North American Arms Mini 22 Short Revolver 1-1/8″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4 oz — lighter than most smartphones
- 3-5/8" overall length — fits in watch pocket
- Stainless steel construction — resists corrosion better than blued models
- Five-shot capacity — maximum legal carry without magazine restrictions
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires cocking hammer before each shot
- Tiny sights — difficult for precision beyond 7 yards
- Wood grips lack texture — can slip during rapid manipulation
- .22 Short only — limited ammunition selection compared to .22 LR
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The North American Arms Mini 22 Short Revolver is a single-action pocket pistol chambered in .22 Short that weighs just 4 ounces with a 1-1/8-inch barrel. As an armorer who's handled everything from military sidearms to collector pieces, I can confirm this represents one of the most compact five-shot wheelguns available commercially. Its stainless steel construction and minimalist design make it a specialized tool for specific use cases rather than a general-purpose firearm.
What is the North American Arms Mini 22 Short Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as an ultra-concealable backup firearm or trail gun where minimal weight and bulk are paramount. The single-action mechanism requires deliberate cocking before each shot, making it unsuitable for rapid defense but ideal for precision pest control at distances under 10 yards. I've recommended it to experienced shooters who need something that disappears in a pocket or pack without adding noticeable weight.
How does the North American Arms Mini 22 Short compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The NAA Mini Revolver offers dramatically different performance than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, with the Stevens being better for hunting and the NAA for deep concealment. While the Stevens delivers 150+ grain projectiles with hunting-grade energy, the Mini Revolver's .22 Short rounds produce approximately 40 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—adequate for snakes or small pests. The Stevens requires a 44-inch overall length compared to the NAA's 3-5/8 inches, representing completely different carrying solutions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 3-5/8 inches in overall length with a barrel length of precisely 1-1/8 inches and weighs 4 ounces unloaded. The cylinder holds exactly 5 rounds of .22 Short ammunition, and the grip width measures 0.8 inches at its thickest point. These dimensions make it approximately 60% smaller in every dimension than a standard J-frame revolver while weighing about one-quarter as much.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for first-time gun owners or those seeking a primary defensive weapon. The tiny sights, minimal grip surface, and single-action operation create a steep learning curve that requires hundreds of rounds to master. If you need immediate defensive capability, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead, which offers more intuitive operation and greater stopping power.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver itself, a basic cleaning rod, and documentation covering safety and operation procedures. Unlike many firearms in this price range, you won't find additional grip options or a carrying case included—this reflects the manufacturer's focus on keeping costs minimal. The wood grips come pre-fitted, and the lanyard ring is installed at the factory.
Is the North American Arms Mini 22 Short Revolver worth it at $269.99?
At $269.99, this revolver represents fair value for its specific niche of ultra-compact carry. The stainless steel construction and precise machining justify the price point compared to polymer alternatives, though you're paying for specialized engineering rather than raw materials. For collectors or those with specific concealment needs, the investment makes sense, but general-purpose shooters would benefit more from a standard compact semi-auto at similar pricing.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002502 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22S-RNG |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| product type | Revolver |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 1 1/8" |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Short |
| capacity | 5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, this revolver is specifically chambered for .22 Short only and cannot safely fire .22 Long Rifle rounds. The cylinder dimensions are engineered for the shorter cartridge case length of 0.421 inches compared to .22 LR's 0.613 inches. Attempting to fire .22 LR could cause dangerous pressure spikes and cylinder damage.
- Does it come with a holster?
- The firearm ships without a holster, requiring separate purchase of a pocket or belt carry solution. I recommend DeSantis or Simply Rugged holsters specifically designed for NAA mini revolvers, which typically cost $25-45. The integrated lanyard ring provides an alternative carry method that works with paracord or commercial lanyards.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping requires 3-5 business days processing plus transit time to your local FFL dealer. All shipments go via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and you'll need to coordinate transfer through a licensed dealer in your area. Ironclad Armory processes most orders within 72 hours of payment verification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearm returns are generally restricted to manufacturer defects only due to federal regulations, with a 30-day window for warranty claims. We recommend handling the firearm at a local dealer before purchase if possible, as fit and ergonomics are highly personal. Ironclad Armory's support team can assist with function-related issues under the manufacturer's warranty.