Any last minute advice, NAA .32

W

Wayne D

New member
I think I’ve decided to look for a NAA .32 Guardian at the gunshow this weekend. Or maybe a .380, it depends on the size difference. I’m looking for something smaller than my model 442 for front pocket carry. What should I expect to pay and does anyone have any last words of warning or advice before I buy.

Thanks,
Wayne
 
I've been told that Kahr's MK9 and MK40 are good choices. Wouldn't you prefer the higher calibers?

As for the calibers you mentioned, there are many examples to pick from: SIG 232, Walther PPK, CZ-83, Bersa Thunder 380...to name but a few. These pistols have good track records, but only moderate stopping power as measured by Marshall & Sanow (Like who cares---just put it between BG's eyes). If you want to buy one of these concealable creampuffs, you're looking at $250 to $400.

My 2 cents.
 
Go to a gunshop that will let you dry fire a snap cap on one of these.
Both have long, hard trigger pulls.
The trigger was a real turn-off to me.
That, and feed problems caused me to get rid of my Guardian 32 after 2 or 3 trips to the factory.
If you only plan on shooting occasionally, it shouldn't be a problem.

Other than that, NAA has a great warranty, and a good service dept.
(Hope you never find out.)
 
Wayne...

There are three series of .32 Guardians--AA, AB, and AC. Try to get an "AC". They are the last issue and manufactured by Kahr. I've seen all three at gun shows. Mine is an "AB". It's pretty good (and your second choice), however mine did have to go back to the factory before it would chamber the powerful Cor-Bon hollow points. Don't be afraid to buy an "AB" series, I love mine. However, I wouldn't buy an "AA" series, even though a lot of guys have great luck with those, too.
The later "AB's" and all the "AC's" have a better hammer spring. The long hard trigger pull get's better as you fire it. These little pistols are "tanks" and seem to last forever, but when they do have to go back NAA does a really good job. (Including refinishing! All for free.) If you do get an older model, you can send it to NAA and get the new style hammer spring free.

Kentucky Rifle
 
And before you spring for the NAA, pick up and handle a Kel-Tec P-32. You should be able to find both at the gunshow.

I think the P-32 is now the standard against which all small .32 should be measured. (It used to be the SEECAMP.) You'll find it smaller and lighter than the NAA, an lighter than the Seecamp.

The P-32 has an optional 10-round mag, too.
 
Thanks guys,

Rickmeister - Yes I prefer larger calibers, this is for when I can’t carry a real gun :D

Mini14jac - Thanks, I will try the trigger pulls (with permission of course) before I make up my mind.

Kentucky Rifle – That’s good to know. Are those letters part of the serial numbers or do I need to look for some variations in the guns themselves?

Walt – I will look at those too.

Thanks again
 
I have the NAA Guardian and the Keltec P32, and the P32 is a lot easier to pack, flatter and weighs a lot less. It disappears in a pocket holster, and your pants don't fall down from the weight. :)
 
It sounds like you are looking for an ultra-small gun for deep concealment, and in that regard nothing beats the Kel Tec P32.

The trigger on the P32 is not too bad; in fact its a whole lot better than the generally piss-poor trigger on Kel Tec's P11.

Beware of guns the size of the Kahr. They seem real small till you try to put one in a pocket. Too big to conceal well, too small to shoot well; its the worst size a gun can be, but this is just my opinion right now, the rest of the world hasnt accepted that fact yet.
 
which to buy

well i have owned both,the kel-tec and guardian.the latter kicked like a mule.made my finger sore every time i shot it. i sold it and bought a kel-tec it works fine i carry it every day.


swab
 
I just scoured the local area looking at and pricing the NAA Guardian 32s this week.

Local prices (Lower Alabama):
$432 - model NIB equipped with night sights
$395 - standard bare bones model, NIB one gunshop
$339 - standard bare bones model, NIB one pawn shop
$315 - standard bare bones model, NIB another gun shop

Inquired about the .380 model. Concensus of opinions from the three shops is that it is the same size as the .32, no one had seen one up close nor had one in stock (which logically follows). Opinion of low priced shop owner, based on fliers from distributors, expect price of .380 to be $80 to $100 higher than the .32. I guess being on the leading edge of 'fashion' has a price, supply has not caught up to or exceeded demand yet.

Hope this helps.
 
Why speculate on the differences, since the NAA webside is so handy?

NAA Guardian .32ACP

Caliber: .32 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 6+1
Operation: Double Action Only
Material: 17-4 pH stainless steel
Height: 3.3"
Length: 4.4"
Width: 0.85"
Weight: 13.5 ozs. unloaded
Suggested Retail Price: $408.00
Trigger Pull: 13.0 LBS.
Will ship with 2 magazines

NAA Guardian .380

Caliber: .380 Auto
Magazine Capacity: 6+1
Operation: Double Action Only
Material: 17-4 pH stainless steel
Barrel Length: 2.49"
Height: 3.53"
Overall Length: 4.75"
Width: 0.930"
Weight: 18.72 ozs. unloaded
Suggested Retail Price: $449.00
Trigger Pull: 10.0 LBS.
 
Kel-tec P32.
Almost half the price and half the weight when empty.
I love mine, got my wife one also.
Nothing against NAA, just fell for the Kel-tec P32.
 
Wayne - I either own, or have owned, almost all of the "small" guns listed in this thread.

If you want a NAA .32, get one. It is a very reliable gun and good for its purpose. Remember, the larger calibers are nice, but you are looking for a gun the size of a NAA .32 for a reason. If you can use a larger gun for your purpose, then get one. If you need a gun the size of a NAA .32, it will serve fine.

Don't get hung up on the caliber size. A .32 with proper ammo, such as hydrashok JHP .32, is very effective for your use. Again, remember why you are buying the gun! If you want a small gun, you're not going to carry a .45!!! A lot of what you see in these threads is young testerone talking...I would ignore it and buy the gun that suits your needs.
 
Wayne...

The letters are the first two digits of the serial number. "AAXXX, ABXXX, ACXXX". I also own a P-32. It is lighter, thinner, and softer shooting than the Guardian. However, when you look at both, the Guardian will look better and more durable. IMHO, it is.

Good Luck,
KR
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top