NAA Folding Revolver - Any Good?

BigMikey76

New member
I'm just getting into the world of CCW, and I already have an EDC purchased for when I get my permit. I'm looking at this as something I can take with me when I go out on bike rides. Bike shorts don't support a lot of weight, so my 22 oz. 9mm won't do the trick. The pocket clip on this would let me secure it inside the elastic on my shorts, so it seems like it would be a good option. And before anyone brings it up, I know that .22 mag is not an ideal self-defense round, but I think it'll do in a pinch, and it's certainly better than no gun at all.

Mainly, I am wondering if anyone has experience with these little guys. Are they reliable? Is it a worthwhile purchase, or are these more of a gimmick?

Here is a link to the one I'm looking at:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...+Mini-Revolver+5RD+22LR22MAG+1.125"+w+Holster
 
They are reliable, but I consider them in the "gimmick" class. They are single action, and have a spur trigger, not (IMHO) the best configuration for defense. It is to me a tossup whether the holster would be a help or a hindrance, especially since the gun cannot be easily removed from it..

I would take a look at the .380 Ruger LCP, which will drop easily into a pocket without "printing" any more than a thick cell phone, and is a six-shot double action.

Jim
 
I would take a look at the .380 Ruger LCP, which will drop easily into a pocket without "printing" any more than a thick cell phone

The problem is that bike shorts don't have pockets. I'm talking full-on spandex, here. Sorry for the mental picture...:eek:
 
I had one for awhile. The NAA revolver shoots low until you realize that the front sight has to stick way high in the sight picture. Five shots is all you have since reloading involves removing the cylinder, and to safely carry you have to be sure that the hammer rests in one of the notches at the rear of the cylinder between chambers. Opening the "holster" is like opening a pocket knife, and usually takes two hands. Better than nothing, but I replaced mine with a Ruger LCP for about the same price.

One can get a pocket clip for the LCP too, but I'd recommend a pocket holster.
 
OK, I misunderstood. But there are other IWB holsters that would work and be about as flat. Would you conceal the gun by pulling a shirt down over it?

I guess I hadn't considered bike shorts, possibly because I would not look very good in them (sort of like an overstuffed sausage!). The best solution might be to wear another style shorts. I know they would be less of a CM*, but exercising our 2nd Amendment rights might require sacrifice.

*chick magnet

Jim
 
Proper bicycle jerseys have pockets in the back.
Yup, and I wear them, and there no way Id want to put a handgun in them, no matter how small. Same goes for the shorts. For one, it would be very uncomfortable, and two, sweat city.

I wear a CamelBak when I ride, both mountain and road, and just carry my Glock 17 in it.
 
The folding grip greatly improves their shootability, and they need all the help they can get.
With a little practice they can be opened with a flick of the wrist and they look like a pocket knife when carried using the pocket clip.
 
Last edited:
Quote:
Proper bicycle jerseys have pockets in the back.
Yup, and I wear them, and there no way Id want to put a handgun in them, no matter how small. Same goes for the shorts. For one, it would be very uncomfortable, and two, sweat city.

I do it all the time. Not uncomfortable at all for me. And even riding a tandem my stoker doesn't realize that there's a gun in there. (At least she hasn't said anything:)
 
My biggest problem with using the pockets on the back of the jersey is that they are either open topped, which allows for the possibility of stuff coming out of them (it's not common, but I lost a cell phone that way once), or they are zippered, which makes for a difficult time getting access, since the pockets are located in the small of the back. Either way, they are not really an option for carrying. I have considered getting bib shorts (image link below for those who are not familiar) and using a remora sticky holster placed in a cross draw position. That might get in the way when I lean forward to reduce my wind drag, though. Man, there are so many things to consider when beginning to CC. Who woulda thunk it?

http://www.backcountry.com/hincapie...37&gclid=CNCLk4DC-cMCFcffKgodwRkAbg&gclsrc=ds
 
Last edited:
I had that model and absolutely loved it! You can change the side the grip clip is on very easily (to accommodate left or right pocket carry)

The reloading process was easy to learn and even shooting .22mag wasn't bad! The folding grip fit my hand just fine.

I recommend this gun! I eventually sold it to help fund another purchase... But I thought the quality was great and it was fun to shoot.
 
I find the last post kinda revealing... He "absolutely loved it!"... But then sold it.

I've noticed this phenomenon with a lot of guys... They're fun, but a serious gun?... NOT... And they often get sold after a year or two.

I have an NAA .22 Mag... The barrel on that model you're considering does not lend itself to accuracy. Realistically, you don't want to be shooting it at any serious threat that's more than 6 feet away.

An LCP is WAY more gun!
 
I have quite a few NAA mini's and sell a ton of holsters for them. Great little guns, the NAA Pug and Blackwidow are the easiest to shoot IMHO.

180fd41d-8cd7-488e-bd6d-2ea93f32c7a8_zps012c41d5.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
I say get one, my wife has that one with the clip grip, and I have the boot grip on mine, and use their nylon holster with it.
Either one would work for you, the clip grip, or slip the nylon holster inside your waistband. We use the 22 mag cylinders with ours.
 
I have one in .22 Mag. I think of it more as a novelty or contact weapon at best...I'm an old guy and ride a comfort bike so the spandex type clothes and tail-buster seats aren't in my realm...I frequently use a small belt pouch that's is just a cheap, blue pouch with a slim attached belt. It doesn't look like a gun bag. Usually, I have my Keltec P3AT in a horsehide pocket holster in it. It keeps the gun readily accessible and its protected from sweat. Seven rounds with a quick reload of six more .380 rounds and no fumbling with trying to cock the hammer on a tiny revolver is better in my opinion...I was attacked by a large Rottweiler in my neighborhood a couple years ago and it came down to me drawing and pointing my gun at it before it decided to retreat. I happened to have had a S&W 640-1 .357 that time...I was damned glad it wasn't a teensy .22 It seems to me that trying to draw, open, cock and shoot a little, five shot revolver while attempting to deal with being on a moving bike would make it very difficult to hit anything with it...I want something I can draw and fire a reasonably effective cartridge and continue to fire as needed by just pressing the trigger...A modern version of the little Velo Dog Revolvers wouldn't be my choice. Really, would you want to deal with a large, vicious dog or aggressive, violent human intending to do you serious harm with nothing but that tiny, five shot revolver that has those little bullets to solve the grave problem?
 
Folding Revolver

Taurus makes a very nice 25 cal semi auto (P25) which shoots small mag loads. It's
small and easy to carry and almost no hard recoil. IMHO I have no problem with this, although I carry something a tad bigger, my wife can fire this puppy accurately and with no problems and I have carried it too.
If you're firing close up, under 8 yds., you'll be fine.
 
On the NAA Mini Revolvers. I have the real mini, Mini. A 22 short. Fun little range toy. Well made, and really " cute"!. I guess up close, and personal as a get got me gun it would make an assailant reconsider his actions. But I doubt I will ever carry it.
As for the bicycle rider's situation. Is the Jersey you wear as tight as your pants? How about a belly band holster under the Jersey? Then you could carry something like a Kel Tec P32, or P3at, LCP, etc.
Sometimes if you feel the need to carry you have to adjust your wardrobe.:D
 
We Have A Winner!

I think Cheapshooter has the winning idea - I could get a belly band... why didn't I think of that? I'm thinking I could wear it at chest level so it doesn't get in the way of riding, and I could access it shoulder holster style through the open zipper on my jersey. The only problem I see is that it would work just fine with my Millennium G2, which gets rid of my excuse for buying another gun...:(

Thanks for the input guys!
 
Back
Top