NAA Black Widow 22 LR 2″ 5-Round Stainless Revolver
About this product
The NAA Black Widow 22 LR 2" 5-Round Stainless Revolver is a compact single-action mini-revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle designed for discreet carry and reliable rimfire performance. It represents North American Arms' commitment to precision machining in small-frame firearms, built specifically for shooters who prioritize minimal footprint without sacrificing mechanical integrity. This revolver fills a unique niche in the personal defense market where larger calibers aren't practical or desired.
What is the NAA Black Widow 22 LR used for?
The Black Widow serves primarily as a deep-concealment backup weapon and recreational plinking revolver. Its 8.9-ounce weight and 5.88-inch overall length make it ideal for ankle holsters or pocket carry where larger firearms would print noticeably. The single-action operation provides crisp 4-pound trigger breaks for accurate shot placement at typical defensive distances of 7-10 yards.
How does the NAA Black Widow compare to the Ruger LCR?
The Black Widow offers superior concealability but sacrifices capacity compared to the Ruger LCR .22's 8-round cylinder. While the LCR weighs 14.9 ounces and measures 6.5 inches overall, the Black Widow's stainless construction provides better corrosion resistance for all-weather carry. The Ruger's double-action mechanism allows faster follow-up shots, but the NAA's single-action design delivers more consistent trigger pulls for precision shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 8.9 ounces empty and measures 5.88 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder width measures 1.25 inches across the flutes, while the grip extends 3.75 inches from trigger guard to base. These dimensions allow it to fit in standard jeans pockets or small dedicated holsters without printing through clothing.
Who is this NOT for?
The Black Widow isn't suitable for primary defensive use or high-volume range sessions. The 5-round capacity requires frequent reloading compared to semi-automatic alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle, and the .22 LR cartridge lacks stopping power for serious threats. Shooters with hand strength issues may struggle with the stiff cylinder release and small grip surface area.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 5-round stainless cylinder, and owner's manual with NAA warranty information. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a carrying case or cleaning tools, reflecting its minimalist design philosophy. The grip comes pre-installed with no additional backstraps or customization options available from the manufacturer.
Is the NAA Black Widow worth it at $308.99?
At $308.99, the Black Widow justifies its price through precision machining and durable stainless construction that outperforms cheaper zinc-alloy alternatives. The investment makes sense for collectors and concealed carry permit holders who need absolute reliability in a miniature package. For those seeking a more versatile Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for home defense, this revolver serves a different purpose entirely.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.9 oz — 40% lighter than comparable steel-frame revolvers
- 2-inch vented barrel reduces muzzle flip by approximately 15% over standard barrels
- Stainless construction withstands humidity and sweat without corrosion for 500+ rounds between cleanings
- 5-round capacity allows legal carry in jurisdictions restricting higher-capacity firearms
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking — adds 1.5 seconds per shot versus double-action revolvers
- No accessory rail — cannot mount lights or lasers without custom gunsmithing ($150-200 modification)
- Fixed sights require drift adjustment tools for zeroing — not tool-less like some competing models
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 744253000393 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BWL |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Black Widow |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.85 |
| sights | Fixed Marble Arms Front & Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Black Widow is specifically chambered for .22 Long Rifle only and cannot accept .22 Magnum cylinders. The frame dimensions and cylinder gap are engineered exclusively for .22 LR cartridges, which generate approximately 13,000 PSI versus .22 Magnum's 24,000 PSI. Attempting to modify it for Magnum use would void the warranty and create dangerous pressure conditions.
- Does it fit in a jeans pocket?
- Yes, the 5.88-inch length and 1.25-inch cylinder width allow it to fit comfortably in standard front jeans pockets. I recommend using a pocket holster from DeSantis or Kramer Leather to prevent lint accumulation in the mechanism. The 8.9-ounce weight prevents noticeable sagging in most denim materials during all-day carry.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping requires 3-7 business days for processing plus FFL transfer coordination. All shipments go through Ironclad Armory's certified carriers with adult signature required upon delivery. You'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of your order clearing background check verification through our partnered FFL network.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once the transfer is complete per ATF regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects. The oversized rubber grip measures 3.75 inches in length, which accommodates most hand sizes better than the standard NAA grips. I recommend handling one at a local range before purchase if grip fit is a concern.