North American Arms Mini 22 Mag Revolver — 1-1/8″ Stainless
About this product
The North American Arms Mini .22 Magnum revolver is a single-action, five-shot miniature firearm engineered for ultra-discreet personal carry and precise small-game dispatch at extremely close ranges. This is not a general-purpose defensive tool; it's a specialized mechanical instrument with specific regulatory applications. Its 1-1/8″ barrel and 4.75″ overall length define a concealment paradigm distinct from standard subcompacts like the Stevens 555 Compact shotgun, trading capacity and quick reloads for a form factor that literally disappears into a pocket.
What is the North American Arms Mini 22 Mag Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for deep-concealment administrative carry by licensed professionals and as a minimalist tool for dispatching small game or pests at point-blank range under 7 yards. Its .22 Magnum cartridge, while possessing more energy than .22 LR, still generates a manageable 95 decibels of report from its short barrel, making it suitable for controlled environments where discretion is paramount. The single-action mechanism enforces a slow, deliberate shooting cadence that prioritizes shot placement over volume.
How does the North American Arms Mini compare to the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR?
The NAA Mini revolver offers superior mechanical simplicity and a 10-ounce lighter weight (2.6 oz vs. a typical 12.6 oz) than the semi-automatic Ruger LCP II, making it less prone to ammunition-related malfunctions and easier to conceal in specialized clothing. However, the Ruger is decisively better for practical carry due to its faster reload capability, higher 10+1 round capacity, and last-round hold-open feature, which the five-shot, manual-ejection NAA lacks entirely. The comparison is fundamentally between a mechanical jewel and a practical tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The finished weight is 2.6 ounces (74 grams), with an overall length of 4.75 inches and a cylinder width of 0.95 inches. This dimensional profile, specifically the sub-1-inch width, allows it to be concealed in a dedicated inside-the-waistband holster or a pocket without printing, a feat impossible for even compact semi-autos. The 1-1/8″ barrel contributes to a sight radius of just under 2 inches, directly limiting effective aimed fire to distances under 15 yards for most shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a beginner's first gun, or a high-volume range toy. The manual, pin-based cylinder unloading process takes approximately 45 seconds versus 5 seconds for a speedloader-equipped revolver, rendering it impractical for defensive scenarios requiring rapid reloads. Its tiny fixed sights and heavy 14-pound single-action trigger pull demand significant skill to employ effectively beyond conversational distance.
What's in the box?
The firearm ships from the manufacturer with the revolver, a single five-round cylinder, and a fitted zippered carrying pouch; no factory holster, speed loader, or cleaning tools are included. You must source .22 Magnum ammunition separately, and I strongly recommend purchasing a third-party dedicated holster that fully covers the trigger guard, as the included pouch provides zero secure retention for carry. Expect to spend an additional $40-$80 on essential accessories before the gun is carry-ready.
Is the North American Arms Mini Revolver worth it at $272.99?
At $272.99, it represents fair value for its intended niche as an impeccably machined, last-ditch backup or specialized tool, not as a standalone firearm. You are paying for stainless steel construction, hand-fitted lockup, and a vanishing carry profile, not for features or practicality. If your use case aligns with deep concealment where no other firearm will physically fit, it's worth the price; if you need a general-purpose .22, a used Ruger Mk IV or a Stevens 334 bolt-action in a centerfire cartridge offers far more capability per dollar.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.6 oz (74g) — 10 oz lighter than a polymer micro-compact like the Ruger LCP II.
- Sub-1-inch width (0.95") enables concealment in clothing where broader semi-autos print.
- Stainless steel construction eliminates corrosion concerns for sweat-soaked pocket carry.
- Mechanical single-action design has zero springs to fail, enhancing long-term storage reliability.
Trade-offs
- Manual cylinder unloading requires a pin and takes ~45 seconds versus 5 seconds with a speedloader.
- Fixed sights and 2-inch sight radius limit effective aimed fire to under 15 yards for most users.
- No included holster or loader — requires $40-$80 in third-party accessories for safe carry.
- Heavy 14-pound single-action trigger pull demands significant finger strength and training.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001086 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22MS-GP-B |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed |
| product type | Revolver |
| capacity | 5 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 1 1/8" |
| action | Single Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, this revolver is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). The cylinder is specifically sized for the longer .22 Magnum cartridge case; attempting to fire .22 LR can cause dangerous misfires and obstruct the barrel. Always verify ammunition is stamped ".22 WMR" or ".22 Magnum" before loading.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, but standard holsters designed for compact semi-autos like the Glock 43 will be excessively large. You need a holster specifically molded for the NAA Mini frame, such as models from DeSantis or Robert Mika, which typically have a width under 1.2 inches and a depth under 5 inches to match its 4.75" OAL.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after order verification, followed by transit time to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. The total timeline from order to FFL notification is usually 7-10 business days, contingent on your FFL's prompt provision of their license to our compliance team.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms are non-returnable once the transfer at your FFL is completed due to federal regulations. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing. The grip circumference is approximately 3.9 inches, which is too small for many shooters with medium or large hands to control effectively.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not threaded, and the fixed front sight and ejector rod housing preclude aftermarket threading without major, costly gunsmithing that would likely cost more than the gun itself. For a suppressed .22 pistol, you need a model with a threaded barrel, such as a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite.