North American Arms MINI .22 LR Revolver 1 1/8″ Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.5 oz unloaded – 65% lighter than a Ruger LCP II .22 LR.
- 4-inch overall length with a 0.94-inch wide cylinder – fits in a coin pocket.
- Five-shot, all-stainless-steel construction – requires zero maintenance beyond basic cleaning.
- Single-action trigger – provides a consistent, clean 3.5-4 lb break for precise shot placement.
Trade-offs
- 1 1/8-inch barrel – severely limits muzzle velocity and practical accuracy beyond 7 yards.
- Manual single-action operation – requires cocking the hammer before every shot, making rapid engagement impossible.
- Fixed, minimal sights – essentially a groove in the frame, offering poor sight acquisition in low light.
- No factory-installed safety beyond half-cock notch – demands disciplined handling protocols.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the North American Arms MINI .22 LR Revolver? It's a 4.5-ounce, stainless steel, single-action five-shot micro-revolver with a 1 1/8-inch barrel, designed expressly for deep concealment and minimalist backup utility. This is not a primary defensive weapon like the Glock 43X; it's a niche tool where size and weight, not terminal ballistics, are the primary design constraints.
What is the North American Arms MINI .22 LR Revolver used for?
The NAA MINI is used for ultra-discreet deep concealment, where a larger centerfire pistol is physically or legally impractical. Its primary utility is as an absolute last-resort backup weapon, likely deployed at contact distance due to its 1 1/8-inch barrel and fixed sights. It's also viable for specialized tasks like dispatching small game while hiking, or as a compact tool for shooters primarily focused on the long-range rifles like the Stevens 334 .308 Win who require a negligible-weight secondary.
How does the North American Arms MINI compare to the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR?
The NAA MINI and Ruger LCP II serve different mechanical and reliability philosophies. The MINI's five-shot single-action revolver action, requiring manual cocking per shot, is mechanically simpler and less prone to rimfire ammunition feed failures than the LCP II's semi-automatic design. The Ruger is better for faster follow-up shots with its 10+1 capacity and double-action-only trigger, but the MINI’s 4.5-ounce weight is 65% lighter and its profile is 40% smaller, making it far more concealable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The MINI weighs 4.5 ounces unloaded—lighter than most smartphones—with an overall length of 4 inches and a cylinder width of 0.94 inches. The 1 1/8-inch barrel contributes to a height of just 2.75 inches from grip base to top of frame. This translates to a loaded package weighing under 5.2 ounces, capable of fitting in the fifth pocket of most men's jeans or a dedicated holster smaller than a wallet.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a plinking gun for the range, or a tool for new shooters to learn fundamentals. The 1 1/8-inch barrel severely limits ballistic performance and accuracy beyond 7 yards, and the manual single-action operation is too slow for defensive use under stress. Anyone looking for a practical, multi-role .22 should consider a Stevens 334 .243 Win — our editorial take for hunting or a standard semi-auto pistol for training.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a single five-shot cylinder, a zippered nylon carry pouch, and a trigger block safety device. Expect no accessories like speed loaders, spare grips, or a formal hard case. The minimalist packaging reflects the product's purpose; your first purchase should be a dedicated holster and high-velocity, solid-point .22 LR ammunition to ensure reliable ignition.
Is the North American Arms MINI .22 LR worth it at $258.99?
At $258.99, the MINI is worth it only if you have a defined, low-probability need that prioritizes concealment over all other firearm attributes. The price buys unparalleled compactness and a durable, stainless, machined-steel build that will outlast most polymer pistols. It is not a value compared to larger, more capable .22 revolvers or pistols at similar price points, but as a dedicated deep-concealment tool, it has no direct peer.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001062 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22LR-GP-B |
| package width | 7.0 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
| product type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| barrel length | 1 1/8" |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard IWB holster?
- No, the MINI's micro dimensions require a dedicated holster designed for its 4-inch overall length and 0.94-inch cylinder width. Holster manufacturers like Mika's Pocket Holsters or specialty kydex makers produce models specifically for the NAA mini-revolver frame. A typical Glock 19 IWB holster will be 3 to 4 inches too long and not secure the firearm.
- Does this work with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- Yes, the MINI .22 LR is chambered to safely fire .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges due to the rimfire chamber design. However, cycling the cylinder manually after each shot is required regardless of cartridge length. Reliability with .22 Short is typically high, but always test your chosen ammunition for consistent primer ignition before carrying.
- How long does shipping take for an online firearm purchase?
- After your order is processed, which takes 1-2 business days, the firearm ships via UPS or FedEx to your selected FFL dealer within 3-5 business days. The total timeline from order to pickup at your dealer is typically 7-10 business days, depending on FFL verification and local dealer processing time. Contact your chosen FFL for their specific transfer fee and procedure before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my intended carry method?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations, unless the item is defective or not as described. All sales are final once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or researching dedicated holster options like those from 'Pocket Holsters by Mika' before purchasing to ensure it meets your physical carry requirements.