NAA Ranger 2 Breaktop

YankeeIronSights · August 22, 2018, 12:18 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am very interested in the new NAA Ranger 2 Breaktop revolver. It comes with a 22 magnum and 22LR cylinder. The price is quite high but it is the most practical and easy to load / fire mini revolver made by North American Arms.

Has anyone in this forum tested this model at the range. Please share your experience with this specific model.

Thanks!!!

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Bill DeShivs · August 22, 2018, 12:53 AM

There is an NAA forum with a lot of information about them.
The Ranger II has had a lot of teething problems. I don't know if they have straightened them out.

TruthTellers · August 22, 2018, 02:21 AM

What makes it practical? The concept of a faster reload with a breaktop sounds like salesman talk to me. After I saw the price of the breaktop Ranger II I thought it over and NAA makes a combo .22LR/.22Mag that's a solid frame, pull pin revolver and you can find them for half the price of the Ranger II. My thinking is you can carry the spare cylinder, pre-loaded, on your person so if you had to reload all you'd have to do is take out the cylinder and replace it with the loaded cylinder.

Now, that would mean you're reloading .22 Mag or LR with the opposite ammo, but at the distances you'd be shooting with an NAA it wouldn't matter.

This is my thinking. I was interested in the NAA until I saw the issues with it (and the price) and while it's silly to think that you'd need more than 5 rounds in a mini revolver, the .22LR/.22Mag combo is more reliable and a lot less money.

CDR_Glock · August 22, 2018, 06:29 AM

I like the design.

BUT I have the original pin and cylinder and the swing out cylinder. The swing out cylinder allows you to push the spent cases out all at once but in 22 Magnum, the cases expand.

Honestly, if you are talking self defense, I actually carry two of these revolvers in each pocket with a 9 mm in the waist.

I call it my Carolina Reload. 2 back up guns to one pistol.

They disappear into the pocket but can be drawn very easily.

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Glenn E. Meyer · August 22, 2018, 10:41 AM

Having an early NAA where you have to remove the cylinder to reload, doing it under stress isn't going to be a fun thing or fast. As CDR said, they are backups and reloading them is not a real plan. For what it is worth, I carry (as a BUG) in a pocket holster that allows you to carry reloads. An interesting nuance is that the holster (Thad Rybka design) will hold 5 22 LR (if you have that cylinder in it). It won't close on 22 Mag rounds, they are too long. So since I carry the 22 Mag Critical Defense round, I found that 22 WRF (that's somewhat obscure) in the holster as they fit 22 Mag cylinders and being shorter they fit the holster pouch.

But reloading, come back tomorrow and I'll be done. I'd like the idea of the swing out or the top break but not enough to spend the money.

TruthTellers · August 22, 2018, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Honestly, if you are talking self defense, I actually carry two of these revolvers in each pocket with a 9 mm in the waist.

That's another point I can make: you can buy two of the standard NAA revolvers will cost the same as the Ranger II.

YankeeIronSights · August 22, 2018, 07:21 PM

After reading your feedback, I agree with many points made.

Regarding older NAA mini revolvers, I have owned a few but ended up trading them. I love the concept of carrying a mini gun that disappears in the pocket. However, I dislike having to manipulate three gun components when reloading. Consider this: micro motor skills during a self defense situation would be difficult to manage and could cause you to drop the frame, cylinder, bullets and or cylinder guiding rod. You could end up shooting your hand while holding the hammer back to align and secure the loaded cylinder. This is why this new mini revolver is safer to operate. One hand holds the gun while the other holds the cartridges. The possibility of dropping gun components is reduced and your hand is less exposed to the barrel when arming the gun.

Reloading this gun during a self defense encounter is not something I would even consider. I would use this gun strictly to buy time to get away from a criminal. Strategic 2 shot placement from 3 to 8 feet would do the job. Incapacitating the perpetrator is all one can hope to achieve so that you can run for cover and help.

If I had to carry two of these mouse guns I would rather carry my trusted Ruger LCP or even a Sig365. Again, I would only carry. Ranger 2 when the social event prevents me from concealing a more efficient firearm.

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GarandTd · August 23, 2018, 06:16 PM

I watched a video review of this revolver and the person doing the review inadvertantly hit the lever to break it open at the same time that they tried to pull back the hammer. It didn't break open completely, but it was enough to keep it from firing. It happened multiple times.

YankeeIronSights · August 23, 2018, 08:08 PM

That video raises a serious reliability question indeed. However, any firearm can fail to operate if the user mismanages the gun mechanism. With this gun, one cannot index the hammer by dragging the thumb over the top of the frame. Proper technique matters and practice is essential.

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TruthTellers · August 23, 2018, 09:56 PM

The Sidewinder is more reliable as mishandling the gun during cocking and opening it isn't a possibility.

BeornLS · August 24, 2018, 01:08 PM

I'm a big NAA fan and I myself have passed on this Ranger II until they get the problems corrected on it. Not to mention the aforementioned issued of inadvertently opening the latching mechanism under stress.

As others said, best to just buy TWO of the regular NAA minis (with the pin reloading) and use a New York reload.

ncpatriot · August 24, 2018, 03:10 PM

What is the appeal of such tiny derringers? Hard to hold, hard to cock and hard to aim and shoot, the few times I have shot them.

Easy to carry and conceal would be only advantages I see. Dinky as it is, I'd rather have my lowly Raven .25 as a backup pocket gun. I can hold it much more securely than one of these.

Dave Chuppa · August 24, 2018, 08:31 PM

Fun to play with but I don’t carry mine. I can carry a J-Frame just as easy. Infact I can carry Two J-Frames easily. If it came to reloading I can also load the J-Frame a lot easier and faster. I doubt if your in a situation you probably would ever have to reload. The J-Frame is also a lot easier to shoot.

franco45 · August 25, 2018, 11:03 PM

I have a Sidewinder in my pocket right now. I carry it around the house or sometimes when I go to the gym. I also carry it or one of my other minis as a bug. I actually have 3 NAA minis. They're fun

claydoctor · August 26, 2018, 09:15 PM

Be aware that tolerances are so tight on some NAA guns, as to make them very ammo sensitive. When I bought my .22 Mag Pug, I was sold a box of Winchester shells. One shot from the gun would lock it up, due to the empty shell backing up. When I contacted NAA, they were pretty casual about it, informing me that they had heard of that happening before. They suggested I use CCI ammunition, which does work fine. I advise anyone using one of these guns for personal defense, which really is their only application, to test fire it first to make sure it works with their ammo.

Dave T · August 28, 2018, 08:30 PM

Quote:

I watched a video review of this revolver and the person doing the review inadvertantly hit the lever to break it open at the same time that they tried to pull back the hammer. It didn't break open completely, but it was enough to keep it from firing. It happened multiple times.

I wondered about that the first time I saw a picture of this thing. Sounds like a poor choice for anything but a toy.

Dave

HisSoldier · August 31, 2018, 12:54 PM

I want one for it's own sake, it's such a small package and simultaneously ingeniously designed, and yes it would make a very nice back up especially with the western type grips fitted to it and longer barrel. But I'm having a hard time finding one to buy! Have any of you guys found any for sale yet?

Bill DeShivs · August 31, 2018, 01:06 PM

While the top break version is neat, the size is getting up there near P32/P3AT territory.
NAA has kept making bigger versions of the original .22 short mini revolver. Some of them border on ridiculous.

Carmady · August 31, 2018, 05:02 PM

Quote:

NAA has kept making bigger versions of the original .22 short mini revolver.

Like this?
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/780791752

Bill DeShivs · August 31, 2018, 06:45 PM

Yes.

TruthTellers · August 31, 2018, 11:54 PM

The Minimaster is actually really good. It's light as a feather, yet I can hit a 6 or 8 inch plate at 50 yards with it repeatedly.

Model12Win · September 1, 2018, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

While the top break version is neat, the size is getting up there near P32/P3AT territory.
NAA has kept making bigger versions of the original .22 short mini revolver. Some of them border on ridiculous.

.22 magnum is much more effective than .32 ACP FWIW and I'd rather have 5 for sure than 8 maybe.

Bill DeShivs · September 1, 2018, 01:14 AM

I don't know that .22 magnum from a 1-1/2" barrel is more effective.
What .22 magnum does best in little pistols is LOUD!
And a single action pistol is a handicap.

Dave T · September 1, 2018, 11:01 AM

It's s toy (something to play with) and I bet it will be sold more for that reason than as a serious defensive revolver.

Before anyone posts it, no I don't want to be shot with one but that doesn't make it a good choice for self defense. And yes, out of a 1-1/2" barrel the 22 Magnum is mostly loud.

Dave

Bill DeShivs · September 1, 2018, 03:00 PM

Don't get me wrong- I love the little NAA guns. I have a couple in .22 short, and may buy a LR model if I run across one. I make custom grips for them.
I think every gun aficionado should own- just because they are so cute!

August 22, 2018, 12:18 AM	#1
YankeeIronSights Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 261	NAA Ranger 2 Breaktop Hi Everyone, I am very interested in the new NAA Ranger 2 Breaktop revolver. It comes with a 22 magnum and 22LR cylinder. The price is quite high but it is the most practical and easy to load / fire mini revolver made by North American Arms. Has anyone in this forum tested this model at the range. Please share your experience with this specific model. Thanks!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

August 22, 2018, 12:53 AM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	There is an NAA forum with a lot of information about them. The Ranger II has had a lot of teething problems. I don't know if they have straightened them out. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 22, 2018, 02:21 AM	#3
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	What makes it practical? The concept of a faster reload with a breaktop sounds like salesman talk to me. After I saw the price of the breaktop Ranger II I thought it over and NAA makes a combo .22LR/.22Mag that's a solid frame, pull pin revolver and you can find them for half the price of the Ranger II. My thinking is you can carry the spare cylinder, pre-loaded, on your person so if you had to reload all you'd have to do is take out the cylinder and replace it with the loaded cylinder. Now, that would mean you're reloading .22 Mag or LR with the opposite ammo, but at the distances you'd be shooting with an NAA it wouldn't matter. This is my thinking. I was interested in the NAA until I saw the issues with it (and the price) and while it's silly to think that you'd need more than 5 rounds in a mini revolver, the .22LR/.22Mag combo is more reliable and a lot less money. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 22, 2018, 10:41 AM	#5
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	Having an early NAA where you have to remove the cylinder to reload, doing it under stress isn't going to be a fun thing or fast. As CDR said, they are backups and reloading them is not a real plan. For what it is worth, I carry (as a BUG) in a pocket holster that allows you to carry reloads. An interesting nuance is that the holster (Thad Rybka design) will hold 5 22 LR (if you have that cylinder in it). It won't close on 22 Mag rounds, they are too long. So since I carry the 22 Mag Critical Defense round, I found that 22 WRF (that's somewhat obscure) in the holster as they fit 22 Mag cylinders and being shorter they fit the holster pouch. But reloading, come back tomorrow and I'll be done. I'd like the idea of the swing out or the top break but not enough to spend the money. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

August 23, 2018, 06:16 PM	#8
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I watched a video review of this revolver and the person doing the review inadvertantly hit the lever to break it open at the same time that they tried to pull back the hammer. It didn't break open completely, but it was enough to keep it from firing. It happened multiple times. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

August 22, 2018, 06:29 AM	#4
CDR_Glock Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2010 Posts: 704	I like the design. BUT I have the original pin and cylinder and the swing out cylinder. The swing out cylinder allows you to push the spent cases out all at once but in 22 Magnum, the cases expand. Honestly, if you are talking self defense, I actually carry two of these revolvers in each pocket with a 9 mm in the waist. I call it my Carolina Reload. 2 back up guns to one pistol. They disappear into the pocket but can be drawn very easily. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

August 22, 2018, 07:21 PM	#7
YankeeIronSights Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 261	After reading your feedback, I agree with many points made. Regarding older NAA mini revolvers, I have owned a few but ended up trading them. I love the concept of carrying a mini gun that disappears in the pocket. However, I dislike having to manipulate three gun components when reloading. Consider this: micro motor skills during a self defense situation would be difficult to manage and could cause you to drop the frame, cylinder, bullets and or cylinder guiding rod. You could end up shooting your hand while holding the hammer back to align and secure the loaded cylinder. This is why this new mini revolver is safer to operate. One hand holds the gun while the other holds the cartridges. The possibility of dropping gun components is reduced and your hand is less exposed to the barrel when arming the gun. Reloading this gun during a self defense encounter is not something I would even consider. I would use this gun strictly to buy time to get away from a criminal. Strategic 2 shot placement from 3 to 8 feet would do the job. Incapacitating the perpetrator is all one can hope to achieve so that you can run for cover and help. If I had to carry two of these mouse guns I would rather carry my trusted Ruger LCP or even a Sig365. Again, I would only carry. Ranger 2 when the social event prevents me from concealing a more efficient firearm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

August 23, 2018, 08:08 PM	#9
YankeeIronSights Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 261	That video raises a serious reliability question indeed. However, any firearm can fail to operate if the user mismanages the gun mechanism. With this gun, one cannot index the hammer by dragging the thumb over the top of the frame. Proper technique matters and practice is essential. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

August 23, 2018, 09:56 PM	#10
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	The Sidewinder is more reliable as mishandling the gun during cocking and opening it isn't a possibility. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 24, 2018, 01:08 PM	#11
BeornLS Member Join Date: October 26, 2005 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 52	I'm a big NAA fan and I myself have passed on this Ranger II until they get the problems corrected on it. Not to mention the aforementioned issued of inadvertently opening the latching mechanism under stress. As others said, best to just buy TWO of the regular NAA minis (with the pin reloading) and use a New York reload.

August 24, 2018, 03:10 PM	#12
ncpatriot Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2009 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 371	What is the appeal of such tiny derringers? Hard to hold, hard to cock and hard to aim and shoot, the few times I have shot them. Easy to carry and conceal would be only advantages I see. Dinky as it is, I'd rather have my lowly Raven .25 as a backup pocket gun. I can hold it much more securely than one of these. __________________ Remember the American heroes of Flight 93.

August 24, 2018, 08:31 PM	#13
Dave Chuppa Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Posts: 448	Fun to play with but I don’t carry mine. I can carry a J-Frame just as easy. Infact I can carry Two J-Frames easily. If it came to reloading I can also load the J-Frame a lot easier and faster. I doubt if your in a situation you probably would ever have to reload. The J-Frame is also a lot easier to shoot. __________________ TWO HANDGUNS AND RELOADS, EVERY DAY ALL DAY

August 25, 2018, 11:03 PM	#14
franco45 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: Toledo Ohio Posts: 474	I have a Sidewinder in my pocket right now. I carry it around the house or sometimes when I go to the gym. I also carry it or one of my other minis as a bug. I actually have 3 NAA minis. They're fun

August 26, 2018, 09:15 PM	#15
claydoctor Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 450	Be aware that tolerances are so tight on some NAA guns, as to make them very ammo sensitive. When I bought my .22 Mag Pug, I was sold a box of Winchester shells. One shot from the gun would lock it up, due to the empty shell backing up. When I contacted NAA, they were pretty casual about it, informing me that they had heard of that happening before. They suggested I use CCI ammunition, which does work fine. I advise anyone using one of these guns for personal defense, which really is their only application, to test fire it first to make sure it works with their ammo.

August 31, 2018, 12:54 PM	#17
HisSoldier Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2007 Location: Oregoncoast Posts: 1,793	I want one for it's own sake, it's such a small package and simultaneously ingeniously designed, and yes it would make a very nice back up especially with the western type grips fitted to it and longer barrel. But I'm having a hard time finding one to buy! Have any of you guys found any for sale yet? __________________ CNC produced 416 stainless triggers to replace the plastic triggers on Colt Mustangs, Mustang Plus II's, MK IV Government .380's and Sig P238's and P938's. Plus Colt Mustang hardened 416 guide rods, and Llama .32 and .380 recoil spring buttons, checkered nicely and blued.

August 31, 2018, 01:06 PM	#18
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	While the top break version is neat, the size is getting up there near P32/P3AT territory. NAA has kept making bigger versions of the original .22 short mini revolver. Some of them border on ridiculous. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 31, 2018, 06:45 PM	#20
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Yes. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 31, 2018, 11:54 PM	#21
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	The Minimaster is actually really good. It's light as a feather, yet I can hit a 6 or 8 inch plate at 50 yards with it repeatedly. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

September 1, 2018, 01:14 AM	#23
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	I don't know that .22 magnum from a 1-1/2" barrel is more effective. What .22 magnum does best in little pistols is LOUD! And a single action pistol is a handicap. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

September 1, 2018, 11:01 AM	#24
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,456	It's s toy (something to play with) and I bet it will be sold more for that reason than as a serious defensive revolver. Before anyone posts it, no I don't want to be shot with one but that doesn't make it a good choice for self defense. And yes, out of a 1-1/2" barrel the 22 Magnum is mostly loud. Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

September 1, 2018, 03:00 PM	#25
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Don't get me wrong- I love the little NAA guns. I have a couple in .22 short, and may buy a LR model if I run across one. I make custom grips for them. I think every gun aficionado should own- just because they are so cute! __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com