts that were chambered in .25 but with more power. I would carry one.
MICHAEL T
Member
All of the above weights about as much as a snub 38 and hurts to shoot. Trigger is heavy . Lot of money to be disappointed . I now have 5 of the no interested KelTecs. in family wife and daughters have the 3 P-32 I have the 380 and bought a PF-9 1of month. All work fine and have from very first day.
My dealer finely put the NAA he has on the punch board. $1 a punch as no one want to pay the price of it new.
My dealer finely put the NAA he has on the punch board. $1 a punch as no one want to pay the price of it new.
Nushif
Member
Had one in .380 once.
While mechanically a pretty good gun, I just could not get used to it and ended up selling it. My grip was off, my trigger pull was off ... The gun just did not suit me.
While mechanically a pretty good gun, I just could not get used to it and ended up selling it. My grip was off, my trigger pull was off ... The gun just did not suit me.
PRM
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Naa .32
While it may not be the gun for everyone ~ I've had mine for 7 years now and have been very pleased with the gun. Mine is a .32 and personally, I like the smaller profile of the .32 over the .380 in this gun.
1. Heavy??? Its 13.5 ounces unloaded. compared to 22.58 ounces for my S&W J frame or 23 ounces for my .32 Walther PP.
2. Sights 100% completely worthless??? Although not a target pistol or one I would expect good results with at 25 yards. At 7 yards and in I have always been able to get fist size (4 inch) groups with mine. Sometimes I use the sights ~ sometimes not. The gun does what it was designed to do.
3. I've also found the recoil in the .32 caliber to be manageable. The NAA and the Seecamp are comparable in this area.
4. Wideners has Privi Partisan .32 Ammo for $10.50 per box of 50, or $120.00 per 600 round sealed packs. Pretty cheap shooting for factory center fire ammo.
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8886&dir=18|829|894
5. Mine has never had a problem with reliability. I did break a Drawbar Spring once, but had another one from NAA in two days and was an easy fix.
Most of the time you will find me carrying either my Walther or S&W Model 60, but there are days when the little NAA is the best fit for what I am doing. I use an Uncle Mikes pocket holster with mine and have found it carries well and is not bad for printing in the pocket. The stainless steel construction is a big plus for pocket carry during the summer.
The gun was designed for close range self defense. Its DAO and does not have safeties other than the dedicated trigger pull ~ what else would you expect for its design. Not a lot of difference than a DAO revolver. The lack of a slide stop has also been mentioned. OK, I can pull the slide to the rear to check the chamber or better, check the viewing port on the top of the gun (loaded chamber indicator). It's a cut out between the top of the slide and barrel.
While not for everybody ~ the NAA is an affordable well built pocket pistol. Depending on individual preference, you will either like it or not.
While it may not be the gun for everyone ~ I've had mine for 7 years now and have been very pleased with the gun. Mine is a .32 and personally, I like the smaller profile of the .32 over the .380 in this gun.
1. Heavy??? Its 13.5 ounces unloaded. compared to 22.58 ounces for my S&W J frame or 23 ounces for my .32 Walther PP.
2. Sights 100% completely worthless??? Although not a target pistol or one I would expect good results with at 25 yards. At 7 yards and in I have always been able to get fist size (4 inch) groups with mine. Sometimes I use the sights ~ sometimes not. The gun does what it was designed to do.
3. I've also found the recoil in the .32 caliber to be manageable. The NAA and the Seecamp are comparable in this area.
4. Wideners has Privi Partisan .32 Ammo for $10.50 per box of 50, or $120.00 per 600 round sealed packs. Pretty cheap shooting for factory center fire ammo.
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8886&dir=18|829|894
5. Mine has never had a problem with reliability. I did break a Drawbar Spring once, but had another one from NAA in two days and was an easy fix.
Most of the time you will find me carrying either my Walther or S&W Model 60, but there are days when the little NAA is the best fit for what I am doing. I use an Uncle Mikes pocket holster with mine and have found it carries well and is not bad for printing in the pocket. The stainless steel construction is a big plus for pocket carry during the summer.
The gun was designed for close range self defense. Its DAO and does not have safeties other than the dedicated trigger pull ~ what else would you expect for its design. Not a lot of difference than a DAO revolver. The lack of a slide stop has also been mentioned. OK, I can pull the slide to the rear to check the chamber or better, check the viewing port on the top of the gun (loaded chamber indicator). It's a cut out between the top of the slide and barrel.
While not for everybody ~ the NAA is an affordable well built pocket pistol. Depending on individual preference, you will either like it or not.
pockets
Member
My NAA .32acp Guardian is pretty and looks very cool on the pistol rack. That is where it has been for the past couple of years. I own dozens of pocket pistols and my Guardian is near the bottom as a carry choice. I'm happy to have one....mostly because now I know what they are like firsthand. Same reason I own an NAA mini-revolver (very cute, but it doesn't get carried either).
I'd recommend that you borrow or rent one and shoot 50-100 rounds out of it before you buy.
I know you don't want to hear it, but the NAA does nothing better than the Kel-Tec (or it's clones). The NAA holds fewer rounds, has a weird grip angle, usually has lower velocity with equal rounds due to the fixed barrel (vs locked breech), it has a horrible trigger (look at your blistered fingers after 30 rounds), weighs too much for what it is, uses the top cartridge in the mag as an 'ejector'......I could continue, but you get the point.
While I don't think Kel-Tecs and their clones are 'lovely' at all...this is one of those times when 'pretty is as pretty does'.
.
I'd recommend that you borrow or rent one and shoot 50-100 rounds out of it before you buy.
I know you don't want to hear it, but the NAA does nothing better than the Kel-Tec (or it's clones). The NAA holds fewer rounds, has a weird grip angle, usually has lower velocity with equal rounds due to the fixed barrel (vs locked breech), it has a horrible trigger (look at your blistered fingers after 30 rounds), weighs too much for what it is, uses the top cartridge in the mag as an 'ejector'......I could continue, but you get the point.
While I don't think Kel-Tecs and their clones are 'lovely' at all...this is one of those times when 'pretty is as pretty does'.
.
Vonderek
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I have one in .32 for many years. I carry it often and fire it very little.
A few points:
1) Mine was completely unreliable when I got it. NAA customer was very helpful and initially sent me new mags. That didn't help and I had to send the gun back to the factory where they did a lot of ramp work to get it to work. While I give kudos to the company for standing by their product, no gun that doesn't work should ever make it out of the factory to a dealer's shelf.
2) Sights. Yes they are worthless but in my opinion sights are superfluous for a gun of this class. This is an up-close-and-personal gun designed for contact distant encounters, not target shooting.
3) I have not found the recoil or trigger to be bad as others have mentioned.
4) Yes it is heavy for its class. It is all-steel and the only plastic parts on it are the grip panels. I don't find its weight objectionable in a proper holster in my hip pocket.
5) Ammo. I have only tried a few brands in it. It will feed Gold Dots but will absolutely not work with S&B FMJ.
A few points:
1) Mine was completely unreliable when I got it. NAA customer was very helpful and initially sent me new mags. That didn't help and I had to send the gun back to the factory where they did a lot of ramp work to get it to work. While I give kudos to the company for standing by their product, no gun that doesn't work should ever make it out of the factory to a dealer's shelf.
2) Sights. Yes they are worthless but in my opinion sights are superfluous for a gun of this class. This is an up-close-and-personal gun designed for contact distant encounters, not target shooting.
3) I have not found the recoil or trigger to be bad as others have mentioned.
4) Yes it is heavy for its class. It is all-steel and the only plastic parts on it are the grip panels. I don't find its weight objectionable in a proper holster in my hip pocket.
5) Ammo. I have only tried a few brands in it. It will feed Gold Dots but will absolutely not work with S&B FMJ.
bigfatdave
Member
dogguy said:
N.A.A = North American Arms
NNA = nyan nyancat arms?
And what's a "Kel-Tech"? Is someone making knock-offs of Kel Tec?
I have the NAA in .32acp, the Mrs liked it, desided she wanted one for pocket carry and I went along thinking it was better than purse carrying her XD9sc. In the end, she doesn't carry it on-body, so it was a waste of money.
It is a nice little gun mechanically, the lack of lock-open isn't that bad and you'd just train to slap in a fresh magazine and rack the slide after any malfunction ... which will clear thet empty if it is in the gun and load a fresh round. Of course, it is obviously designed for the "only steel gunz" fetishists, because my Kel Tec is superior in every way.
lighter
smaller
thinner
more ammo
better trigger
more comfortable grip
less snaggy (but still visible) sights
easier mag changes
less recoil
more reliable
easier to clean
easier to maintain
I suggest you try shooting both the NAA and Kel-Tec offerings ... running at least 100 rounds through each, alternating between guns and not wearing gloves.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
I'm another .32ACP owner of the NAA Guardian. I've owned it for about 2-1/2 years and I got it because at the time, .380 ACP ammo was all but non-existent on store shelves.
While .32ACP ammo sold at local guns stores was 2 to 2.5 times what it should have cost, online retailers had it priced the same as 9mm.
My experiences are like the others. It is not fun to shoot and gives paper plate sized groups at best from 7 yards. However, it is a small pistol that will fit in pants that won't take my snubnose revolver. I still carry it when I have to, because it works if fired as if you are "angry", if you can practice "angry". If you relax just a bit while firing, the gun will have a misfeed at least once per magazine.
The worst ammo in my Guardian is the truncated FMJ Winchester. It is a jam-o-matic. The best functioning ammo in my pistol is Fiocchi FMJ and S&B FMJ.
When the Guardians came out years ago, the selection of poly pocket pistols weren't so numerous. If I were purchasing a new pocket gun today, I'd get a poly framed .380 instead unless I just had to have a metal gun. The Ruger LCP in comparison is uber reliable and an easier shooter compared to my Guardian.
While .32ACP ammo sold at local guns stores was 2 to 2.5 times what it should have cost, online retailers had it priced the same as 9mm.
My experiences are like the others. It is not fun to shoot and gives paper plate sized groups at best from 7 yards. However, it is a small pistol that will fit in pants that won't take my snubnose revolver. I still carry it when I have to, because it works if fired as if you are "angry", if you can practice "angry". If you relax just a bit while firing, the gun will have a misfeed at least once per magazine.
The worst ammo in my Guardian is the truncated FMJ Winchester. It is a jam-o-matic. The best functioning ammo in my pistol is Fiocchi FMJ and S&B FMJ.
When the Guardians came out years ago, the selection of poly pocket pistols weren't so numerous. If I were purchasing a new pocket gun today, I'd get a poly framed .380 instead unless I just had to have a metal gun. The Ruger LCP in comparison is uber reliable and an easier shooter compared to my Guardian.
PRM
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NAA Guardian Sights
I use the sights on mine at times ~ but at the distance the gun was designed for they are not critical to its effectiveness. They are not enough of a snag factor to justify the cost in my opinion taking off.
I agree with your statement, especially in an SD situation.
One of the popular options with this gun is the "meltdown". Sights removed and sharp edges 'de-horned".
http://www.naaminis.com/pix/NAA_Catalog.pdf
If you like the Guardian and just have to have better sights ~ there are options.
I use the sights on mine at times ~ but at the distance the gun was designed for they are not critical to its effectiveness. They are not enough of a snag factor to justify the cost in my opinion taking off.
I agree with your statement, especially in an SD situation.
One of the popular options with this gun is the "meltdown". Sights removed and sharp edges 'de-horned".
http://www.naaminis.com/pix/NAA_Catalog.pdf
If you like the Guardian and just have to have better sights ~ there are options.
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harmon rabb
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if you hate polymer, buy a sig 238 and get pleasant recoil, real sights, and a non crappy trigger.
Nushif
Member
You do know that the NAA is steel, right?
X-Rap
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I have the propriatary 32NAA and it sets in a safe and my kel tec sits in my pocket. I reload for 380 so that makes some difference but the weight of the Guardian in comparison is the deal maker for me.
The Guardian is a well made gun and aside from having the trigger return spring break (which was quickly replaced at no charge) I have no complaints.
The Guardian is a well made gun and aside from having the trigger return spring break (which was quickly replaced at no charge) I have no complaints.
"N.A.A = North American Arms
NNA = nyan nyancat arms?
And what's a "Kel-Tech"? Is someone making knock-offs of Kel Tec?"
Thanks for observing my limited typing technique and spelling ability, bigfatdave.
However, it is apparent that I did communicate my question since you did provide an answer. Thanks for that too.
NNA = nyan nyancat arms?
And what's a "Kel-Tech"? Is someone making knock-offs of Kel Tec?"
Thanks for observing my limited typing technique and spelling ability, bigfatdave.
However, it is apparent that I did communicate my question since you did provide an answer. Thanks for that too.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
The only downside there is not everyone wants to use a cocked and locked single action trigger in a last ditch pocket gun.
Beautifully made little guns though.
harmon rabb
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I know. I originally avoided the 238 for quite some time due to just this fact. However, once I fired one, it was all over. The difference in trigger, sights, and felt recoil is that large over the others.
Yes, what I was doing was giving what I think is a better choice in a steel gun (the sig 238HD is all steel).
There is also a metal (not sure if steel or aluminum) version of the Kahr PM9 out there. Probably hard to find though.
bigfatdave
Member
You're welcome.
I forgot two things in that answer, by the way
1 - the Kel-Tec P32 is cheaper and easier to find magazines for
2 - if you were in NW Ohio, I'd offer up my two pocket-rockets for comparison testing at my range ... you're seriously overlooking the much more advanced design of the KT version, the difference between a straight blowback and a modified-browning locked-breech design alone makes enough difference that the Kel Tec is the superior gun for the intended purpose of a pocket .32 or .380
harmon rabb
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How about having an ejector too? That also helps
bigfatdave
Member
oh, it helps, but what I'm saying, as someone who owns and shoots both guns is this:
If everything but the recoil system and weight were equal, the KT would still be the superior gun.
And I like NAA as a company, I htink they make cool stuff and take fairly good care of their customers ... but KT just has a better design, because they didn't stick to the outdated template NAA used.
Oh, and the KT is easier to work the slide on, too - better gripping surfaces and less spring pressure because of the more modern locked-breech design
... which might matter someday if you're injured or otherwise at reduced hand strength and need to chamber a round, clear a malfunction, or reload from empty.
If everything but the recoil system and weight were equal, the KT would still be the superior gun.
And I like NAA as a company, I htink they make cool stuff and take fairly good care of their customers ... but KT just has a better design, because they didn't stick to the outdated template NAA used.
Oh, and the KT is easier to work the slide on, too - better gripping surfaces and less spring pressure because of the more modern locked-breech design
... which might matter someday if you're injured or otherwise at reduced hand strength and need to chamber a round, clear a malfunction, or reload from empty.
gpr
Member
if you have your heart set on naa...take a look at mpa protector, half the cost...gary
benderx4
Member
I was also a NAA Guardian owner in .380. Brutal to shoot, VERY heavy, but also very reliable.
I traded it away and got myself a Seecamp LWS32 - happy as a clam now!
I traded it away and got myself a Seecamp LWS32 - happy as a clam now!
itsallgood
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I owned a 32 cal Guardian for years and carried it in a pager pal holster. Easy to conceal but a bit heavy. very well made and easy to control. Accurate point and shoot to about 10-15 yards. At this point, I wish I had not sold it as they are not on the communist black mail importation lis in California. It did stove pipe the last case ejected sometimes, but the slide doesn't lock back anyway, so I would just slap in a new mag and rack the slide anyway. It was alot less expensive then the Kahr P380 I have now, but I love my little P380.
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