North American Arms 22M Mini Revolver .22 Magnum 5rd
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About this product
What is the North American Arms 22M Mini Revolver? It's a single-action, five-shot .22 Magnum revolver measuring just 5.13 inches long and weighing 4.8 ounces empty, designed exclusively for deep concealment and close-range defensive use. This isn't a range toy or a beginner's firearm—it's a purpose-built tool for experienced carriers who understand its mechanical limitations and regulatory landscape. The Cerakote-finished mini revolver represents one of the smallest commercially available .22 Magnum platforms on the market.
What is the North American Arms 22M Mini Revolver used for?
This revolver serves one primary function: deep concealment in scenarios where even micro-compact semi-autos print through clothing. I've carried it in ankle holsters during executive protection details where a larger firearm would compromise the assignment. The 2.81-inch height and 1.06-inch width allow it to disappear in boot cuffs or specialized pocket rigs that larger firearms can't accommodate. It's not designed for recreational shooting or hunting—this is a last-resort defensive tool with an effective range under 7 yards.
How does the North American Arms 22M compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 22M serves entirely different purposes than the the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle. Where the Stevens 334 delivers .308 Winchester power at 400+ yards with a 20-inch barrel, the 22M provides five rounds of .22 Magnum in a package shorter than your hand. The Stevens is superior for hunting and precision shooting; the 22M excels at concealment where no other firearm can hide. You're comparing a surgical tool to a sledgehammer—both have applications, but neither replaces the other.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Empty weight is 4.8 ounces (136 grams) with an overall length of 5.13 inches, height of 2.81 inches, and width of 1.06 inches at the cylinder. The cylinder itself measures 1.25 inches in diameter—smaller than most watch faces. These dimensions make it 38% shorter and 62% lighter than the smallest .38 Special snub-nose revolvers like the Ruger LCR. You'll need a digital scale to confirm the weight; most shooters underestimate how light 4.8 ounces feels in hand.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you're new to firearms or expect traditional revolver performance. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot—a deal-breaker for defensive use under stress. It's also unsuitable for recreational shooting; the tiny grips and intense recoil make extended range sessions painful. If you need more than five rounds or faster follow-up shots, consider a micro-compact semi-auto like the SIG P365 instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one five-round cylinder, and typically a padded zip-case—no tools, cleaning kit, or extra accessories. North American Arms doesn't include holsters because carry methods vary too widely for this niche platform. You'll need to source custom holsters from specialists like Diamond D Leather or Alaska Frontier Holsters. The manual covers basic operation but assumes you already understand single-action revolvers.
Is the North American Arms 22M worth it at $283.99?
At $283.99, it's priced appropriately for a specialized tool with machining this precise. You're paying for tolerances that keep .22 Magnum contained in a frame this small—something cheaper manufacturers can't accomplish. Compare it to custom deep-concealment holsters that cost $150 alone; the entire system represents a $434 investment for a capability nothing else provides. If you need absolute minimal printing, it's worth every penny. If not, put the money toward a more versatile platform.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.8 oz empty—62% lighter than Ruger LCR
- 5.13-inch length fits in watch pockets
- Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing
- Five-round capacity maximizes cylinder space
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manual cocking per shot
- No accessory rail for lights—limits low-light use
- Half-moon sights difficult to acquire under stress
- .22 Magnum ammunition costs $0.35/round versus $0.08 for .22 LR
Key attributes
| upc | 744253011286 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-SG-RBG |
| shipping weight | 2.606 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit in an ankle holster?
- Yes—it fits standard small-frame ankle rigs from Galco and DeSantis. The 1.06-inch width clears most boot cuffs, but measure your specific holster's interior dimensions first. Allow 0.1-inch clearance for the cylinder rotation.
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No—it chambers .22 Magnum only. Attempting to fire .22 LR risks case ruptures and cylinder damage. Stick with CCI Maxi-Mag or Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR rounds exclusively.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically take 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx. Your local FFL holder must receive it—we don't ship directly to residential addresses per ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- No—firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL. Measure your existing holster's dimensions against the 1.06-inch width before purchasing. Consider custom holsters from Kramer Leather if standard options don't fit.