North American Arms “Laser” Black Widow Mini-Revolver
The tested NAA Black Widow with the NAA-1 Laser mounted the incorrect way, the "Randy Way." The clamp mounts are designed to attach the sight by squeezing the frame between the top strap and the cylinder. My borderline mysterious method worked just fine after initial adjustment. Though not technically the best (or even good), the iron sights did not have to be removed.
While chatting with Sandy Chisholm, proprietor of North American Arms, Sandy mentioned they were pretty excited about their new laser from Laserlyte offered as the “North American Arms Laser.” Sandy asked if I'd like to give one a try. I said, “Not really.” A NAA-1 Laser showed up a short while later.
Installing the NAA Laser on the Black Widow took only a couple of minutes-- at least the way I decided to do it. Clamps are supplied for both .22 LR and .22 WinMag NAA models, the Black Widow taking the “22MAG” clamp set. Mounting and using the laser required no removal of the Black Widow's pre-existing iron sight array. It also in no way interferes with cylinder removal and replacement. Now, that's for the way "Randy did it" (not the correct way) as I didn't want to remove my Black Widow's sights as I'd have to do by going the frame clamp route.
This is the proper way to mount the the NAA-1 Laser, between the frame of a NAA Mini and the cylinder.
Setting up on a breezy day out in the field, the first pair of shots from fifteen feet fired off-hand were very close to the mark. After the first two shots, the point of impact jumped vertically. I retightened the clamps and there were no further issues or changes. Despite shooting offhand in the wind, it was immediately apparent that the NAA-1 Laser was going to be far superior to iron sights on a diminutive revolver such as the Black Widow.
The shooting continued and the laser was essentially on horizontally, but the point of impact remained high. This laser is adjustable for both windage and elevation. The supplied carded instructions indicate that turning the top screw counterclockwise moves the elevation down. Well, the instructions are completely wrong, as that moved the point of impact even farther up. So, turning the top screw with the included wrench moved things where they were supposed to be. We ended up with the adjustment as far downward as it would go.
My Dad wanted to give the Black Widow a try and he pulled a pair of shots right into the bullseye. What you see above the bull is the next consecutive fifteen shots forming the same hole, an amazing display of accuracy from such a tiny little handgun out in 15 - 20 mph gusty wind.
The NAA-1 Laser weighs little more than one third of one ounce and it is effortlessly, quickly activated with the toggle lever at the back of it. All the shooting was done with Winchester PowerPoint .22 Long Rifle ammo, so like all pistols it takes a bit of homework to find out what your individual firearm likes to be fed the most. It is a dramatically different way of aiming, as you can completely ignore the iron sights. Where you hold your laser dot is where it goes.
With a MSRP of $99.95, I have a feeling they are going to sell tons of these units. It is bright enough to use in broad daylight as we did, quick to deploy and to turn off. As the Laserlyte takes out the need for iron sights (and prohibits the use of them) this opens up the need for a dedicated NAA mini laser model or for a rear dovetail sight replacement such as the "RSL" rear sight lasers that Laserlyte currently offers. It does go to show that more accuracy can be produced with NAA mini-revolvers than most people would ever believe.
Copyright 2010 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
