Derringers and North American Arms for SD?

CDR_Glock · November 16, 2019, 11:57 AM

In certain situations I can see how these would come into play. The Bond Arms 357 Magnum 2 Round Derringer is such a fun fun to shoot. Recoil is nothing as I have tried it with 38 Special, 38 +P and 357 Magnum with 125gr and 158gr bullets, respectively.

I carry my North American Arms a lot, as a backup gun or for discrete carry alongside a Sig Sauer P365.

What are your thoughts or approach to these novelties?

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Bartholomew Roberts · November 16, 2019, 12:04 PM

Well, it isn’t impossible to win a gunfight without a gun; but it does up the level of difficulty substantially. So two shots beats zero.

Prof Young · November 16, 2019, 01:19 PM

I have an NAA Blackwidow. Mostly bought it as a range toy. It has come along as a BUG, but my KelTec P3AT makes a better BUG. The NAA little guns are well made and a lot of fun. Just not a lot of practical uses . . . even so . . . I'm thinking about adding the Pug model to my collection.

Life is good.
Prof Young

T. O'Heir · November 16, 2019, 01:32 PM

Lets see. No sights and just 2 shots. You'd have to be up close and personal with either of 'em. However, as mentioned, gun fight Rule Number One is "Have a gun."

thegatman · November 16, 2019, 01:36 PM

I carry a NAA all the time. Very discreet backup for my lcrx.

reteach · November 16, 2019, 03:20 PM

When I was a kid (50 or so years ago) someone gave me a two-shot .22 magnum derringer. It was kinda fun but I never could shoot it worth a hoot and it was awkward in my hand. I gave it to somebody else.

I've been thinking real hard about the NAA Ranger II, the top break version in their lineup. I keep talking myself out of it. In that configuration, the gun is as long as my Beretta 3032. The overall height is less, and the NAA weighs considerably less, but the .32 carries 8 rounds and reloads a lot faster. I already have guns that hardly ever get out of the safe, so I don't need to add another to that pile.

So while it looks great and should be a lot of fun, I'm going to continue talking myself out of it.

AK103K · November 16, 2019, 04:46 PM

I have a couple of the NAA revolvers. They are cool little guns, but not something I would consider for anything other than a third line, last-ditch use.

That said, and contrary to what Ive seen posted a good bit, they can be shot quite well/accurately, and fairly quickly. For what its worth anyway. I certainly wouldnt want to get shot with one, but they are still just .22's out of a 1" or so barrel, so you'd better be good with it and make them count.

Never been a big fan of the Derringers, other than maybe history, nostalgia, and Greenie Stick'em Caps. Some of the bigger ones in large calibers, just seem silly. For as big as they are, might as well carry a more realistic gun.

TruthTellers · November 16, 2019, 05:46 PM

The Bond derringers hold two shots and weigh more than an LCR. I'll take the NAA Black Widow all day, but really a Kel Tec P32 beats either of the choices.

I see no reason to ever carry a Bond derringer, it's not 1885 anymore and none of us are prostitutes working in a whorehouse or gunfighters playing poker. If you want to pull out the .410 for snakes arguement, the Taurus poly Public Defender holds 5 rounds, better ergonomics, and a DA trigger.

That said, Bond is making cheaper versions of their derringers now and for $275 that's not awful.

TruthTellers · November 16, 2019, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reteach

When I was a kid (50 or so years ago) someone gave me a two-shot .22 magnum derringer. It was kinda fun but I never could shoot it worth a hoot and it was awkward in my hand. I gave it to somebody else.

I've been thinking real hard about the NAA Ranger II, the top break version in their lineup. I keep talking myself out of it. In that configuration, the gun is as long as my Beretta 3032. The overall height is less, and the NAA weighs considerably less, but the .32 carries 8 rounds and reloads a lot faster. I already have guns that hardly ever get out of the safe, so I don't need to add another to that pile.

So while it looks great and should be a lot of fun, I'm going to continue talking myself out of it.

I'll help you some: The Ranger II is not worth it. All it offers is a faster reload, but the issues of shooting an NAA mini revolver are all still present; your first 5 shots and second 5 shots will be no easier to shoot than a standard $200 NAA.

Between the Sidewinder and the Ranger, I'm thinking that the Sidewinder is a more reliable and robust design. Not as quick to reload as the Ranger, but still faster than the pull pin NAA's.

IMO tho, if you need a fast reload with your NAA, carry a second one or buy a .22 LR/.22 Mag combo and carry the second cylinder already loaded.

AK103K · November 16, 2019, 06:10 PM

I really dont see a reload with any of the NAA's being feasible or realistic at all.

Trying to keep rounds in the cylinder when youre at the range or in the yard, when youre relaxed and not stressed can be a challenge. Trying to poke the empties out and then reload, or use another cylinder that somehow keeps the rounds in place, especially with all hell breaking loose around you, just seems to be very unrealistic.

For what and where these guns "might" have a place, a good knife would probably do you just as well, and probably better.

Auto5 · November 16, 2019, 07:04 PM

I have an NAA Sheriff in.22mag as my trail/jogging gun, but it's not one of my regular SD guns.

Bill DeShivs · November 16, 2019, 07:15 PM

The Bond guns are as big as, and heavier than some "J" frame guns.
The mini revolvers are cute. The larger ones are in Keltec P32 territory.
Any gun is better than no gun, but there are far better guns to carry.

kenny53 · November 16, 2019, 10:28 PM

I might use a NAA or a derringer as a back up. I had a cheaper derringer in 38 special at one time. The trigger pull was unbelievably heavy. Was not fun to shoot. I believe Bond is an excellent weapon. I wonder about the trigger pull.

CDR_Glock · November 16, 2019, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny53

I might use a NAA or a derringer as a back up. I had a cheaper derringer in 38 special at one time. The trigger pull was unbelievably heavy. Was not fun to shoot. I believe Bond is an excellent weapon. I wonder about the trigger pull.

The Bond Arms 357 Magnum 2 Round Derringer trigger is 8 pounds.

I almost carried it on a whim. It is almost as big as my Sig Sauer P365.

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swissfist · November 17, 2019, 02:03 AM

I just acquired a Bond arms Rowdy in .45LC/.410 for EDCand carry in an ankle holster along with my Kahr CW45 in a IWB holster. I do not feel under gunned.

CDW4ME · November 19, 2019, 01:59 PM

Pocket 380 (LCP/P3AT) > derringer or NAA
And that (380) would be as a 2nd gun (back-up whatever) not a primary.

Cheapshooter · November 19, 2019, 02:08 PM

Too big, too heavy for two rounds. Single action that is relatively difficult to cock for each round.
Fun range toys, but very limited CCW use. Pretty much deep hide out, last ditch gun.

SIGSHR · November 19, 2019, 02:54 PM

A good example of what Charlie Askins called a "belly gun."

jstert · November 21, 2019, 12:08 AM

to each his own, both the north american arms and bond arms handguns can be useful as a ccw.

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Carmady · November 21, 2019, 05:31 AM

I'd even hesitate to call it a belly gun, unless that belly is a few feet away. If there's any physical contact while trying to fire one of those, cocking the SA will become a major obstacle IF you can manage to cock it under the circumstances.

The BJT or ADC DA-38 double action derringers would be the only ones I'd consider for SD, and that would be if I couldn't find my LCP or P-32.

The NAA's do have their small size and low recoil going for them, which are advantages, but I'd rather have a P-32. More rounds, bigger bullet, DA, and faster reloads.

youngridge · November 22, 2019, 10:33 PM

I carry a sidewinder 22 mag along with either my BG380 or 365. Sometimes due to dress attire the sidewinder is the only one that’s gets to go. A gun is better than no gun. My sidewinder is decent up close, kind of fun to shoot too. I got the sidewinder combo for $300 I believe a few years ago. You won’t regret it.

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Hal · November 23, 2019, 08:25 AM

I am thinking real hard about a .22 mag NAA mini.

My thoughts are that it's the right size to carry on my daily bicycle ride(s).

I've carried my Ruger LCP a few times in the cargo pocket of my cargo shorts.

The constant - fwap-fwap-fwap-fwap - against my thigh gets annoying after only a mile or two, let alone 30/35 miles.

A derringer? Forget it. I have a two shot .22lr. It's a fun range toy & it does have it's uses. I should say, did have it's uses.
I used to carry it in my pocket in the Spring when I cut the grass.

A lot of snakes would lay in the tall grass & sun themselves. They would get caught up in the blades & I'd have to pop them in the head w/a shot shell or .22 CB cap or .22 short.

Bartholomew Roberts · November 23, 2019, 11:57 AM

That’s actually a pretty good use for them as defensive pistols. Carry them with .22 shotshells in your pocket and you don’t have to go find a shovel or hoe when you come across a rattlesnake hanging out in the yard. And hopefully, 2 shots is sufficient capacity for that purpose.

Ben Dover · November 23, 2019, 12:46 PM

I've had at least a dozen of them over the years. I'll pass!

Sgt127 · November 23, 2019, 03:50 PM

I still have an American Derringer 45LC/.410. It has all the ergonomics of a lump of iron ore and, weighs about the same.

There’s a Remington RM380 in my pocket loaded with hard cast Flat point .380’s. More accurate, more ergonomic, more rounds, weighs less.

As much as I like the old Derringers, they are just toys for me.

November 16, 2019, 11:57 AM	#1
CDR_Glock Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2010 Posts: 704	Derringers and North American Arms for SD? In certain situations I can see how these would come into play. The Bond Arms 357 Magnum 2 Round Derringer is such a fun fun to shoot. Recoil is nothing as I have tried it with 38 Special, 38 +P and 357 Magnum with 125gr and 158gr bullets, respectively. I carry my North American Arms a lot, as a backup gun or for discrete carry alongside a Sig Sauer P365. What are your thoughts or approach to these novelties? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

November 16, 2019, 01:19 PM	#3
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	It all depends . . . I have an NAA Blackwidow. Mostly bought it as a range toy. It has come along as a BUG, but my KelTec P3AT makes a better BUG. The NAA little guns are well made and a lot of fun. Just not a lot of practical uses . . . even so . . . I'm thinking about adding the Pug model to my collection. Life is good. Prof Young

November 16, 2019, 01:32 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Lets see. No sights and just 2 shots. You'd have to be up close and personal with either of 'em. However, as mentioned, gun fight Rule Number One is "Have a gun." __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

November 16, 2019, 05:46 PM	#8
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,887	The Bond derringers hold two shots and weigh more than an LCR. I'll take the NAA Black Widow all day, but really a Kel Tec P32 beats either of the choices. I see no reason to ever carry a Bond derringer, it's not 1885 anymore and none of us are prostitutes working in a whorehouse or gunfighters playing poker. If you want to pull out the .410 for snakes arguement, the Taurus poly Public Defender holds 5 rounds, better ergonomics, and a DA trigger. That said, Bond is making cheaper versions of their derringers now and for $275 that's not awful. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 16, 2019, 07:04 PM	#11
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	I have an NAA Sheriff in.22mag as my trail/jogging gun, but it's not one of my regular SD guns. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

November 16, 2019, 12:04 PM	#2
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	Well, it isn’t impossible to win a gunfight without a gun; but it does up the level of difficulty substantially. So two shots beats zero.

November 16, 2019, 01:36 PM	#5
thegatman Member Join Date: January 25, 2015 Posts: 61	I carry a NAA all the time. Very discreet backup for my lcrx.

November 16, 2019, 03:20 PM	#6
reteach Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 379	When I was a kid (50 or so years ago) someone gave me a two-shot .22 magnum derringer. It was kinda fun but I never could shoot it worth a hoot and it was awkward in my hand. I gave it to somebody else. I've been thinking real hard about the NAA Ranger II, the top break version in their lineup. I keep talking myself out of it. In that configuration, the gun is as long as my Beretta 3032. The overall height is less, and the NAA weighs considerably less, but the .32 carries 8 rounds and reloads a lot faster. I already have guns that hardly ever get out of the safe, so I don't need to add another to that pile. So while it looks great and should be a lot of fun, I'm going to continue talking myself out of it.

November 16, 2019, 04:46 PM	#7
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I have a couple of the NAA revolvers. They are cool little guns, but not something I would consider for anything other than a third line, last-ditch use. That said, and contrary to what Ive seen posted a good bit, they can be shot quite well/accurately, and fairly quickly. For what its worth anyway. I certainly wouldnt want to get shot with one, but they are still just .22's out of a 1" or so barrel, so you'd better be good with it and make them count. Never been a big fan of the Derringers, other than maybe history, nostalgia, and Greenie Stick'em Caps. Some of the bigger ones in large calibers, just seem silly. For as big as they are, might as well carry a more realistic gun.

November 16, 2019, 06:10 PM	#10
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I really dont see a reload with any of the NAA's being feasible or realistic at all. Trying to keep rounds in the cylinder when youre at the range or in the yard, when youre relaxed and not stressed can be a challenge. Trying to poke the empties out and then reload, or use another cylinder that somehow keeps the rounds in place, especially with all hell breaking loose around you, just seems to be very unrealistic. For what and where these guns "might" have a place, a good knife would probably do you just as well, and probably better.

November 16, 2019, 07:15 PM	#12
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,984	The Bond guns are as big as, and heavier than some "J" frame guns. The mini revolvers are cute. The larger ones are in Keltec P32 territory. Any gun is better than no gun, but there are far better guns to carry. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 16, 2019, 10:28 PM	#13
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	I might use a NAA or a derringer as a back up. I had a cheaper derringer in 38 special at one time. The trigger pull was unbelievably heavy. Was not fun to shoot. I believe Bond is an excellent weapon. I wonder about the trigger pull.

November 17, 2019, 02:03 AM	#15
swissfist Member Join Date: November 6, 2014 Posts: 48	I just acquired a Bond arms Rowdy in .45LC/.410 for EDCand carry in an ankle holster along with my Kahr CW45 in a IWB holster. I do not feel under gunned.

November 19, 2019, 01:59 PM	#16
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 1,321	Pocket 380 (LCP/P3AT) > derringer or NAA And that (380) would be as a 2nd gun (back-up whatever) not a primary. __________________ Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap. "Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.

November 19, 2019, 02:08 PM	#17
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Too big, too heavy for two rounds. Single action that is relatively difficult to cock for each round. Fun range toys, but very limited CCW use. Pretty much deep hide out, last ditch gun. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

November 19, 2019, 02:54 PM	#18
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	A good example of what Charlie Askins called a "belly gun."

November 21, 2019, 12:08 AM	#19
jstert Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2013 Posts: 205	to each his own, both the north american arms and bond arms handguns can be useful as a ccw. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

November 21, 2019, 05:31 AM	#20
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	I'd even hesitate to call it a belly gun, unless that belly is a few feet away. If there's any physical contact while trying to fire one of those, cocking the SA will become a major obstacle IF you can manage to cock it under the circumstances. The BJT or ADC DA-38 double action derringers would be the only ones I'd consider for SD, and that would be if I couldn't find my LCP or P-32. The NAA's do have their small size and low recoil going for them, which are advantages, but I'd rather have a P-32. More rounds, bigger bullet, DA, and faster reloads.

November 22, 2019, 10:33 PM	#21
youngridge Member Join Date: February 22, 2018 Posts: 57	I carry a sidewinder 22 mag along with either my BG380 or 365. Sometimes due to dress attire the sidewinder is the only one that’s gets to go. A gun is better than no gun. My sidewinder is decent up close, kind of fun to shoot too. I got the sidewinder combo for $300 I believe a few years ago. You won’t regret it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

November 23, 2019, 08:25 AM	#22
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	I am thinking real hard about a .22 mag NAA mini. My thoughts are that it's the right size to carry on my daily bicycle ride(s). I've carried my Ruger LCP a few times in the cargo pocket of my cargo shorts. The constant - fwap-fwap-fwap-fwap - against my thigh gets annoying after only a mile or two, let alone 30/35 miles. A derringer? Forget it. I have a two shot .22lr. It's a fun range toy & it does have it's uses. I should say, did have it's uses. I used to carry it in my pocket in the Spring when I cut the grass. A lot of snakes would lay in the tall grass & sun themselves. They would get caught up in the blades & I'd have to pop them in the head w/a shot shell or .22 CB cap or .22 short.

November 23, 2019, 11:57 AM	#23
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	That’s actually a pretty good use for them as defensive pistols. Carry them with .22 shotshells in your pocket and you don’t have to go find a shovel or hoe when you come across a rattlesnake hanging out in the yard. And hopefully, 2 shots is sufficient capacity for that purpose.

November 23, 2019, 12:46 PM	#24
Ben Dover Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Location: High up in the Rocky Moun Posts: 665	I've had at least a dozen of them over the years. I'll pass! __________________ The soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as the prisoner's chains. Dwight Eisenhower It is very important what a man stands for. But it is far more important what a man refuses to stand for.

November 23, 2019, 03:50 PM	#25
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	I still have an American Derringer 45LC/.410. It has all the ergonomics of a lump of iron ore and, weighs about the same. There’s a Remington RM380 in my pocket loaded with hard cast Flat point .380’s. More accurate, more ergonomic, more rounds, weighs less. As much as I like the old Derringers, they are just toys for me.