This looks interesting- what do you guys (and gals) think?

[chaim]

Hmm, maybe I'm just getting odd since there aren't that many new handguns available in Maryland anymore but I am considering the NAA "Companion". It is the mini-revolver, available in either the .22lr or .22mag frame but in a blackpowder gun. Am I nuts to be thinking about buying this? Here is a link for some info.

Does anyone own one? How fun are they to shoot? How do they hold up? Is there anyplace else other than NAA to buy the .22 cal bullets?

I am thinking about it in general as it seems like an interesting novelty but it got me thinking. Would this be ok as a backup CCW gun (when in a state that allows it of course)? Would anyone here be willing to use it in such a manner? If so, would you think either frame would be ok or would you only go with the .22mag frame? Or, do you think it is only good as a fun novelty?

 

[Iggy]

I had one 30 years ago

I had one in .22 rimfire, I don't know if they still make the cartridge models now or not.

They are so small that you can't get a grip on them.. trigger finger and one on the grip is it.


They are a cute conversation piece and well made but that's it..

I don't know about recoil with the black powder versions but the cartridge ones hurt to shoot.

You couldn't hit a barn standing inside it..Even a 22 L.R. hurt your hand and .22 Mag was out of the question.. I am not recoil sensitive.. I carried a 41 mag as a duty weapon for 25 years.


Follow up shots would be virtually impossible due to the ergonomics of the gun not to mention the fouling concerns..

It would not have enough power to penetrate a light jacket and would really make the guy you shot dammed mad!!

I can't reccommend it for anything but sheer novelty..

Regards,
Iggy

 

[Topgun]

That lil cutie looks like what would be called a "gun" in name only.

I can't think of ONE realistic USE for it other than to circumvent laws regarding no waiting period on blackpowder guns.

I would not even THINK about defending my life with a 30 gr round ball.

 

[chaim]

I would not even THINK about defending my life with a 30 gr round ball.

The bullets aren't shaped like the blackpowder round ball ammo, they are shaped like .22lr lead round nose ammo. The bullet itself probably isn't much different from the 30 gr LRN ammo you find in .22lr cartridges. No, it isn't ideal, but how many people rely on .22lr and .22mag for their secondary (and occasionally primary) firearm.

It would not have enough power to penetrate a light jacket and would really make the guy you shot dammed mad!!

I don't know, it is a light bullet so it might not need that much powder to get a decent velocity and I'm sure the magnum cylinder would do it. At least it would probably get the velocity and power of the .22short NAA mini-revolver. Especially with the new cleaner powders that are pretty efficient I think it should be ok.


That said, within moments of posting I thought a little more about it and if I got one it would only be a novelty. No way would I carry one. Two reasons:
1)As unreliable as rimfire is considered, it is a major improvement over the ignition of a blackpowder revolver.
2)I seem to remember hearing something about blackpowder being more sensitive to static electricity than cartridge firearms and that it is very important to guard against a static discharge. Hmm, sitting in your pocket with the cloth in your pocket rubbing together as you walk...How big a static charge will that develop? It just might be capable of ruining one's day

 

[Standing Wolf]

Definitely cute, but not my idea of enough gun; on the proverbial "other hand," you could touch off a round and hide in the smoke.