NAA Guardian .380 ACP Review & Shoot

Published on May 11, 2022
Duration: 17:30

This review of the North American Arms Guardian .380 ACP highlights its double-action-only trigger and all-metal construction, noting its heft contributes to reduced recoil. The reviewer demonstrates a technique for improving grip to mitigate stovepipe malfunctions, suggesting that a firmer hold and potentially a break-in period can enhance reliability. While not the reviewer's preferred .380 due to the trigger, its safety features for pocket carry are acknowledged.

Quick Summary

The North American Arms Guardian .380 ACP is an all-metal, double-action-only pistol featuring a heavy trigger pull designed for safety in pocket carry. Its substantial weight helps reduce felt recoil, and while initial stovepipe malfunctions were noted, they were mitigated by improving grip technique and potentially a break-in period.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: NAA Guardian .380 ACP
  2. 00:19Included Accessories & Grips
  3. 00:53Magazines and Box Contents
  4. 01:13Double Action Only Trigger Pull
  5. 01:45Sights and Accuracy Potential
  6. 02:04Grip with Extended Magazine
  7. 02:27K&D Holsters Pocket Holster
  8. 02:58Ammunition: CCI Blazer Brass 95gr RN
  9. 03:41Ammunition Testing Recommendation
  10. 04:04Weight and Construction: Fixed Barrel Blowback
  11. 04:25Weight Comparison to LCP
  12. 04:57First Shot and Accuracy Expectations
  13. 05:15Shooting Gong and Steel Targets
  14. 05:58First Malfunction: Stovepipe
  15. 06:22Second Malfunction & Grip Analysis
  16. 06:46Grip Slippage Cause
  17. 07:07Attempting a Tighter Grip
  18. 07:23Initial Target Shots Analysis
  19. 09:12Round Count and Break-in Period
  20. 09:18Last Round of First Mag: No Stovepipe
  21. 09:26Magazine Extension vs. Stovepipes
  22. 09:37Second Magazine: No Stovepipes
  23. 09:43Target Accuracy Review
  24. 10:28Double Action Trigger Difficulty
  25. 10:34Comparison to Car CW 380 Trigger
  26. 10:55Improving Reliability: Last Two Mags
  27. 11:30No Hold Open Feature Explained
  28. 11:47Easy Magazine Seating
  29. 12:31Audible Click of Magazine Insertion
  30. 12:50Loaded 6+1 Test
  31. 13:11Choking Up on Grip for Test
  32. 13:51Rapid Fire Test Results
  33. 14:11Accuracy Comparison: Single Action vs. DAO
  34. 14:35Reviewer's Personal Trigger Preference
  35. 15:07Not the Reviewer's Favorite .380
  36. 15:14Purpose of DAO Trigger: Safety
  37. 15:35DAO Trigger Impact on Shooting Accuracy
  38. 15:48Close Quarters Combat Considerations
  39. 16:16Stovepipes Cleared Up
  40. 16:32Break-in Process and Grip Improvement
  41. 16:37Reliable Feeding After Break-in
  42. 17:02Final Thoughts and Thanks
  43. 17:10Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the North American Arms Guardian .380 ACP?

The NAA Guardian .380 ACP is an all-metal, double-action-only semi-automatic pistol known for its heft, which helps reduce felt recoil. It comes with two six-round magazines and features a smooth, heavy trigger pull. It does not have a slide lock open feature after the last round is fired.

What common malfunctions were observed with the NAA Guardian .380 ACP, and how were they addressed?

The primary malfunction observed was the 'stovepipe,' where a spent casing gets lodged vertically in the action. This was initially attributed to grip slippage and potentially the firearm needing a break-in period. Applying a tighter grip and 'choking up' on the firearm helped to eliminate these malfunctions.

How does the weight of the NAA Guardian .380 ACP compare to other pocket .380 pistols?

The NAA Guardian .380 ACP is significantly heavier than many polymer-framed pocket .380 pistols, such as the Ruger LCP. The reviewer estimates it to be about twice as heavy, which contributes to its reduced recoil during firing.

What is the purpose of the double-action-only trigger on a pocket pistol like the NAA Guardian .380 ACP?

The double-action-only trigger is designed for safety, particularly for pocket carry. The heavy trigger pull makes accidental discharges less likely, especially during high-stress situations or when drawing the firearm from a pocket.

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