When you’ve heard the North American Arms (NAA) title earlier than, you most likely consider tiny little revolvers in calibers just like the .22 LR and .22 WMR. Effectively, in 1997, the Provo, Utah, firm determined to get into the semi-auto sport by delivering the pocket-sized Guardian in .32 ACP. Impressed by the Seecamp LWS, the pistol was a success due to its dimensions, reliability and craftsmanship. Then, in 2001, NAA debuted a barely bigger model in .380 ACP.
I obtained my palms on a particular model in .32 ACP, however earlier than we go any additional, we’ve to speak in regards to the elephant within the room. Sure, the .32 ACP has at all times been a thought of marginal selection for self-defense. Fortunately, the Guardian is so small that it’s excellent as a backup gun, or a backup’s backup, and also you’ll at all times have it with you—which is healthier than the .45 ACP you allow at dwelling. You don’t notice simply how small the Guardian is till you have got it in your palms.
NAA Guardian’s Little Particulars
The .32 ACP NAA Guardian is an all-stainless-steel, double-action-only (DAO) semi-auto pistol that’s streamlined for straightforward operation with only a journal launch, a set off and a takedown button by way of controls. It’s 4.38 inches lengthy with its 2.19-inch barrel, 0.81 inches broad and weighs in at a whopping 15.6 ounces unloaded, however you may actually really feel that this stout little pistol is nicely made.
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My Guardian additionally acquired some particular touches from the knowledgeable gunsmiths at NAA’s Customized Store. For an additional $150, you may order a gun from NAA with a customized serial quantity that comprises as much as 10 alphanumeric characters. I selected my first title together with the 12 months I acquired the pistol, therefore the “LINAS2019” on the fitting aspect of the body, simply above the set off.
Customized Carry Package deal
The NAA Guardian additionally acquired the Customized Store’s “Carry Package deal,” which consists of breaking and mixing (or “dehorning”) of all of the gun’s edges so it’s extra comfy to hold and simpler to attract. No sharp edges will catch on clothes, for instance. The muzzle receives essentially the most consideration, however to my shock, the work additionally contains the elimination of the entrance and rear sights in addition to the rib connecting them. The inside edges of the triggerguard had been additionally arched and smoothed, and the set off itself was extremely polished. All of it comes collectively to create one very clean and fast-drawing pistol.
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Grips & Leather-based
The usual rubber grips had been additionally changed with checkered cocobolo grip panels. They give the impression of being very good-looking on the pistol and surprisingly fill the hand fairly nicely. Lastly, the Guardian got here with an Aker sharkskin pocket holster (HPT-32S in NAA’s catalog). It took a pair tries to attract the pistol from the pocket with out the holster, however as soon as I obtained the cling of it, it was fairly simple.
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Altogether, this can be a very elegant pocket pistol. It actually looks as if the sort of pistol you’d deliver to a marriage or one thing formal. It makes you’re feeling “fancy.” And dry-firing the Guardian, the set off felt clean with a few 12-pound pull and an inch of reset. Your follow-up pictures are fast and simple when you get the cling of how the set off resets. Two 6-round magazines are additionally included—one comes with a pinky relaxation whereas the opposite matches flush with the underside of the grip body. With the pinky relaxation, I can get two fingers on the grip. That’s how small this gun is! With out it, I can solely get one finger on the grip.
Zeroing In
Discovering high quality .32 ACP ammo turned out to be an actual chore, however I used to be fortunate sufficient to attain some rounds from Aguila, Fiocchi and Hornady. I additionally felt it was necessary to have each FMJ and JHP defensive hundreds readily available to see if the Guardian was worthy of private protection.
For the reason that little NAA pistol doesn’t have any sights in any respect, I maintain my testing distance to 7 yards. It positively took some observe to get used to capturing a pistol with out sights. I used the highest of the hammer to attain a fast sight image, and for extra precision, I tried to make use of the apex of the slide as a tough information. Nevertheless, I’m completely happy to report that for a gun with out sights, all of my teams had been across the 2-inch mark. The Guardian additionally ran like a champ, digesting the entire check rounds, and it felt just like the set off was getting smoother the extra rounds I put by way of the gun.
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Pocket NAA Guardian
Between the burden of the pistol and its caliber, recoil wasn’t a difficulty—not even shut. You possibly can comfortably run this gun all day lengthy. On prime of that, the Guardian is a well-designed and executed pistol. Whereas thicker and heavier than related polymer-framed pistols, its stainless-steel development makes it simpler to shoot and doubtless stronger as nicely. My time with this customized Guardian left me impressed with North American Arms’ stage of high quality.
The Guardian is a strong, well-made pocket pistol that provides quite a lot of choices. These in search of a small self-defense pistol ought to significantly think about North American Arms’ many choices.
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