Custom NAA Guardian .32 ACP: A factory custom version of this compact pistol is the author's prescription for concealed-carry

Guns Magazine, June, 2002 by Sanford Woo

In handgun circles, the L.W. Seecamp .32 ACP enjoys a reputation as an ultra dependable, last ditch, save-your-life pocket pistol. But with a fast growing reputation and limited production, market demand has caused the Seecamp pistols to sell for hundreds of dollars over the suggested retail price.

North American Arms recognized this demand and entered the micro-sized autoloader market with the introduction of the Guardian .32 in 1997. While the Seecamp remains ever desirable, those wanting a reliable ultra-small pistol now have an alternative in the NAA Guardian minus the scalper's price and endless waiting.

Why does demand exist for such small caliber pistols when noted experts such as Mas Ayoob and many others believe the 38 Special is the minimum caliber suitable for self-defense? Why use the .32 ACP which some consider suitable only for stopping alley rats, not alley thugs? To borrow a phrase from "Godzilla", size matters. Not everyone can conceal or comfortably carry a full-sized gun.

Ask the informed individual which gun he would use for concealed-carry and a likely reply is a 1911, large frame Glock, or Sig. All are excellent choices, but try wearing one for a while. How does it feel having 2 to 3 pounds of mass hanging from one side of your body all day? How does it feel having that iron jam into your kidney every time you lean against a chair? What do you wear year round to ensure the weapon remains fully concealed? Given the problems associated with carrying a full-sized gun, you may be tempted to leave home without it.

Let's look at how the Guardian may be a better choice for some. It is roughly 4.4 inches long, 3.2 inches high, .86 inch wide, and it weighs in at 13 ounces empty or 15 ounces fully loaded. Compare this against the "lightweight compact" Kimber Ultra Carry .45 ACP that measures roughly 7 inches long, 4.9 inches high, 1.2 inches thick, and weighs in at 25 ounces empty. It readily becomes apparent which is less burdensome for the daily grind of concealed carry.

A Closer Look

The Guardian comes boxed with a DeSantis nylon case, a case lock, and two stainless 6 round magazines. One magazine has an 1/8-inch plastic base and the other features an extended finger rest type baseplate.

The slide and frame are machined from 17-4PH stainless steel, chosen according to Ken Friel, NAA general manager, for its combination of strength, hardness, and rust resistance. Kahr Arms in cooperation with NAA manufactures the current run of slides and frames. Incidentally, 17-4PH is the same steel used in the Freedom Arms .454 Casull. If this material can withstand the repeated assault of the 55,000 CUP force of the .454, it will undoubtedly resist a lifetime of "abuse" from a .32 ACP.

The slide has brushed finish sides and a matte finish top. The top of the slide is capped with a full-length rib with a small-notched rear sight and a thin front sight blade. Bo-Mars these are not; the sights provide a reference point but little else. For my purposes, I felt the sights would be a detriment. More on this later.

The gun operates by direct blowback, which to the user means more effort to muscle back the slide. It feels as though it takes more effort to retract the slide of the Guardian than that of a 1911. I asked Friel about this. He stated that it takes about 9 to ii pounds to retract the Guardian's slide but the perceived effort may be greater as there is less surface area to grip.

The Guardian operates double-action-only with a 10-pound trigger pull of typical smoothness for a factory gun. The edges of the trigger are relatively sharp and can cause pinching of the trigger finger for some individuals.

Range Time

The number one consideration in any defensive handgun is reliability. On the first trip to the range, the Guardian experienced three failures to fire and three failures to feed in the first 50 rounds with FMJ ammunition. I suspected a weak magazine spring was responsible for the malfunctions as the last round consistently failed to feed. I was at a loss to explain the failures to fire, but suspected an underpowered hammer spring.

A second trip to the range with Federal and Aguila 71-grain FMJ ammunition confirmed a problem existed with the gun. Firing 100 rounds, there were four last round failures to feed, but the worst problem was the inconsistent ignition. One particular magazine full required about 15 pulls of the trigger to empty the magazine.

I e-mailed Sandy Chisholm, NAA president, on a Saturday and received a response Sunday. He said to send it back with a note listing the problems and of course any work would be free under the lifetime warranty. I was impressed that a company president promptly and kindly responded to a request for help from an average customer.

I was considering ordering some factory custom work but because of the malfunctions, had concerns about throwing in good money after bad. Should I be sure the problems were taken care of first and then ship the firearm back to NAA for custom work? Or should I have the custom work done while the Guardian was at the factory to avoid the cost and frustration of shipping the firearm a second time via UPS? Chisholm's response gave me the confidence to place the order.