NAA Companion

TruthTellers · December 24, 2017, 11:42 PM

I feel like I've made this thread before, which goes to show you how re-occurring this gun is on my mind.

So, I've been off and on about the Companions for a few years and I think the window has finally swung open and stayed open. I have a desire to own an NAA with the small grip and 1 inch barrel for concealed carry, but I've never shot one with the tiny grip. I have a Minimaster that has a large rubber grip, but it's a 4 inch and trying with the little grips is dumb considering the barrel length.

I don't want to go and buy a .22 LR or Mag mini revolver and find I don't like it and deal with the hassle of selling it and FFL's and such, so the black powder models are appealing to me and for more than just black powder.

I have seen a dozen videos and read several forums of people using smokeless powder in them and the guns don't blow up and no one has been hurt. It seems that Freedom Arms, when they were making them, and NAA once advertised that smokeless powder could be used in them and I see no reason why they couldn't be given how well made and modern they are.

I'm not saying I only want to shoot smokeless in them, but I would like to try it a few times to see how it goes. Once that is met, I'll go back to using Triple 7.

Thoughts?

Bill DeShivs · December 25, 2017, 12:16 AM

Since it's Christmas, I won't tell you what an asinine idea it is.
The Companion is a neat little toy, but it's not for carry.
The NAA with the .22 lr cylinder is a fine little carry gun.

Hawg · December 25, 2017, 01:00 AM

There's lots of idiots on you tube.

Bill DeShivs · December 25, 2017, 01:33 AM

I believe the NAAs to be safe with smokeless powder.
Carrying a blackpowder gun for protection is foolhardy.

TruthTellers · December 25, 2017, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

I believe the NAAs to be safe with smokeless powder.
Carrying a blackpowder gun for protection is foolhardy.

Bu... But my lightening fast reloads with spare loaded and capped cylinders man...

Faster than a Ranger 2.

Model12Win · December 25, 2017, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

I believe the NAAs to be safe with smokeless powder.
Carrying a blackpowder gun for protection is foolhardy.

Poppycock.

Ever S&W revolver based off the original 1899 Military & Police are BLACK POWDER WEAPONS since their very design is based off the .38 Special Ctg. which was introduced in BLACK POWDER.

Screwball · December 25, 2017, 06:58 AM

I remember posting in a thread because someone didn’t want to spend the money going through an FFL, but wanted to buy one and convert it to a cartridge model... for the price of the gun and kit, he was spending noticeably more than my Sidewinder convertible. Don’t remember who it was, but think it was around the time you were upset with your NAA, so don’t think it was you.

Personally, I’d ask around and see if someone has one locally, and try the regular model out. A LOT cheaper than the route you mentioned, even if a non FFL item. I don’t find the normal Magnum grip to be bad when firing Magnums, so can’t see any issue with the Mini ones. But recoil is subjective.

AKexpat · December 25, 2017, 08:49 AM

Quote:

I remember posting in a thread because someone didn’t want to spend the money going through an FFL, but wanted to buy one and convert it to a cartridge model... for the price of the gun and kit, he was spending noticeably more than my Sidewinder convertible. Don’t remember who it was, but think it was around the time you were upset with your NAA, so don’t think it was you.

It was me, and after your post I saw the logic of your argument.

Jim

Screwball · December 25, 2017, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKexpat

It was me, and after your post I saw the logic of your argument.

Jim

You ever get one?

**4V50 Gary** · December 25, 2017, 12:17 PM

A blackpowder 22 cal pistol would not be even close to my top choices for a self-defense firearm. In fact, it's near the bottom near a rock or a stick.

North East Redneck · December 25, 2017, 12:57 PM

I have a black powder Super Companion. It is not something I would use as a carry weapon.

TruthTellers · December 25, 2017, 01:02 PM

I'm not saying it's my #1 choice for defense, I'm just saying I wouldn't be averse to using it for defense.

About the only gun I own that I would not trust my life to is a Cobray derringer I bought earlier this year for some reason that I can't remember. Wish I had spent the extra 200 and got a used Judge instead.

noelf2 · December 25, 2017, 01:47 PM

I had a super companion for about a month. I wasn't impressed with it at all. Picked it up at a gun show for $120. I traded it for a Leupold VX2 scope, which I really like.

AKexpat · December 26, 2017, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwball

You ever get one?

No, sir. I thought better of it.

Glenn E. Meyer · December 26, 2017, 06:02 PM

Between a Cobray, black powder and Judge for carry - the choice is NONE OF THEM!

Geez, folks - You can buy a decent J frame or 380 pretty easily nowadays. Why fool around with these?

drobs · December 28, 2017, 07:32 PM

I'd like to have about 10 of them displayed in a circle on the wall.
As far as carrying 1 for CCW? Other than a backup to a back up - no thanks.

Few days ago I had my FN Hi Power in shoulder holster with 2 spare mags and my Ruger LC9S in an OWB holster plus a spare mag.

Find the shoulder holster wasn't helping relieve the tension in my neck from the past 8 months of working non-stop. Went back to a belt holster for my Hi Power.

I really miss the S&W 442 DAO 38spl I traded off for a S&W Shield. That gun disappeared in the pocket. Rather carry that and another gun than any NAA.

I will port around a c&b revolver on my land. Most likely have a LC9S in a pocket though.

TruthTellers · December 28, 2017, 08:36 PM

Say what you will about relying on percussion caps for defense, but I've had more FTF's with .22 Mag in my NAA Minimaster than I have in .22 LR. As with any rimfire, you always run that risk.

Not saying percussion is more reliable, but I don't think it can be less reliable. This is just a theory, I'd really have to get my hands on a companion and try it to be sure. I just believe that with NAA's quality that the companions will work well.

rodwhaincamo · December 30, 2017, 02:55 AM

My ROA has has absolutely no issues with maybe 400+ rounds after I found Rem #10's were what worked. My Pietta Remington NMA with those caps have had nearly as many non issues as I've used nothing but those caps. Since the change there have been no issues with them going off despite a full day's fire that can be up to 7 or 8 cylinders each. I trust mine.

And I've certainly had .22LR and .22 WMR shells not fire. I've also had feeding/ejecting issues with a .380 ACP. Ive certainly heard about piss poor primers. And then there are the potential auto feeder issues. According to writers nothing is 100% regardless, and nothing man made is.

However I'm one who has always believed in caliber. A .22 handgun just doesn't speak to me as something I'd want to use unless I were desperate. But then having a cloud of smoke is also a measure a desperation. There are better things one could use. I created WFN bullets for hunting with my BP revolvers. I'd trust them on a man/men if I absolutely needed to. They work well enough on game animals...

ms6852 · December 30, 2017, 07:05 AM

I use the NAA as a bug, but chambered in 22 magnum. I have shot hundreds of rounds of 22lr and 22 magnum using smokeless rounds. If the handle is to small you can get a custom handle for it.
http://revisioncv.com/catalog/1

December 25, 2017, 12:16 AM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Since it's Christmas, I won't tell you what an asinine idea it is. The Companion is a neat little toy, but it's not for carry. The NAA with the .22 lr cylinder is a fine little carry gun. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

December 25, 2017, 01:33 AM	#4
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	I believe the NAAs to be safe with smokeless powder. Carrying a blackpowder gun for protection is foolhardy. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

December 25, 2017, 06:58 AM	#7
Screwball Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2012 Location: ME Posts: 771	NAA Companion I remember posting in a thread because someone didn’t want to spend the money going through an FFL, but wanted to buy one and convert it to a cartridge model... for the price of the gun and kit, he was spending noticeably more than my Sidewinder convertible. Don’t remember who it was, but think it was around the time you were upset with your NAA, so don’t think it was you. Personally, I’d ask around and see if someone has one locally, and try the regular model out. A LOT cheaper than the route you mentioned, even if a non FFL item. I don’t find the normal Magnum grip to be bad when firing Magnums, so can’t see any issue with the Mini ones. But recoil is subjective.

December 25, 2017, 12:57 PM	#11
North East Redneck Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2012 Location: Berkshire Hills Posts: 741	I have a black powder Super Companion. It is not something I would use as a carry weapon. __________________ NRA Patron Member SAF Life Member GOAL Member

December 25, 2017, 01:02 PM	#12
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	I'm not saying it's my #1 choice for defense, I'm just saying I wouldn't be averse to using it for defense. About the only gun I own that I would not trust my life to is a Cobray derringer I bought earlier this year for some reason that I can't remember. Wish I had spent the extra 200 and got a used Judge instead. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

December 24, 2017, 11:42 PM	#1
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	NAA Companion I feel like I've made this thread before, which goes to show you how re-occurring this gun is on my mind. So, I've been off and on about the Companions for a few years and I think the window has finally swung open and stayed open. I have a desire to own an NAA with the small grip and 1 inch barrel for concealed carry, but I've never shot one with the tiny grip. I have a Minimaster that has a large rubber grip, but it's a 4 inch and trying with the little grips is dumb considering the barrel length. I don't want to go and buy a .22 LR or Mag mini revolver and find I don't like it and deal with the hassle of selling it and FFL's and such, so the black powder models are appealing to me and for more than just black powder. I have seen a dozen videos and read several forums of people using smokeless powder in them and the guns don't blow up and no one has been hurt. It seems that Freedom Arms, when they were making them, and NAA once advertised that smokeless powder could be used in them and I see no reason why they couldn't be given how well made and modern they are. I'm not saying I only want to shoot smokeless in them, but I would like to try it a few times to see how it goes. Once that is met, I'll go back to using Triple 7. Thoughts? __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

December 25, 2017, 01:00 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	There's lots of idiots on you tube.

December 25, 2017, 12:17 PM	#10
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	A blackpowder 22 cal pistol would not be even close to my top choices for a self-defense firearm. In fact, it's near the bottom near a rock or a stick. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 25, 2017, 01:47 PM	#13
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	I had a super companion for about a month. I wasn't impressed with it at all. Picked it up at a gun show for $120. I traded it for a Leupold VX2 scope, which I really like. __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

December 26, 2017, 06:02 PM	#15
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	Between a Cobray, black powder and Judge for carry - the choice is NONE OF THEM! Geez, folks - You can buy a decent J frame or 380 pretty easily nowadays. Why fool around with these? __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

December 28, 2017, 07:32 PM	#16
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	I'd like to have about 10 of them displayed in a circle on the wall. As far as carrying 1 for CCW? Other than a backup to a back up - no thanks. Few days ago I had my FN Hi Power in shoulder holster with 2 spare mags and my Ruger LC9S in an OWB holster plus a spare mag. Find the shoulder holster wasn't helping relieve the tension in my neck from the past 8 months of working non-stop. Went back to a belt holster for my Hi Power. I really miss the S&W 442 DAO 38spl I traded off for a S&W Shield. That gun disappeared in the pocket. Rather carry that and another gun than any NAA. I will port around a c&b revolver on my land. Most likely have a LC9S in a pocket though. __________________ NRA Life Member

December 28, 2017, 08:36 PM	#17
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	Say what you will about relying on percussion caps for defense, but I've had more FTF's with .22 Mag in my NAA Minimaster than I have in .22 LR. As with any rimfire, you always run that risk. Not saying percussion is more reliable, but I don't think it can be less reliable. This is just a theory, I'd really have to get my hands on a companion and try it to be sure. I just believe that with NAA's quality that the companions will work well. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

December 30, 2017, 02:55 AM	#18
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	My ROA has has absolutely no issues with maybe 400+ rounds after I found Rem #10's were what worked. My Pietta Remington NMA with those caps have had nearly as many non issues as I've used nothing but those caps. Since the change there have been no issues with them going off despite a full day's fire that can be up to 7 or 8 cylinders each. I trust mine. And I've certainly had .22LR and .22 WMR shells not fire. I've also had feeding/ejecting issues with a .380 ACP. Ive certainly heard about piss poor primers. And then there are the potential auto feeder issues. According to writers nothing is 100% regardless, and nothing man made is. However I'm one who has always believed in caliber. A .22 handgun just doesn't speak to me as something I'd want to use unless I were desperate. But then having a cloud of smoke is also a measure a desperation. There are better things one could use. I created WFN bullets for hunting with my BP revolvers. I'd trust them on a man/men if I absolutely needed to. They work well enough on game animals...

December 30, 2017, 07:05 AM	#19
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	I use the NAA as a bug, but chambered in 22 magnum. I have shot hundreds of rounds of 22lr and 22 magnum using smokeless rounds. If the handle is to small you can get a custom handle for it. http://revisioncv.com/catalog/1 __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.