I'd like to think that the 1863 would be an improvement over the .22 NAA, but 47 grain round balls are not good at penetrating and that's the only choice one has in .31 caliber. If somebody would make a conical mold for .31's I'd have a different opinion, but nobody does and thus you'd have to spend big money on a custom mold.
The good thing about the NAA's bullets is that they are conical, they weigh 30 grains, and I think they'll penetrate better and hit vitals better.
Then again, the .22 and .31's shouldn't be shot at the body, they should be shot at the head and neck for maximum effectiveness. If I took a .22 or .31 to the jaw, throat, or eye, I'd stop what I was doing.
I don’t recall if the fellow who did a ballistics gel test with a Colt .31 and 50 grn ball mentioned the powder used but it did show that it penetrates 13”. Not bad. Of course a ball often creates a slightly smaller than caliber wound track but often better than what a RN creates, and even more so than the original pointy style of conicals used 150 years ago.
A custom mold can be a bit pricy. Mine was a little over $200 but that was due to having 5 cavities with 3 designs. But if this is the type of gun this fellow wants/needs to carry I’d certainly think the expense was worth it if he were to ever need it.
Another option which a fellow has done was to have his mold hollow pointed. From there he epoxied the rammer to create a pin to keep the cavity from deforming upon loading.
The one thing I don’t like about the NAA is that you have to buy their projectiles. They aren’t outrageous but also aren’t cheap and keep one from being self sufficient. A pound of reclaimed lead can cost as little as $1. That would make 116 bullets weighing 60 grns. It wouldn’t take long to recoup the equipment cost if one shoots a lot.
The idea isn't about creating expansion, it's about penetration. The issue with round balls is that they never penetrate straight if you hit bone, they're going to bounce off at a weird angle and may not hit vitals. Not saying the little NAA .22 is going to fix that, but it will do just as well and in a smaller package.I’m curious if anyone with one of these BP NAA pistols know how readily the bullets can/will expand. How soft is the lead?
If they don’t really expand anymore than a lead ball I’d certainly opt for the .31 over the .22.
Suggestion. Move. At a guess, if you have to use your hold out, BP or not, they will sink you. CC is likely a no-no BP or not.I’m a little further north...Massachusetts!
Actually I have a license to carry any legal pistol, which is basically anything other than AR/AK stuff and similar. Massachusetts is really a mixed bag when it comes to guns. In some ways we have it better than California, and there are even minor aspects that beat Texas of all places. It’s legal to own most common guns with the right license. Licensure depends on the town, which can add a lot of obstacles or be as simple as taking a course and paying for a license.Suggestion. Move. At a guess, if you have to use your hold out, BP or not, they will sink you. CC is likely a no-no BP or not.
OP stated earlier that keltec was unavailable where he is.Ok, since you have the LTC, you should look into the P32 from Kel Tec as it weighs basically the same as an NAA mini revolver. You can carry the P32 in a belly band or leg band and you'd forget it was there. Yeah, the sights are kinda crap, but it's not like the NAA sights are better. Yeah, the trigger is a heavy double action, but it's not like the NAA grip is ergonomic either.
If it's on the approved handgun roster, take a look at the P32. They're currently available from online stores and gunbroker and they tend to sell out quick. There was a lengthy period last year that they were just flat out not available online.
Actually I have a license to carry any legal pistol, which is basically anything other than AR/AK stuff and similar. Massachusetts is really a mixed bag when it comes to guns. In some ways we have it better than California, and there are even minor aspects that beat Texas of all places. It’s legal to own most common guns with the right license. Licensure depends on the town, which can add a lot of obstacles or be as simple as taking a course and paying for a license.
Black powder stuff is definitely ok, and you’d be surprised what usually happens when LTC holders defend themselves. Some get railroaded and others walk with little legal issue.
yes they sell some 22c black powder revolvers https://northamericanarms.com/product-category/firearms/cap-ball/I thought this was the BP forum, from what I am aware of the NAA is not intended to be used as a BP weapon. It shoots as I'm aware of the .22SL&LR, at meager velocities. Definitely not BP! Sorry I just couldn't resist.
Yes, there are NAA models that are BP only.I thought this was the BP forum, from what I am aware of the NAA is not intended to be used as a BP weapon. It shoots as I'm aware of the .22SL&LR, at meager velocities. Definitely not BP! Sorry I just couldn't resist.