NAA Mini .22LR, will it save my life?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all!

I've wanted a North American Arms (NAA) mini revolver in .22LR for several years now. Well, Monday night I found myself in the Cabelas near Kansas City, and they had the .22LR version with 1 1/8" bbl for a good price. I was itching to get a new gun, so snagged it right then and there. Here it is:



I do have to say, this thing is SMALL. It has about the same profile as a Bic lighter when in the pocket, and I've carried it all week and it's just a joy. I've shot it twice at the range. Quite tricky to get the hang of shooting it, but I'm getting the technique down and managed about a 2" group at 3 yards today. Not much, but I consider this gun to be a last ditch back up gun or to stick in the pocket when walking to the mailbox etc. etc.

I've done some ballistic research on this weapon, and found this very interesting ballistics gel test on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyR1K92pyq4

In short, CCI 36 grain mini-mag hollow points made it about 12" in the gel and was the best performer. I'm going to hunt for some of this ammo, as this gun is going to be part of my EDC load out... it's so small there's really no reason not to!

But, will it save my life if I need it to?

I know the gun has low stopping power, and is difficult to shoot well, but as a last ditch gun how do you think it would do? Would you carry this gun for defense? Should I just leave it back home, or can these little mini revolvers actually be effective in a self defense shooting of last resort?

Looking forward to the replies, thanks so much!

 

[Twiki357]

I hope you got a speed loader for it. Seriously, if you want an inconspicuous holster for it, check out cell phone cases.

 

[jrod]

Just stick it in the eye of thing that's trying to take your life and let 'er rip!

 

[rcmodel]

Sure it will if you can master shooting it quickly from the bottom of your pocket change.

Cock it coming out, Stick it up the bad guys nostril or eye socket and pull.

It will at least make him wish he had got a real job instead of mugging people.
And he will no longer be worried about you.

He will be worried about himself.
If he is still able to wonder about anything.

rc

 

[Swing]

But, will it save my life if I need it to?

It certainly could. Or it couldn't. It is, you know, a tiny single-action, 5-shot wheelgun in .22. A well-made one, to be sure, but still.

In all honesty ... get a small automatic (.32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9mm Luger) or a small, double action revolver (.32 Magnum, .38 Spl) and call it good.

 

[mnrivrat]

I have been thinking of one of these myself. I wouldn't personaly worry too much about how effective it may or may not be given all the variables that can take place if I had to use it.
I would just be happy I had it to help .
Not a choice I would make for a primary gun, but for back up, or for times when the primary isnt handy. Why not.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Someone once mentioned these kind of guns as being like a foot-long slender Phillips head screwdriver that could be stabbed up to the hilt with a pull of the trigger, five times.

Not sure if that's accurate or not. I don't want to be hit with this thing, but I don't want to get hit with a paintball either. Keep 'em coming guys, what do you think of these mini revolvers for defense?

 

[mnrivrat]

I once seen a guy take a rushing bull chipmonk with one of these. Impressive one shot kill !

There has been a number of past threads regarding using a .22 rimfire for self defense. Some back research will help you with information . Most would not recommend the cartridge be used for SD and there is certainly reasons why they are not as desirable as other choices .

That said, there are also stories of folks who used them to stop a threat with success. Shot location is one key issue. So is having a gun to begin with, as many threats end when a gun becomes visable.

Most all agree that it's better than harsh words, or a sharp stick.

 

[CajunBass]

No...but YOU might be able to USE IT save your life.

 

[bottom shelf]

and managed about a 2" group at 3 yards today

That's some mighty fine shootin' with that thing. I have the 22short and don't think I could do a 12" group at 3 yards. I'd love to chronograph it, but am afraid I'd shoot my chrono.

Concerning self defense with it, be aware that follow up shots would be very difficult. These things are not easy to cock, and if it had to be done with one hand would be very slow, or you risk dropping it. Next time at the range, try to draw and fire it with one hand. Or even two hands but then two shots. It's definitely not confidence building!

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I like them, yes better options are out there. Used to carry mine a lot when I was working around snake filled woods since it would handle snake shot. I would also think a face full of snake shot, while not stopping someone, sure will slow them down!

Quik Shot may be worth a look for it.

I prefer the 22MAG version as a back up these days. Carries well in my back pocket.

 

[bikerdoc]

I bought one for the wife to use when dressed up and concealing her 357 snub or 38 is not possible.
It is what it is, a "get off me" gun to be used in a secondary or tertiery role. Training with it and for using it is important.
In a close up situation eyes, mouth, and throat are great targets to stop a threat. I will say that her situation awareness goes way up when that is the only gun she has on.
Me, I use a small 380 for those times a bigger gun is difficult to conceal.
Bottom line is it is just anther tool in the tool box.

 

[HexHead]

Nobody wants to be shot....with anything.

 

[PRM]

I grew up in a farming community in the 60s. We used 22s for just about everything shooting related. I hunted rabbits, squirrels and ground hogs on a regular basis with a .22. It killed stock predators and put a lot of sausage and ham in the freezer. I don't have any issues with the caliber being able to do what it needs too.

One of my everyday guns is the NAA Black Widow in .22 Mag/.22LR. I opted for the Black Widow because of the bigger magnum frame, over sized grips, 2 inch heavy barrel and enhanced sights. Regardless of anything else I might have on or around me - my NAA is an ALWAYS pocket gun.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I have the Magnum frame model also, it has a larger grip that is easier to hold than the small frame mini. I have since added a LaserLyte grip that makes it easier to hit where I want, especially in low light situations. I can hit 2 to 3 inch groups at 7 yards.

I think it all depends are how determined your attacker is, but I would not want to get hit with any .22 and the loud bark and muzzle flash are also a deterrent.

 

[jmorris]

Would have saved this mans life.

http://www.weather.com/news/news/port-arthur-man-heat-exhaustion-death-dog-trapped-car

I carry mine when I can't carry something better, not that often.

 

[dogrunner]

Carried one for way over twenty years as a leo......considered the thing my ultimate last ditch backup piece.

Read Joe Wambaugth's "The Onion Field" for that last ditch perspective.......that said you ought to consider the things as 'eyeball' guns.........jam it in and touch it off is guaranteed to get results.

Incidentally, I killed a deer with mine.........fellow shot the thing, sat his rifle down and began to dress same when it began to object....he was sitting on it trying to hold it down & I contact shot it behind the ear.........DRT!!


By the way, you can hide that LR version in a cigarette pack and that is just why I opted for it rather than the larger mag. version.

 

[Milkmaster]

I roll with this in my pocket when larger is not an option. It stays in my motorcycle vest when riding.

 

[weblance]

I have the same model, the 22 LR only, small frame, small grip. I have found it quite accurate once you know where it shoots. I hold the grip with my right thumb, and index finger, because thats all you can get a purchase with. I cock the hammer with my left thumb, and pull the trigger with my left index finger.

They are a fun little revolver, that could save the day, when all else fails.

 

[camper]

I have three of the magnum models with the PUG and Sidewinder carried most when I can't carry anything else.

 

[MCgunner]

I carry mine as an also gun, have been carrying it for near 30 years now, my constant companion. Since I finally was able to legally carry in 1996 thanks to GW who signed the CHL bill queen Ann Richards vetoed, I've carried the gun as an also gun, BUG if you will, to a .38 or 9mm. I carry it in my weak side pocket figuring if I was struggling with the BG using my right arm, my left was free, I could pull the NAA and screw it in his ear. At the least, it'd bruise his ear drum and distract him.

I've killed all manor of vermin over the years with my mini, even taken some rabbits of opportunity with it out to 40-50 feet or so. I could NOT hold the thing with the parrot's beak grip, so I put a folding grip on mine many years ago and am well practiced with it. The gun is picky on ammo. If it don't like what you're feeding it, it'll hit over there one shot, over here the next, MIGHT hit paper if you're 10 feet from it. With Federal Lighting 550 bulk pack, mine will hold 7" groups at 25 yards, not bad for the pathetic sights. I filed the front sight down to POI on it many years ago for Federal stuff. Penetration is a bit of a disappointment with the short barrel. It's okay for what I use it for, I feel, but I sure wouldn't want it as a primary gun anymore. When I need something this concealable, I have a .22 magnum Black Widow in a folding grip. That one shoots 3.5" groups dead to POA at 25 yards with Hornady Critical Defense .22 magnum which is made for defensive use. This gun has real sights on it, Novaks, which help a lot with the 25 yard groups. Too, with the 2" barrel on this one, sight radius ain't that much shorter than your typical J frame snubby.

I really don't like carrying less than .38 special or 9x19 +P now days since I can carry legally and am not in peril if I get caught carrying by the law. The Black Widow is a bit heavier than my old .22LR 1 5/8" , so I still carry the older gun as an also gun. No telling how many rounds I've fired through it. It's still as accurate and tight as ever. You need to practice with these things if you're going to rely on them for ANYthing. They're not easy to learn to shoot well, but they are capable if the shooter is. Last thing I shot with mine was a possum on the back porch eating my cat's food. Before that, I was sitting in my box blind out in the woods back of my house hunting deer when a swamp rabbit came hopping along and stopped about 40 feet from the blind. I had nothing else appropriate, so pulled out the little NAA, settled the front sight over a rest on the rabbit, and dropped him in his tracks. That ain't the first rabbit I've notched on this gun, either. It's a handy little toot to have on ya when you need it. I've head shot numerous snakes with it, too, no rat shot necessary. These guns ain't the inaccurate POSs some would lead you to believe. Just because some folks don't have the skills to shoot 'em nor the patience to acquire said skills don't mean the gun isn't capable, just the shooter isn't. These guns are not easy to master, so just be aware. Had I not gone with the folding grip and persisted, I'd probably have given up, too, and decided they were impossible.

 

[Zendude]

Of course a 22lr can be an effective self defense cartridge. Larger calibers can be more effective, but getting shot with a gun will, in my opinion, likely make someone stop doing whatever it is they are doing, which is the primary goal of a self defense weapon. Will it always work? Who knows? But it can turn the odds in your favor.

 

[Iron Sight]

I took out a Chronograph with one.

 

[Haywood]

Here is my 22Mag. I carry it as a third gun or in my pajamas.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks guys!

I've been carrying the gun every single day since I got it. It sits right next to my wallet in my front strong side pocket. I just bought some CCI mini-mag 36 grain hollow points (see my above video link) as my carry ammo in this gun.