The .32 NAA is a necked-down .380 ACP case firing a .32-caliber (.312") bullet, developed jointly by North American Arms and Cor-Bon in 2002. By bottlenecking the .380 ACP case, the design achieves significantly higher velocity than standard .32 ACP from the same or smaller pistol dimensions — the bottleneck case provides a stronger seal and allows higher pressures. The cartridge was conceived for ultra-compact pocket pistols where the .380 ACP was too wide for the smallest frames.
Type: Pistol
Introduced: 2002, United States
Parent case: .380 ACP
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.312" (7.92 mm)
Case length: 0.68" (17.27 mm)
Overall length: 0.984" (24.99 mm)
Max pressure: 25,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:16
Muzzle velocity: 1000–1222 fps
Muzzle energy: 133–236 ft-lbs
Effective range: 100 yd
Common bullet weights: 60, 71 gr
Primary use: self_defense, concealed_carry
Production status: Limited
Also known as: 32 NAA
History: North American Arms, makers of mini revolvers and the Guardian pocket pistol, sought a cartridge for a very compact single-stack pistol that would outperform .32 ACP while fitting in a platform too small for .380 ACP. The .32 NAA uses a .380 ACP case necked down to .32 caliber, allowing the Guardian pistol to be chambered for a ballistically superior round while using a narrower barrel. Cor-Bon…
Notable firearms: NAA Guardian .32 NAA