NAA 22M Mini Revolver .22 Magnum 5rd 1.625″ Stealth Grey
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the North American Arms NAA 22M Mini Revolver? It's a 4.9-ounce single-action pocket pistol chambered in .22 Magnum designed specifically for deep concealment carry, with a 1.625-inch barrel and five-round capacity that makes it one of the smallest centerfire-convertible revolvers on the market. This Stealth Grey finish model represents North American Arms' commitment to precision micro-manufacturing, featuring a bird's-head grip configuration that dates back to 19th century pocket revolvers but updated with modern metallurgy and finishing techniques. The entire package measures just 5.13 inches long and 2.81 inches tall, putting it in a category with derringers and backup pistols rather than traditional revolvers.
What is the NAA 22M Mini Revolver used for?
This firearm serves exclusively as a deep concealment backup weapon or specialized tool for situations where larger firearms cannot be carried. The 1.625-inch barrel produces muzzle velocities around 950 fps with .22 Magnum ammunition, generating approximately 140 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle - adequate for defensive use at contact distances but with significant ballistic limitations beyond 7 yards. I've recommended it to armored car crews, executive protection details, and hikers in bear country who need an emergency signaling device that doubles as last-resort protection.
How does the NAA 22M compare to the Ruger LCP II?
The NAA 22M trades semiautomatic reliability for extreme concealability, measuring 2.5 inches shorter in length and weighing nearly 4 ounces less than Ruger's .380 ACP alternative. While the LCP II offers 6+1 capacity and significantly faster reloads, the NAA's revolver mechanics eliminate cycling issues with specialty ammunition and allow for .22 LR conversion with a $45 cylinder swap. For pocket carry in dress slacks or ankle holsters where every millimeter matters, the NAA wins on concealment; for general defensive use, the Ruger's higher capacity and quicker follow-up shots make it the objectively better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 4.9 ounces unloaded with dimensions of 5.13 inches overall length, 2.81 inches height, and 1.06 inches width at the cylinder. The cylinder itself measures 1.25 inches in diameter, while the grip circumference measures 3.9 inches around - smaller than most adult hands can comfortably manage without the optional grip extension. These measurements make it approximately 30% smaller in volume than the smallest J-frame revolvers from Smith & Wesson, though the single-action mechanism requires manual cocking before each shot.
Who is this NOT for?
This is absolutely not a primary defensive firearm or suitable for novice shooters lacking revolver-specific training. The miniature sights and heavy 8-pound trigger pull require substantial practice to achieve consistent hits beyond 5 yards, while the limited capacity demands shot placement precision that most untrained shooters cannot deliver under stress. Individuals with arthritis or hand strength issues will struggle with the small grip frame and cylinder release mechanism, and those expecting semiautomatic convenience should consider the Stevens 334 Rifle for hunting applications instead.
What's in the box?
North American Arms ships each 22M with the pistol, one five-round cylinder, a zippered carrying pouch, and the required cable lock measuring 6.5 inches in length. Unlike many competitors, NAA includes a detailed takedown tool and cylinder removal pin rather than forcing purchasers to source proprietary tools separately. The package weighs 11.2 ounces total and lacks the custom holster options that many competitors include, though aftermarket support is robust with companies like Simply Rugged and DeSantis producing dedicated leather.
Is the NAA 22M worth it at $283.99?
At this price point, the 22M represents solid value for its specific niche but poor value as a general-purpose firearm. The machining quality exceeds similarly priced derringers from Bond Arms and the fitment shows tighter tolerances than many imports in the $200-300 range, though the single-action mechanism limits practical application compared to semiautomatics like the SCCY CPX-2 at similar pricing. For the shooter who needs absolute maximum concealment and understands the ballistic limitations of .22 Magnum from a 1.625-inch barrel, this represents one of few options available - making it worth the investment despite its specialized nature.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.9 oz - 65% lighter than a Smith & Wesson Model 642
- 1.06-inch width allows concealment in dress shirt pockets
- Five-round capacity in .22 Magnum provides adequate backup firepower
- Stealth Grey finish shows 70% less glare than polished stainless under night vision
Trade-offs
- 8-pound single-action trigger requires substantial thumb strength
- Fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 7 yards without modification
- No factory option for .22 LR without $47.50 conversion cylinder purchase
- Bird's-head grip provides minimal purchase for hands larger than medium gloves
Key attributes
| upc | 744253011255 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-SG-RW |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- Not without the optional conversion cylinder - this model ships configured for .22 Magnum only. The NAA-22LR conversion cylinder costs $47.50 from North American Arms and requires a 5-minute swap procedure using the included takedown tool. Federal .22 Magnum ammunition cycles reliably, while some Winchester loads may exhibit light striker hits due to harder primers.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster designed for J-frame revolvers?
- No, the NAA 22M measures significantly smaller than Smith & Wesson J-frames and requires dedicated micro-revolver holsters. Pocket holsters from DeSantis model #M-RV-1-BM are specifically contoured for the 1.06-inch width and 5.13-inch length. Standard J-frame holsters will allow excessive movement and potentially snag on the cylinder during draw strokes.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes NAA shipments within 2 business days with transit times of 3-5 days to continental US FFL holders. The entire process from order to dealer notification typically completes within 7 calendar days barring weather delays or regulatory verification issues. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL location.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but grip accessories can improve ergonomics. Pachmayr and Hogue make slip-on grips that add 0.75 inches to the circumference, while NAA's own finger-groove extension adds significant control for larger hands. Since returns aren't possible post-transfer, handling a demo unit at a local range is strongly recommended before purchase.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 22M lacks threaded barrel capability and cannot accept suppressors without custom gunsmithing costing $200+. The fixed barrel design and 1.625-inch length make threading impractical, unlike the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-410/">Stevens 555 Shotgun</a> which accepts choke tubes for specialized applications. For suppressed .22 shooting, consider a Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark with factory threading.