Before I bought my Bond Arms, I packed this North American Arms 5 shot 22 Mag. I still do pack it once in a while, because it is the most concealable firearm made. It slips in any pocket. The little holster also has a pouch that holds 5 more bullets. A 22 Mag hollow point is bad as and almost equal to a 38 wadcutter. Also shoots rat shot. Had this one 30 years.

Pap

That's my EDC Mike. Great little gun.

A clone. Micro Might in .22Mag.

Pappy,
I have 7 of the NAA good gadgets.
They are made like fine Swiss watches and the company has a customer service that is pretty much second to none.

Currently I have a Black Widow (22 mag w/extra 22lr cylinder) in a IWB holster. That is pretty much my EDC.

Wayne

If I have to choose ONE of these, which is my best EDC? (Considering weight, size, firepower.)

Well I wouldn't want to get shot with any, I think a .22Mag placed properly would be the most destructive to tissue with mass fragments.
A .380 on the other hand might penetrate further and cause a single wound channel but might not have similar devastating effects.

Steve,
It boils down to personal taste,they will all put you down.
It's a matter of shot placement.2 in the chest and 1 in the head
will do the trick.I do a Sig P238 in 380 and S&W 351C in 22mag.
Just depends on the day of the week.Good luck with your choice.
The best gun is the one you have with you!!!!!

Steve,
Like he said!!!

I favor the NAA series and the closest to my heart is the original 22lr mini. I purchased one when they first came out.
This was with at all times as my third gun on me when on patrol.

I don't know how many folks I had stopped and "interviewed" with this good gadget in the palm of my hand in case things went very badly.


About 15 yrs ago,after I pumped iron,I would go out and run a mile.

This one afternoon,as I just started from my home,I heard the ominous sounds of dog nails on the pavement. I turned in time to see a rather large Pit Bull coming my way.

He was growling and snapping at me and false charging me with each charge getting closer.


I started walking backwards,facing him towards my house but as I got closer,I figured that when I turned to open the door, that would be the time when he would connect.


Just at that time,he made what I figured would be a full attack so I took out my Mini 22lr and fired one shot into the ground AWAY from the dog.

He stopped mid charge and turned tail and ran away.

I never saw the dog in the area again.

That is the beauty of that little gem,it is always with you.


No matter what your choice is,I know it will be the best for you.

Wayne

The beauty of the NAA is it can slip into any pocket and still not be an obvious firearm. With 5 shots you can fend off an attack with a couple of shots and still have 3 more left. Even the smallest version for a regular 22 is better than nothing, but I still prefer the 22 mag hollowpoint.


Pap

Pappy,
In the July '97 issue of Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement an officer fro the Murphysboro PD,TN wrote a nice informative article about the NAA Minis.

He mentioned that the magnum would have been preferred but the 22lr version was easier to conceal.

And yes,the Magnum would probably be the way to go.

Wayne

Thanks for all of your advice and comments.
I had been leaning toward the tiny Kahr .380 in an ankle holster, but now I'm going to look more closely at the NAA's.

Steve,

I have three or four small carries on my desk by the door. 90% of the time, I grab the NAA. Its in a little "Sticky: brand pocket holster. No matter how light the clothing, it disappears. Everything else now feels bulky for walking around town.

I have a 22 mag Sidewinder.

I had a Keltek 380 for a while, but that thing was too brutal to shoot. My grandson Brad has the Glock 42 in 380 and it is way more comfortable to shoot, but still not close being as concealable as the NAA, and, shooting the 22 mag is not bad at all.

Pap

Holz,
I will try to steer you in the direction of the NAA Minis.

But I have to warn you,get one and soon they tend to "multiply".


I have 7 of those good gadgets including one of the first 32 acp Guardians.

If you get one of the magnums,may I suggest a PUG? Get one with a second 22lr cylinder so you may practice often with the less expensive ammo.


If you have a very rare problem with it,the factory customer service is excellent and the turn around is very quick.

Trust me on this,the NAA will probably you always EDC no matter what.

Wayne

I like that!
= = = = = = = =

The new top break appeals to me, but will go look at both.
= = = = = = = =

I tried out one of those (the .32 model). It didn’t feel right in my hand.
= = = = = = = =

Second cylinder is a good idea. Seems like the top break would be easier to load and quicker to reload…

Holz,
The top break would be easier to reload.

Reminds me of the H&R revolvers of years gone by.

I wonder if HKS has a speed loader for it???

Wayne

Holz,

I will be interested to hear which NAA Mini you choose. That is the hard part as the are all very good.

When you practice,use true self defense ranges which in my opinion are far less that 10 feet.

Some years back,NYPD did a ten year study on over 6,000 shootings (that number is correct!!).

They concluded that none required a reload,virtually all were less than 21 ft with the vast majority at 10 ft and less (about 3 ft).



My forty years as an LEO basically agrees with those figures and a gun presented,regardless of caliber/size usually ended the encounter w/o bloodshed.


Wayne

Advice from experience is appreciated!
Thanks

Steve,
The break top is super sweet.It took us about 4 months to get one in the store.I think they are now allocated.I have handled every NAA ever made over the last 21 years of working in a gun store.
That ended Saturday June 30th when I retired.Good luck in your quest!!!

Billy,
First,the best to you on your retirement!!

When you were working at the store,was their usually a demand for the NAA series??

A friend of mine works in a store out in Ohio and says that they do not stay long on the shelf.

The 22lr,original mini is by far,the most popular.

Wayne

Wayne
Thanks
They always moved real well.The problem was being able to get
them.Some of the distributors we used didn't carry them and the
others couldn't them.Last year and half has been difficult .We
started calling it the Trump Slump.He's good for the USA but not for gun sales.

Durn Billy, congratulations on your retirement, my friend! What now?

Just another option for EDC. I've carried for 20+ years & truly feel naked without. Tip-up barrell, 7 shot & ready for action &/or safe as you want to carry.

Duke.
I plan to visit the Randall shop and museum.Go to Tulsa gun and knife show in November.Get back into hunting and shooting again.
Work on my 83 chevy step side.Do as much as the money will let me!!

Hey Billy,

I have been to the Randall Shop and the Tulsa Show in the past year.

They are both a MUST!!!

I also want to go to the Blade Show. It just always falls on the same weekend as all of the Graduations.

Good Luck! You earned it!

Allll of these are LOOONG over due, but especially # 1. CAN NOT wait till you get down here!

Duke,
That Beretta,is it in 22lr or 25acp?? The design is tried and true for years and years.

Coach,
I have been going to BLADE for the past 20 yrs. It is a must do event for me.

I arrive on the Friday morning at about 0600 hrs and the next thing I know,it is Monday morning.

The real show is in The Pit each evening.

Wayne

Wayne, I pine every year over missing Blade. But being an educator and staying on all these kids’ butts about doing good in school, I’m kinda obligated.

One of my cousins was valedictorian this year. He has done a bunch of work for me out here on my place. I could not have missed his speech and he did not disappoint.

It’s something like that every year.

I'll likely be there again this year.

Every trip, I end up going home with at least one knife off of the Captain's table. Funny how that works.

Wayne, the Beretta pictured is the .22LR I bought 25+ years ago. I bought 2 more 5 or 6 years ago at an auction; 1 each of the .22 & .25 cal. NIB. I bought them for the gun make/model/design vs. the caliber. You cannot beat the palm sized .45 cal. design in such an easy carry, familiar design. The best EDC defensive gun is "the one that you shoot, WILL carry & have on you." Four-five fast shots, still leaving you 3 in reserve absolutely will get someone's attention. One of these (her choice) will be one of the 3 that will go with my daughter in a month when she moves 1000+ miles away.
Billy, I'd like to offer my non-expert assistance as you ease back into hunting & shooting. I have my Blue Ridge farm woods and 1000 yard (+) range as a good place to pursue your quest. My back/spine has retired me & I've added those 2 pursuits as part of my own retirement plan. Certainly the gun, knife museum & shows you list are on my own list as well.
What a retirement plan!!!

Duke,
I am sure that your daughter will be well prepared with one of those good gadgets.

Coach,
Yes,you basically have an obligation at the graduations. Maybe someday????

I just saw an add from NAA where they have a new model out called The Shadow which looks like a 22lr Mini that has a block finish and rubber grips.

Wayne

Steve,
Yep,that's it.

Now I need another one of those like another hole in the head but....…………………….

I see that the other night in Dallas a young mother shot some jerk that tried to carjack her car with her two little boys in it.

I wonder if she used a mini?? No details in the news about what she used.

Wayne

My Pugz... all 3 are diminutive and destructive... ;-)

Properly trained.....

James,
Now those pooches look sweet. You should buy another NAA PUG so they both could pack heat!!!

They don't need a permit,the dog license covers that!!!

I presume that you pack the PUG when walking the dogs??

We are over run with coyotes in my area,with more than 6 attacks and three dogs being killed and three more seriously injured.

All in residential areas.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne.

I actually just received the NAA Pug yesterday as a gift from a good friend. Yes my intention is to carry it when I walk the pugz... along with the Tomahawk I have been carrying.

Coyotes are not a problem here yet...but stray aggressive Huskies are.

Cute pugz. They look like all the protection you need.

I packed my NAA 22mag all day today in my Browning short sleeved shirt pocket. To the Olive Garden, the doctor, the store, gas station and Post Office. No one knew and I almost forgot it was there.

Pap

Mike, Just an FYI. concealed carry inside a P.O. is a No No in all 50 states.

Unless they catch you. Lol. At our little PO, if you thwarted a problem, you would be a hero and Idaho Federal Court wouldn't even prosecute. In Idaho, I'm not concerned no matter.
Pap

Pappy,
I think you said "to the PO" and not in it.

I pack all the time. Better to be tried by 12 instead of carried by 6.

The beauty of the NAA minis is that they can be with you at all times.

Of course,nay sayers would say that the caliber is not effective,but I doubt if anyone really wants to get shot by anything.

Wayne

It's been a few years ago, but one of the gun mags did some comparisons of balistics and mushrooming, and the 22mag hollowpoint was rated with some of the lower velocity .38's. Lucille packed a High Standard 22mag derringer for years in her purse. The NAA is a precision made firearm for sure.

Pap

Pappy,
You are right about that.

Take a look at back in '81 when the clown shot Pres. Reagan with a POS revolver with 22lr ammo.

In less than a few seconds he had numerous folks injured....seriously.

My first "derringer" was a High Standard blue in 22lr. It seemed that all the blue ones were 22lr and the nickel plated ones were 22 magnum.

The NAA minis have a lot going for them.

Wayne

This thread got me looking at the NAA pistols.
I was thinking I liked the Top Break for ease of loading.
After seeing a YouTube Video showing the action opening when you were a little aggressive on the thumb pulling back the hammer and trying one, I decided the Sidewinder was the way to go. https://youtu.be/F8ifuCTIWrA
I did find a YouTube Video that indicates that the short barrel does not allow the hollow points to reach the "expansion threshold" for full effect. https://youtu.be/eB-vaGV8wy0
Oh well.
I just got one transferred to me and I will do some comparisons of .22LR, .22WMR, and .22 Snake or Rat shot after the shooting ban is lifted in my area. The ban is because of fire danger, not political tomfoolery

Looking forward to seeing your tests.

Pap

Bladesandbarrels,

I have to warn you about the NAA Minis. You get one....then they tend to "multiply"!!!

A lot of friends of mine have at least a half dozen or so of the good gadgets.

Some time back,I did a test with a NAA PUG in 22 magnum.

I placed a plastic milk jug and filled it with warm water and placed it on a sand bank.

I held the muzzle from about 2 inches from the jug and touched a magnum round off.

Instant shower!! The jug was shattered and I never did find the slug.

I would be interested to see how the results of your tests would come out.

Wayne

Wayne,
Try some jell-o or kool aid in the milk jug.
You get a better idea visually as to plain water.
Used to do that when I showed and explained to kids what a bullet
would do to an animal or person.Worked well.

Billy,
At this stage,I will sit back and watch the other folks do the tests.

Basically,close contact shots are "helped" by the expanding gases.

I had an investigation where a young lady took out a carjacker who hopped into her car. Her Detective Special loaded with the plain jane 38 spl RN was more than enough to end the fray.

Contact shot where she put the piece,firmly,into his ribs and touched one off. Incident pretty much ended right there.

Wayne

Recently a friend of mine complained that although she packed her Charter Arms 38 snubby often,she wanted to get something that she could carry always.

I showed her a NAA 22lr 1 1/8 inch bbl Mini and she was most interested.

Next week she will be at the range with me to try it out and a NAA PUG as well.

Some folks have a bit of difficulty firing the small 22 lr Minis but the somewhat larger grip of the magnum frame seems to be better for them.

As always,it is what is most comfortable for the shooter to handle is best.


According to NAA,the 22 lr original mini is still pretty much their best seller.

Wayne

Wouldn't the folding grip help?

That is my carry firearm. The extended handle does help.

Well, the gun ban at the range due to fire danger was removed and changed to Stage I.
But, the reason the fire danger was reduced is we have had heavy rain storms each day for the past 3 days. Now the range is a swamp.
I will get there sometime. Meanwhile, I will play with the dummy rounds.

The advice I have been getting on the NAA Forums is that I need a holster that covers the hammer. I am looking at a Driving Holster or a Pocket Holster with a holder for 5 spare rounds.

Looks slick but way too complicated for a SD situation. I'm sure this little guy has merits but a .410 shell loaded properly with PD would be a better first shot solution. Keeps me coming back for the BA. Way more 1st, 2nd shot options. All IMO if you will. One thing you can't argue, is these mini's can be packed and hidden easily; give it that.

I have the top holster and go anywhere with it tucked in any pants pocket or shirt pocket. Don't want any straps to unsnap. Fits tight enough that it isn't coming out unless I pull it out.

Pap

Holtz,
That is a very good idea and I have one of them to fit on a magnum frame.

Thank you for bringing that up,I had totally forgot I had one.

And yes,w/o the folding grip a pocket holster is mandatory for packing any of the minis.

Wayne

Well, Bruce from Swamp People makes an argument that no holster is the way to carry the pistol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPQCFLWJG1E

David,
I can see that he has a very good point there.

But I would still say that it is best have the piece in the pocket holster. Or in the case of the folding grip,that is the "holster".

I doubt if the folding grip was carried in IWB mode,it would be hard to detect to the casual observer.

Wayne

I carry mine in front pocket. It carries like a big folding knife. Almost everyone carries a folding knife clipped in front pocket in the area I live in.

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Holster-SIDEWINDER-CHART-Conceal/dp/B01N9ZJ81J

Covers the hammer..... disappears in your pocket.

That looks like the winner this week.
Ordered from Amazon.
Thank you Mitchell!

Tunefink,
I have one that is somewhat similar by Uncle Mikes.

And yes,they do disappear in the pocket.

Also some jeans have a large enough Watch Fob pocket that a 22lr mini can be readily carried in.

Wayne

I thought I would try a couple of carry alternatives for the Sidewinder.
I bought a Sticky Holster and it fit the pistol very well. I had it in my right front pocket. I had to put my left hand on the outside of the pocket when I withdrew the Sidewinder in order to hold the holster in the pocket.
I put on the Holster Grip and found that the pistol does not fit into the Sticky Holster.
So the choice seems to be either the Sticky Holster with the Standard Grips, or the Holster Grip without being able to cover the hammer.

David,

Help me understand the deployment of the folding handle. It appears cumbersome and in a stress situation difficult to master. With grips that bulky it seems that better options exist with a conventional grip/holster.

Warren,
After handling and selling them for years.The folding handle poses
a problem.Draw,unfold,cock the hammer and pull the trigger.Existing grips are better from my point of view.Thumb the hammer as you are clearing the holster and then light up the target.

Billy,

Exactly what I was thinking. Too much going on to draw, unfold, grip, cock, fire. The sequence seems cumbersome to me. YMMV.

My thoughts exactly. I had purchased a holster grip and tried it but did not like it.

For me,it seems that the standard grip works best.

Wayne

With the folding handle, I draw the pistol out of the pocket right handed, grab the frame with my left hand, pull the handle down and grasp it, then cock the hammer with my right thumb.
With the original handle, I draw the pistol out of the pocket right handed, hold down my right pocket with my left hand to prevent the holster from coming out with the pistol. Adjust my grasp to the smaller handle and cock the hammer with my right thumb.
The major difference that I notice is the folding grip gives me more of a handful and I seem to hold the pistol steadier as I cock the hammer and sight it.
A problem with the folding handle is the clip. It is so tight it catches on the seam around my pocket. I am thinking about grinding the end of the clip down so that it is smoother and doesn't catch. Right now I just let it slide into my pocket without using the clip. If that is the solution, I'll just take the clip off and maybe try to get a filler with the logo from NAA.

David,
Been doing pocket holsters for years.Here's my method.Try this and see how it works for you.Grip the handle of the gun.As you draw the
gun,press it against your leg.puts pressure on the holster and releases the gun.Leaves your left hand free.Try this slowly and then work up your speed.

David
Here is a picture of my rig with my Sig P238.The hook under the
trigger guard will catch as you draw coming out of the pocket and
you have a one handed draw.Don't remember who made this one for me.Good luck.
Billy

Thanks Billy.
I will try your technique.

Guys,

Just a thought. I have a DeSantis Nemesis holster made for a J Frame but also works for my Bond Arms derringer. If you're not familiar, the exterior has this polymer sticky material that binds to your pocket. It really does work well. This model has a removable outer flap that aids in printing through your trousers.
I haven't researched other models but maybe one will work for you. This holster is just the ticket IMO for front pocket carry.

Warren
Bro you are 100% correct.They make a great product.I never
tried or used one but sold many of those.I have a good friend
that uses one for his S&W 642.

Billy,

I did a cursory check of their website and I think many of the products are a generic fit . Don't expect to find a model specific fit for your gun.
That said,thank for the reply and I appreciate the comments from someone in the business that knows his stuff. Even retired you're still on the ball bro, lol. Sleep in tomorrow, cut the lawn Friday.

Dumb question,how long does the "sticky" work on the holster? Doesn't it get clogged with lint and fiber over time? Cleaning??

Wayne

No, it's a rubberized material. If you stretch my pic you'll have a better idea what it looks like. It remains naturally tacky.

Warren,
Thank you for the information.

The best things about pocket holsters is that they seem to work well in the front or back pocket.

For years I had a Charter Arms snubby in the cargo pocket of my uniform pants as me back up weapon.

I used a Galco pocket rig,no problems. Hardly knew the piece was there.

Wayne

Wayne,

This one couldn't care, any pocket works fine.

A friend of mine usually carries a Charter Arms snubby but with the weather being so hot and humid,she is looking for something that she would have with her always.

So,tomorrow,I will have her try out several NAA minis to see which one that she likes best.

The 22lr mini obviously is quite small and not to easy to handle due to the tiny grips,so I think the maybe a PUG or any of the magnum series with the larger grip would be a good idea.

Or a magnum with the holster grip.

Can't tell until she tries them and sees for herself.

Wayne