Mini revolver or Derringer (NAA or Cimarron)

bonefamily · July 25, 2013, 09:02 PM

I have an extra couple bills coming in and wanted to get something different. I have always had my eye on the little NAA mini revolvers in .22lr/.22mag but recently started looking at the Cimarron derringer in the same caliber. From pics, it looks like the derringer might be a bit easier to hold as it looks a tad bigger. The NAA's seem to have a good rep of being a quality little piece. I would like to hear from you all your opinions on this if you own or have shot either. The purpose for this firearm would be range fun and perhaps a backup carry at times. Thanks!

Kappe · July 25, 2013, 09:57 PM

While I generally think Cimarron is a fabulous company, their derringers are manufactured by a company called Cobra. Cobra bought the tooling, machining and rights from Davis Industries to produce its pistols after the latter went under. Their derringers are/were made of poor quality materials - most of the barrels on them have sleeves, with the rest of the barrel and frame being made from what may or may not be pot metal.

They're also quite heavy. The .22LR derringer is roughly the same size as the .22 Magnum NAA Mini, but easily weighs 50% more.

Cobra firearms come with a lifetime warranty, so I wouldn't lose any sleep over having one as a fun gun, but I would be very uneasy with it as any form of defensive gun since there are much better options out there for not much more money.

NAA on the other hand indeed has a reputation as a quality manufacturer. If you're concerned about the small grip, consider getting the .22 Magnum version with a spare .22LR cylinder - the .22 Mag is appreciably bigger than the .22LR-only version in overall size. The hammer is also much easier to pull back than the derringers in my experience, and carrying them safe is a fairly quick and simple proposition (the cylinder notches), while with the derringer it is certainly not.

bonefamily · July 25, 2013, 11:15 PM

Thanks for the information, Kappe. You have me convinced on the NAA as well as the combo version for the added size. I also see they have a folding grip add-on that also might add to the holding.

Tortuga12 · July 26, 2013, 08:46 AM

I've got the 1 5/8" magnum version, and I like it, but I did send it back to the factory for the .22LR cylinder, and to have the barrel recrowned (tumbling issues).

If I were to buy again, I'd get the Black Widow:
http://northamericanarms.com/firearm.../bw-1/bwc.html

And I might, someday!

Jim Watson · July 26, 2013, 08:59 AM

Good move. A friend has a NAA Magnum and can shoot it very well. I found a derringer to get boring pretty fast. And they are NOT as fast and easy to shoot as the NAA.

bikerbill · July 26, 2013, 03:05 PM

I've owned a derringer (Bond 9mm) ... I traded on something, it was a total waste for carry, tho it did get attention at the range ... only two rounds, weighs a ton, slow to reload, slow to cock, hard to shoot accurately ...

I currently have an NAA Pug in .22mag ... love it!! it's in my pocket all the time at home or walking the dog, tho I do carry something more potent if I'm going into town or traveling ... the Pug is loads of fun to shoot, very accurate inside 7 yards, carries five rounds (don't plan on reloading unless you're at the range), and is light as a feather ...

Dave Chuppa · July 26, 2013, 03:50 PM

I like my NAA 22 Mag. It's my Pajama Gun.

bonefamily · July 26, 2013, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the replies, everyone. The NAA mag it is!

Super Sneaky Steve · July 26, 2013, 08:58 PM

I put the Mini-mag grips on my Pug. Gives me as much to hold as a J-frame.

bonefamily · July 26, 2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

I put the Mini-mag grips on my Pug. Gives me as much to hold as a J-frame.

Thanks for the tip, SSS!

wnycollector · July 27, 2013, 09:51 AM

My normal summer carry is a 22 mag with boot grips. The larger boot grip allow for a comfortable two finger grip without giving up anything as far as concealability. I don't have a pic of mine, but pic gives you a pretty good idea about the differences in grip sizes.

bonefamily · July 27, 2013, 06:29 PM

Thanks, wyncollector! Do the boot grips only fit the larger framed magnum models?

wnycollector · July 27, 2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Do the boot grips only fit the larger framed magnum models?

I'm pretty sure they do, but you might want to check over at www.naaminis.com The folks over there can give you a definitive answer.

James K · July 27, 2013, 07:22 PM

IMHO, the little NAA revolvers are fun guns, but unless maximum concealment is a primary consideration, they are not good self defense guns. They are just too small and it is too easy to fumble them when trying to use them, plus it is hard to get a consistent grip for followup shots. Plus, of course, they are single action. With so many good quality small autos and revolvers becoming available in the last few years, I see no need for those mini revolvers for any kind of serious use.

As for derringers, what BikerBill said.

Jim

redhologram · July 28, 2013, 02:49 AM

My fiancé has a derringer (Bond Texas Defender with the 45 Colt/410 barrel and .45ACP barrel.) It's definitely a novelty more than anything else.

MattShlock · July 28, 2013, 05:51 PM

I have a Mini-Master. The Black Widow in .22 Mag for carry would probably be a solid choice (with some Hornady Critical Defense rounds) though I like the boot-grip laminate stocks very much.

stmcelroy · July 29, 2013, 10:25 AM

I own 4 NAA Minis and the Black Widow or PUG are my two favorite at this time.

bonefamily · July 29, 2013, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

gordyt · July 29, 2013, 09:11 PM

Bryan just to jump in on this thread...

I've had NAA Black Widow in 22LR/MAG for several years now. It is a great little gun and surprisingly accurate.

-- Gordon

arizona98tj · July 29, 2013, 10:26 PM

I have two NAA revolvers, a PUG .22Mag and the other is their newer model, the Sidewinder, in .22LR and .22Mag. The PUG is always in a leather pocket holster as a BUG. I find neither one difficult to shoot.

Here is a comparison photo between the PUG and my Ruger LCR. No comparison when it comes to stealth mode.

Tejicano · July 30, 2013, 04:07 AM

A little off from your topic - but not by much.

I have an ADC M1 derringer (2 shot) in 45 ACP. It is my "last ditch" back up for when I can't conceal much with what I am wearing. I bought this new about 20 years ago with the idea that if all I had was two shots I want them to be as big as possible.

I honestly would prefer a big blade - like my Cold Steel Laredo - over a small pistol but it is even more difficult to conceal than any handgun.

bonefamily · July 30, 2013, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the input guys! - and thanks for the links, arizona!!

Deja vu · August 1, 2013, 10:37 PM

my mini is a 22 short. it is very tiny. I carry it in a necklace. It is much smaller than the 22 mag and a bit smaller (in length) than the 22lr version.

Coach Z · August 2, 2013, 12:16 AM

I've got the NAA revolver, came with a 22lr cylinder and a 22 mag cylinder. Beefy rubber grip and a tritium front sight. Super reliable and the fit and finish are off the charts. Highly recommend one ImageUploadedByTapatalk1375420606.605432.jpg

Obambulate · August 2, 2013, 02:37 PM

NAA makes excellent little revolvers and you should be able to find one with the right size and features to suit you. IMO, the Black Widow and Pug are worth the extra $$ over the standard Magnum Mini. They have better sights, a more secure cylinder pin latch, and the grips are upgrades over the standard wooden birdseyes as far as getting a secure hold.

July 25, 2013, 09:02 PM	#1
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Mini revolver or Derringer (NAA or Cimarron) I have an extra couple bills coming in and wanted to get something different. I have always had my eye on the little NAA mini revolvers in .22lr/.22mag but recently started looking at the Cimarron derringer in the same caliber. From pics, it looks like the derringer might be a bit easier to hold as it looks a tad bigger. The NAA's seem to have a good rep of being a quality little piece. I would like to hear from you all your opinions on this if you own or have shot either. The purpose for this firearm would be range fun and perhaps a backup carry at times. Thanks! __________________ Bryan

July 25, 2013, 11:15 PM	#3
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Thanks for the information, Kappe. You have me convinced on the NAA as well as the combo version for the added size. I also see they have a folding grip add-on that also might add to the holding. __________________ Bryan

July 26, 2013, 03:05 PM	#6
bikerbill Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: Lago Vista TX Posts: 2,425	I've owned a derringer (Bond 9mm) ... I traded on something, it was a total waste for carry, tho it did get attention at the range ... only two rounds, weighs a ton, slow to reload, slow to cock, hard to shoot accurately ... I currently have an NAA Pug in .22mag ... love it!! it's in my pocket all the time at home or walking the dog, tho I do carry something more potent if I'm going into town or traveling ... the Pug is loads of fun to shoot, very accurate inside 7 yards, carries five rounds (don't plan on reloading unless you're at the range), and is light as a feather ... __________________ "The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus

July 26, 2013, 08:52 PM	#8
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Thanks for the replies, everyone. The NAA mag it is! __________________ Bryan

July 27, 2013, 06:29 PM	#12
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Thanks, wyncollector! Do the boot grips only fit the larger framed magnum models? __________________ Bryan

July 25, 2013, 09:57 PM	#2
Kappe Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 149	While I generally think Cimarron is a fabulous company, their derringers are manufactured by a company called Cobra. Cobra bought the tooling, machining and rights from Davis Industries to produce its pistols after the latter went under. Their derringers are/were made of poor quality materials - most of the barrels on them have sleeves, with the rest of the barrel and frame being made from what may or may not be pot metal. They're also quite heavy. The .22LR derringer is roughly the same size as the .22 Magnum NAA Mini, but easily weighs 50% more. Cobra firearms come with a lifetime warranty, so I wouldn't lose any sleep over having one as a fun gun, but I would be very uneasy with it as any form of defensive gun since there are much better options out there for not much more money. NAA on the other hand indeed has a reputation as a quality manufacturer. If you're concerned about the small grip, consider getting the .22 Magnum version with a spare .22LR cylinder - the .22 Mag is appreciably bigger than the .22LR-only version in overall size. The hammer is also much easier to pull back than the derringers in my experience, and carrying them safe is a fairly quick and simple proposition (the cylinder notches), while with the derringer it is certainly not.

July 26, 2013, 08:46 AM	#4
Tortuga12 Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Posts: 211	I've got the 1 5/8" magnum version, and I like it, but I did send it back to the factory for the .22LR cylinder, and to have the barrel recrowned (tumbling issues). If I were to buy again, I'd get the Black Widow: http://northamericanarms.com/firearm.../bw-1/bwc.html And I might, someday!

July 26, 2013, 08:59 AM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	Good move. A friend has a NAA Magnum and can shoot it very well. I found a derringer to get boring pretty fast. And they are NOT as fast and easy to shoot as the NAA.

July 26, 2013, 03:50 PM	#7
Dave Chuppa Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Posts: 448	I like my NAA 22 Mag. It's my Pajama Gun.

July 26, 2013, 08:58 PM	#9
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	I put the Mini-mag grips on my Pug. Gives me as much to hold as a J-frame.

July 27, 2013, 09:51 AM	#11
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	My normal summer carry is a 22 mag with boot grips. The larger boot grip allow for a comfortable two finger grip without giving up anything as far as concealability. I don't have a pic of mine, but pic gives you a pretty good idea about the differences in grip sizes.

July 27, 2013, 07:22 PM	#14
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	IMHO, the little NAA revolvers are fun guns, but unless maximum concealment is a primary consideration, they are not good self defense guns. They are just too small and it is too easy to fumble them when trying to use them, plus it is hard to get a consistent grip for followup shots. Plus, of course, they are single action. With so many good quality small autos and revolvers becoming available in the last few years, I see no need for those mini revolvers for any kind of serious use. As for derringers, what BikerBill said. Jim

July 28, 2013, 02:49 AM	#15
redhologram Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 352	My fiancé has a derringer (Bond Texas Defender with the 45 Colt/410 barrel and .45ACP barrel.) It's definitely a novelty more than anything else.

July 28, 2013, 05:51 PM	#16
MattShlock Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 251	I have a Mini-Master. The Black Widow in .22 Mag for carry would probably be a solid choice (with some Hornady Critical Defense rounds) though I like the boot-grip laminate stocks very much.

July 29, 2013, 10:25 AM	#17
stmcelroy Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2002 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 562	I own 4 NAA Minis and the Black Widow or PUG are my two favorite at this time.

July 29, 2013, 08:54 PM	#18
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Thanks for the replies, everyone! __________________ Bryan

July 29, 2013, 09:11 PM	#19
gordyt Member Join Date: January 15, 2002 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 16	Bryan just to jump in on this thread... I've had NAA Black Widow in 22LR/MAG for several years now. It is a great little gun and surprisingly accurate. -- Gordon

July 29, 2013, 10:26 PM	#20
arizona98tj Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 980	I have two NAA revolvers, a PUG .22Mag and the other is their newer model, the Sidewinder, in .22LR and .22Mag. The PUG is always in a leather pocket holster as a BUG. I find neither one difficult to shoot. Here is a comparison photo between the PUG and my Ruger LCR. No comparison when it comes to stealth mode. __________________ stu-offroad.com Largest Jeep TJ project site on the web! (now with guns)

July 30, 2013, 04:07 AM	#21
Tejicano Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2013 Posts: 168	A little off from your topic - but not by much. I have an ADC M1 derringer (2 shot) in 45 ACP. It is my "last ditch" back up for when I can't conceal much with what I am wearing. I bought this new about 20 years ago with the idea that if all I had was two shots I want them to be as big as possible. I honestly would prefer a big blade - like my Cold Steel Laredo - over a small pistol but it is even more difficult to conceal than any handgun.

July 30, 2013, 09:05 PM	#22
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	Thanks for the input guys! - and thanks for the links, arizona!! __________________ Bryan

August 1, 2013, 10:37 PM	#23
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	my mini is a 22 short. it is very tiny. I carry it in a necklace. It is much smaller than the 22 mag and a bit smaller (in length) than the 22lr version. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

August 2, 2013, 12:16 AM	#24
Coach Z Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2011 Location: RI Posts: 795	Mini revolver or Derringer (NAA or Cimarron) I've got the NAA revolver, came with a 22lr cylinder and a 22 mag cylinder. Beefy rubber grip and a tritium front sight. Super reliable and the fit and finish are off the charts. Highly recommend one ImageUploadedByTapatalk1375420606.605432.jpg

August 2, 2013, 02:37 PM	#25
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	NAA makes excellent little revolvers and you should be able to find one with the right size and features to suit you. IMO, the Black Widow and Pug are worth the extra $$ over the standard Magnum Mini. They have better sights, a more secure cylinder pin latch, and the grips are upgrades over the standard wooden birdseyes as far as getting a secure hold.