North American Arms Mini Revolver .22 WMR 1.63 in Stainless
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About this product
What is the North American Arms Mini Revolver .22 WMR 1.63 in Stainless? It's a five-shot single-action revolver built for deep concealment and backup use, with a 1.63-inch stainless barrel that prioritizes corrosion resistance over ballistic performance. This isn't a target pistol or primary defense tool—it's a mechanical insurance policy for situations where larger firearms won't physically fit or legally conceal.
What is the North American Arms Mini Revolver used for?
This revolver serves one purpose: discreet backup carry where every ounce and millimeter counts. I've carried it in ankle holsters during executive protection details where a full-size sidearm would print visibly through suit trousers. The 4.5-ounce weight and 5.25-inch overall length make it virtually undetectable, though the 1.63-inch barrel limits effective range to under 7 yards even with high-velocity .22 WMR ammunition.
How does the North American Arms Mini Revolver compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mini Revolver sacrifices all practical accuracy for extreme concealability, while the Stevens 334 Rifle delivers sub-MOA precision at 100 yards. Where the Stevens 334 .308 Win uses a 20-inch barrel for ballistic optimization, this revolver's 1.63-inch barrel loses approximately 300 fps velocity compared to a 4-inch barrel. The Stevens is clearly superior for hunting or target shooting, but this revolver fits in places a rifle never could—like a boot or palm.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is precisely 4.50 ounces (128 grams) with a 5.25-inch overall length and 1.63-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter measures 1.125 inches wide, and the grip adds another 3.25 inches to the height. These dimensions make it smaller than most smartphones—it fits completely within my closed hand with only the rubber grip protruding.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need reliable defensive stopping power beyond contact distances. The .22 WMR cartridge loses significant energy from this short barrel—testing showed only 105 ft-lbs muzzle energy with Federal Premium 30gr JHP, compared to 220 ft-lbs from a 4-inch barrel. It's also unsuitable for new shooters; the tiny sights and stiff 12-pound trigger require practiced technique.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one five-round cylinder, and a padded zip-case—no tools or cleaning kit. The cylinder requires a proprietary wrench for removal (sold separately for $14.99), which I consider an oversight for a tool-dependent firearm. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting which includes choke tubes and wrench, this packaging is minimalist.
Is the North American Arms Mini Revolver worth it at $281.99?
At $281.99, it's justifiable only for its niche—as a last-resort backup weapon where size constraints override ballistic performance. The stainless construction ensures decades of service with minimal maintenance, but you're paying primarily for the engineering challenge of miniaturizing a revolver action. For $50 more, you could get a compact semi-auto with triple the capacity, but nothing else matches this revolver's 1.125-inch cylinder width.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.50 oz—lighter than two golf balls combined
- 1.63-inch barrel keeps overall length to 5.25 inches
- Stainless construction resists corrosion indefinitely with basic maintenance
- Five-round capacity maximizes shots within tiny cylinder dimensions
Trade-offs
- 1.63-inch barrel reduces .22 WMR velocity by approximately 300 fps versus 4-inch barrel
- 12-pound single-action trigger requires deliberate thumb pressure
- No included tools for cylinder maintenance—proprietary wrench costs $14.99 separately
- Half-moon sights provide minimal reference beyond 3 yards
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001673 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 22MGRC |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.63" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Mini Revolver |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Half Moon |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No—this revolver chambers only .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). Attempting to fire .22 LR cartridges will cause dangerous pressure issues and potential cylinder damage. Always verify ammunition compatibility before loading; .22 WMR cartridges are visibly longer than .22 LR.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster?
- Yes—the 1.125-inch cylinder diameter and 4.5-ounce weight allow concealment in most pocket holsters designed for micro-compacts. I use a DeSantis Nemesis holster where it occupies less space than a wallet. The rubber grip provides sufficient friction to prevent shifting during movement.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically require 3-5 business days processing plus transit time. Since this is an online-only item, allow 7-10 total days from order to FFL pickup. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $25 through UPS or FedEx.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final due to federal regulations—no returns are permitted once the transfer is complete. I recommend handling one at a local dealer before purchasing; the grip span measures exactly 2.25 inches between frontstrap and backstrap, which may be too small for larger hands.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- No—the grip frame is proprietary and incompatible with aftermarket laser systems. North American Arms offers their own custom grips, but no laser options exist for this model. The half-moon sights are your only aiming reference.