Gun of the Week: North American Arms Black Widow

Published on April 29, 2013
Duration: 4:00

This guide details the North American Arms Black Widow mini-revolver, focusing on its exceptional concealability and practical application in self-defense. It covers the firearm's specifications, single-action operation, unique safety features like cylinder notches, and loading/unloading procedures. The information is presented with practical advice for carrying and deploying this specialized firearm, suitable for individuals seeking a discreet backup option.

Quick Summary

The North American Arms Black Widow is a highly concealable mini-revolver, measuring 5.75 inches long and 0.75 inches wide, weighing under 9 ounces. Chambered in .22 Magnum, it features single-action operation and safety notches for secure carry. Its compact size makes it ideal for deep concealment, offering a defensive option when larger firearms are impractical.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to NAA Black Widow
  2. 00:21Overview and Size
  3. 00:43Caliber and Self-Defense Argument
  4. 01:16Concealability Deep Dive
  5. 01:32Grips and Handling
  6. 01:52Operation and Safety Mechanics
  7. 02:25Cylinder Safety Notches Explained
  8. 02:51Loading and Unloading Procedure
  9. 03:13Sights and Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the North American Arms Black Widow ideal for concealed carry?

The NAA Black Widow is exceptionally suited for concealed carry due to its extremely compact dimensions, measuring just 5.75 inches long and 0.75 inches wide, and weighing under 9 ounces. This allows it to be discreetly carried in pockets or appendix holsters where larger firearms would be impractical.

How does the North American Arms Black Widow ensure safety during carry?

Safety on the Black Widow is primarily achieved through its single-action mechanism, requiring manual hammer cocking for each shot. Crucially, it features safety notches between the cylinder chambers, allowing the hammer to be safely lowered into these notches when carrying all five rounds loaded, preventing accidental discharge.

What caliber is the North American Arms Black Widow chambered in, and what is its self-defense utility?

The Black Widow is chambered in .22 Magnum (.22 WMR). While the caliber's effectiveness is debated, its proponents argue that having this firearm available in a highly concealable package is a significant advantage over being unarmed during a critical incident, especially when access to a larger firearm is impossible.

Can you easily reload the North American Arms Black Widow during a confrontation?

Reloading the Black Widow during a dynamic encounter is challenging due to its design. The process involves removing the cylinder pin and the entire cylinder, and spent cases are ejected using the pin. This method is significantly slower than reloading semi-automatic pistols, making mid-encounter reloads unlikely.

Related News

All News →

More EDC & Lifestyle Videos You Might Like

More from NRApubs

View all →