North American Arms Ranger II 22 Mag/22 LR 1.63 in 5rd

About this product

What is the North American Arms Ranger II 22 Mag/22 LR 1.63 in 5rd? It is a break-top, single-action mini-revolver designed for ultimate concealment and mechanical simplicity, shipping as a dual-caliber combo with a .22 LR conversion cylinder. This 9.1-ounce stainless steel package represents a specific niche: a backup firearm or utility tool for someone who prioritizes pocketability and reliability over engagement distance or capacity. It exists in a regulatory gray area between a firearm and a curiosity, demanding owner responsibility.

What is the North American Arms Ranger II used for?

The NAA Ranger II is used for deep concealment as a last-resort defensive tool or as a minimalist utility firearm for tasks like dispatching small game. This application stems directly from its dimensions—4.75 inches long, 3.5 inches tall, and 1.25 inches wide—allowing it to vanish in a pocket holster or pack. The included .22 LR cylinder offers cheaper practice options, but the .22 WMR cylinder is intended for its primary purpose, delivering roughly 150 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from its 1.63-inch barrel.

How does the North American Arms Ranger II compare to a Seecamp LWS .32 ACP?

The NAA Ranger II is mechanically simpler and more compact than the Seecamp LWS .32 ACP semi-auto pistol, but the Seecamp is better suited for defensive use due to its faster reloads and more effective round. While the Ranger II requires manually indexing each spent case via the star ejector (5-7 seconds for a full reload), the Seecamp uses a detachable magazine, allowing a faster complete reload in under 3 seconds. For a primary defensive tool, I’d recommend the Seecamp, but for a dedicated, always-there backup where reliability is paramount, the Ranger II's revolver mechanics have merit.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Ranger II with its cylinder installed weighs 9.1 ounces (258 grams) and measures 4.75 inches in overall length. The 1.63-inch full-rib barrel contributes to a total height of 3.5 inches, including the bird’s-head rosewood grips, while the cylinder width is 1.25 inches at its thickest point. This squares it away neatly in a pocket or discreet belt pouch, a stark contrast in size and weight to something like the Stevens 334 .308 rifle which serves an entirely different use case.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for a shooter seeking a primary defensive firearm, a practical plinking gun, or anyone uncomfortable with the demanding marksmanship required for a 1.63-inch barrel. The short sight radius, bead-only front sight, and heavy double-action-only pull make precise shooting a learned skill; you will not be ringing steel at 25 yards with consistency. If your needs trend toward recreational clay shooting or centerfire rifle work, you’d be better served by a dedicated sporting tool like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12-gauge.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the Ranger II revolver in .22 WMR, a separate .22 LR 5-shot conversion cylinder with its own locking pin, and a soft-sided zipper case. There is no factory-provied lock, manual safety device, or loading tool; the manual cautions loading only five rounds to avoid straining the crane during cylinder swing-out. Plan to spend an additional $20-40 on a quality pocket holster, as carrying this small, slick metal frame loose is inadvisable.

Is the North American Arms Ranger II worth it at $637.99?

At $637.99, the Ranger II is worth the cost only if you specifically require and understand its niche as the ultimate in packable, reliable, single-action-only firepower. You are paying for niche craftsmanship, stainless steel construction, and the dual-cylinder flexibility. For a broader-purpose compact .22 pistol, a Ruger LCP II in .22 LR costs nearly $200 less, holds 10+1 rounds, and offers a usable set of sights, but it won't fit in a watch pocket. The value is purely in the Ranger II’s unique form factor.