The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini Made a Bold First Impression
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini promises a blend of classic aesthetics and enhanced ergonomics for the diminutive NAA mini-revolver. It’s a simple upgrade, but one that can dramatically change the feel and handling of these popular little firearms. The North American Arms (NAA) mini-revolvers are known for their concealability, but sometimes at the expense of comfortable grip.
I’ve always appreciated the concept of the NAA mini, a truly last-ditch, easily-concealed firearm. However, the small factory grips always felt inadequate, especially during live-fire training at the range. I needed a grip that offered more purchase and control without sacrificing the inherent concealability of the platform.
Upon unboxing, the Natural Rosewood grips exuded a certain charm. The wood grain, though unique as advertised by Sports South, was attractive and felt smooth in hand. The boot grip design added a noticeable thickness to the grip, promising a fuller, more secure hold.
I considered other options like the NAA folding grip or the larger rubber grips. The folding grip adds bulk when folded and doesn’t always feel secure when shooting. The rubber grips, while functional, lack the classic aesthetics I was looking for, so I ultimately chose the rosewood boot grips.
My first impression was positive, though cautiously optimistic. The grips looked beautiful, but the true test would be how they felt and performed during live fire.
Real-World Testing: Putting North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini at my local shooting range. The range provides a controlled environment to assess grip and handling with live ammunition. The weather was mild, with no rain or extreme temperatures to contend with.
The difference in handling was immediately noticeable. The boot grip filled my hand much better than the factory grips, providing a more positive and secure grasp. Recoil, while still present with the .22LR, felt more manageable due to the increased surface area.
I did notice a slight increase in the time it took to draw the weapon from my pocket, due to the larger grip. However, the improved control during firing more than compensated for this minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini has held up well. The rosewood shows no signs of cracking or splitting. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth keeps them looking pristine.
The finish is durable and hasn’t shown any significant wear. The grips remain comfortable to use, even during extended shooting sessions. This is a significant improvement over the original grips, which would often cause discomfort after only a few magazines.
In comparison to my previous experiences with the factory grips, the rosewood boot grips are a significant upgrade. They offer better control, increased comfort, and improved aesthetics without compromising the core purpose of the NAA mini-revolver: extreme concealability.
Breaking Down the Features of North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini
Specifications
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini is designed specifically for NAA .22 Long Rifle mini-revolvers. The set consists of two grip panels crafted from natural rosewood. The boot grip design features a slight palm swell and extended length compared to factory grips, which provides an enhanced grip.
These grips do not alter the caliber, weight (negligibly), or barrel length of the firearm itself. Their primary function is to improve the ergonomics and handling of the NAA mini-revolver. The rosewood material offers a classic look and a comfortable feel in hand.
Performance & Functionality
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini excels at improving the handling of the small NAA revolver. The increased grip surface area allows for better control, especially during rapid firing. The boot grip shape also helps to mitigate felt recoil.
The strength of these grips lies in their ability to transform the shooting experience with a simple upgrade. A slight weakness could be the increased size might slightly compromise concealability compared to the factory grips, though negligibly. Overall, they meet and exceed my expectations for a grip upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Natural Rosewood offers a classic aesthetic. The grips feature a smooth, polished finish that is comfortable to hold. The boot grip design is well-shaped, filling the hand adequately without being overly bulky.
The grips are user-friendly and require no modifications to the firearm for installation. Anyone familiar with basic hand tools can easily install these grips in minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The rosewood material is relatively durable and should last for years with proper care. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to maintain the finish and prevent drying or cracking. No special tools or procedures are required for maintenance.
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini grips are a simple upgrade that offers a significant improvement in handling and comfort. The rosewood material is durable enough to withstand regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini are a standalone accessory. They don’t require any additional accessories for installation or use. They replace the existing grips on your NAA mini-revolver.
While these grips do not directly interface with other accessories like optics or lasers, they can be paired with aftermarket holsters designed to accommodate larger grips. The NAA platform itself has limited customization options beyond grips and holsters.
Pros and Cons of North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini
Pros
- Significantly improved grip and control compared to factory grips.
- Classic Natural Rosewood aesthetics.
- Easy installation.
- Increased comfort, even during extended shooting sessions.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- Slight increase in grip size may marginally affect concealability.
- Wood grain pattern varies; may not match the online photo exactly.
Who Should Buy North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini?
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini is perfect for NAA mini-revolver owners who want to improve the grip and handling of their firearm. It is especially suited to those who find the factory grips too small or uncomfortable. The product also benefits those who appreciate the classic look of Natural Rosewood grips.
Those who prioritize absolute concealability above all else might want to skip this product. Those with extremely large hands might find the boot grip design still not large enough. A larger, more aggressively textured grip might be more suitable.
A must-have accessory to complement these grips is a quality pocket holster designed to accommodate slightly larger grips. A reliable pocket holster ensures safe and discreet carry of the NAA mini-revolver.
Conclusion on North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini
The North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini is a worthwhile upgrade for any NAA mini-revolver owner seeking improved grip and classic aesthetics. The value proposition is excellent at $27.99, considering the significant improvement in handling and comfort.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance their NAA mini-revolver. The Natural Rosewood grips offer a significant performance boost and a touch of classic style. Consider the North American Arms Long Rifle Boot Grip Natural Rosewood for NAA Mini to experience a notable improvement in the handling and aesthetics of your NAA .22LR mini-revolver.