North American Arms BUG .22 Mag 1-5/8″ Stainless
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About this product
What is the North American Arms BUG .22 Mag 1-5/8″ Stainless? It is a five-shot single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with a 1-5/8-inch stainless steel barrel and non-adjustable fixed sights. This pocket revolver is built on a solid steel frame with Hamre Forge mini hook grips, making it one of the most compact production revolvers available at just 5.16 inches overall length. The BUG platform sacrifices cartridge capacity and sight radius for absolute minimal dimensions and reliable mechanical simplicity in close-quarters defensive scenarios where local regulations permit.
What is the North American Arms BUG .22 Mag used for?
The NAA BUG serves as a deep-concealment backup firearm or primary carry option in clothing-restricted environments where larger handguns are impractical. Its 2.75-ounce weight and 1.25-inch cylinder width allow it to disappear in a pocket holster or ankle rig without printing, while the .22 WMR cartridge delivers 190 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—adequate for defensive use under 7 yards. This revolver excels in scenarios requiring absolute discretion, though its 5-round capacity and single-action operation mandate deliberate training for effective employment.
How does the North American Arms BUG compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 43C?
The NAA BUG is 2.1 ounces lighter and 1.3 inches shorter overall than the Smith & Wesson Model 43C, making it significantly more concealable for pocket carry. Where the Model 43C offers double-action capability and adjustable sights for better practical accuracy, the BUG’s single-action mechanism provides a cleaner 4-pound trigger break that rewards steady marksmanship. For shooters prioritizing minimal bulk over rapid follow-up shots, the BUG’s stainless steel construction and simpler mechanics provide a durability advantage in high-moisture environments.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The NAA BUG weighs 2.75 ounces unloaded and measures 5.16 inches in overall length with a 1-5/8-inch barrel and 1.25-inch cylinder width. These dimensions make it 27% shorter and 40% lighter than most compact .38 Special revolvers, allowing it to fit in a standard Altoids tin or small watch pocket. The Hamre Forge grips add 0.75 inch to the grip length while maintaining a slim 0.87-inch profile that won’t snag during deployment from concealment.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for novice shooters or those unwilling to master single-action operation and limited-capacity reloads under stress. The 1-5/8-inch barrel reduces .22 WMR velocity by approximately 200 fps compared to a 4-inch barrel, making ammunition selection critical for reliable expansion. If you require more than 5 rounds without reloading or prefer a double-action trigger for faster engagement, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle for home defense or a larger-frame revolver for primary carry.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one five-round cylinder, and a padded zippered case—no tools or cleaning supplies are provided. Owners will need to purchase a quality pocket holster separately to protect the finish and ensure safe carry, along with a .22 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush for maintenance. The absence of included accessories reflects the BUG’s role as a specialized tool for experienced shooters who already maintain their own gear.
Is the North American Arms BUG worth it at $350.99?
At $350.99, the BUG delivers excellent value for shooters who specifically need its extreme compactness and reliable single-action mechanics. The investment buys American-made stainless steel construction, hand-fitted internals, and a design proven over decades of production—features uncommon in this price range. While you could spend less on a used .38 Special, no other new-production revolver matches the BUG’s combination of size, weight, and caliber at this price point for deep concealment applications.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.75 oz — 2.1 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson Model 43C
- 5.16-inch overall length fits in Altoids tin for discreet storage
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in humid environments
- XS green front sight provides 40% faster acquisition in low light
- Hamre Forge grips maintain 0.87-inch profile for snag-free draw
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking — adds 0.8 seconds to first shot
- 1-5/8-inch barrel reduces .22 WMR velocity by 200 fps vs 4-inch barrel
- No included holster or tools — adds $30-50 to total setup cost
- Fixed sights non-adjustable for windage — limits precision beyond 15 yards
Key attributes
| upc | 744253003882 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-RULE1 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| sights | XS Green Front Sight |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| barrel length | 1-5/8" |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| action | Single Action |
| package height | 2.75 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, the NAA BUG is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and cannot safely fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Attempting to use .22 LR will cause dangerous pressure issues and potential cylinder damage due to the shorter case length. Always verify ammunition markings before loading—.22 WMR cases are approximately 0.10 inches longer than .22 LR.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, the BUG fits most small revolver holsters designed for 1.5- to 2-inch barrels, with dimensions of 5.16 inches long by 1.25 inches wide. We recommend DeSantis Nemesis or Sticky Holsters models for optimal retention—avoid leather holsters that may compress the single-action hammer during carry. Holster draw times average 1.2 seconds with practice due to the compact size.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days after FFL verification is complete, plus 1-2 days for processing. All orders ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required—we email tracking within 24 hours of shipment. Weather delays in winter months can add up to 48 hours to delivery estimates.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms are non-returnable per federal law unless defective—we recommend measuring your hand against the 2.4-inch grip length before purchasing. If the Hamre Forge grips are too small, aftermarket options from Taurus and Charter Arms may provide better fit—expect to spend $35-50 for replacement grips. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred through an FFL.
- Does this work with a Tandemkross trigger kit?
- No, the NAA BUG uses proprietary internal components that are not compatible with aftermarket trigger kits from Tandemkross or other brands. The factory single-action trigger breaks at 4 pounds—polishing the sear contact surfaces can reduce this to 3.5 pounds if done by a qualified gunsmith. Modifications may void the lifetime warranty.