North American Arms PUGDC Pug Conversion 22 LR/22 WMR 1″
About this product
What is the North American Arms PUGDC Pug Conversion 22 LR/22 WMR 1″? It's a stainless steel, five-shot mini-revolver with a convertible cylinder allowing use of either .22 Long Rifle or .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridges, built around a 1-inch barrel and single-action operation. This is not a defensive firearm; it's a purpose-built tool for deep concealment or as an ultra-compact backup weapon where the absolute minimum footprint and weight—6.40 ounces—are non-negotiable terms. The included XS white dot sights and slip-on rubber grip provide just enough practical interface for its intended engagement envelope of 3 to 7 yards.
What is the North American Arms PUGDC used for?
This revolver is used for deep-concealment personal backup, where primary carry options are unavailable or impractical, such as in minimalist pocket carry for administrative professionals under deep concealment protocols, or as an angler's or hiker's last-resort kit gun. Its 6.40-ounce weight and 4.56-inch overall length make it nearly disappear in a pocket or small pack, but its single-action mechanism mandates a deliberate, two-handed cocking sequence unsuitable for rapid threat engagement. It excels in scenarios demanding absolute discretion over speed, with an effective range limited to approximately 7 yards due to the 1-inch barrel.
How does the North American Arms PUGDC compare to the Ruger LCP Max?
The NAA PUGDC trades magazine capacity and semi-automatic speed for ultimate mechanical simplicity and a rimfire chambering, making it fundamentally different. The Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers a centerfire comparison, but for handguns, the Ruger LCP Max in .380 ACP offers 10+1 rounds versus the Pug's five, fires faster, and is better suited for primary carry, while the Pug's revolver design is more reliable with certain types of .22 rimfire ammunition that can be problematic in semi-autos.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The PUGDC weighs 6.40 ounces (181.4 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 4.56 inches (116 mm), a height of approximately 2.75 inches (70 mm) to the top of the sights, and a cylinder width of 1.0 inch (25.4 mm). This dimensional profile, coupled with the stainless steel frame, provides a balance of heft for control and compactness for concealment, allowing it to fit in spaces a standard wallet or smartphone occupies. The 1-inch barrel directly influences ballistics, reducing .22 LR muzzle velocity by roughly 150-200 feet per second compared to a 4-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a high-capacity option, or a tool for recreational target shooting beyond 10 yards. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before every shot—a process taking a trained shooter about 2-3 seconds per round—eliminating it from consideration for rapid response. It's also a poor choice for new shooters unfamiliar with the distinct manual of arms and reduced terminal performance of short-barreled .22 caliber rimfire, who would be better served by a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for learning fundamentals.
What's in the box?
You receive the PUGDC revolver with its black rubber pebble grip installed, two interchangeable stainless steel cylinders—one chambered for .22 Long Rifle, the other for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire—and basic documentation. No cleaning tools, lock, or case are included, which is standard for this product tier; plan for an additional $15-$20 for a basic cleaning rod, patches, and solvent. The cylinders are precisely headspaced and should be switched only when the firearm is unloaded and the hammer is in the half-cock safety notch.
Is the North American Arms PUGDC worth it at $410.99?
At $410.99, it's worth it only for the specific niche buyer who requires the absolute smallest, most reliable five-shot platform in a rimfire configuration and values NAA's machining quality over cost. You are paying a premium for stainless steel construction, convertible caliber capability, and U.S. manufacturing in a package with very few direct competitors. For most shooters needing a backup, a used Smith & Wesson J-frame or a new Ruger LCP Max at a similar price point offers more practical utility, but they cannot match the Pug's sub-7-ounce weight or its ability to fire both .22 LR and .22 WMR.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.40 oz — one of the lightest five-shot revolvers available
- Includes dual cylinders for .22 LR and .22 WMR — adds caliber versatility
- 1-inch stainless steel barrel and frame — provides corrosion resistance for pocket carry
- Overall length of 4.56 inches — fits in a standard shirt pocket
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, adding 2-3 seconds per round to engagement time
- 1-inch barrel — reduces .22 LR muzzle velocity by approximately 200 fps versus a 4-inch barrel, impacting terminal ballistics
- No included case or cleaning tools — adds $15-20 to initial cost for proper maintenance
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001949 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-PUG-DC |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1" Heavy Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.85 |
| sights | White Dot Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No, the PUGDC's unique grip frame and slip-on rubber design are not compatible with standard aftermarket laser grips like those from Crimson Trace or LaserMax. The grip is a single-piece, non-modular component. The closest aiming aid option is an aftermarket barrel-mounted laser, which requires gunsmith installation and adds bulk.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, it fits most generic small revolver or derringer pocket holsters due to its 4.56-inch length and 1-inch width, but a holster specifically molded for the NAA Mini-Revolver series provides the best retention. I recommend the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for this model; it adds about 0.2 inches to the overall profile.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order verification and compliance check. Delivery transit time then depends on carrier, usually adding 2-7 business days. Always confirm your chosen FFL's acceptance and hours before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms sales are final for fit, feel, or cosmetic preference once the transfer is completed at your FFL, in accordance with federal law and our policy. You can inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the 4473 form. We accept returns only for demonstrable manufacturing defects, which must be reported within 30 days of transfer.
- Does this work with CCI Stinger .22 LR ammo?
- Proceed with caution. While the cylinder will chamber CCI Stingers, their longer case and higher pressure may cause excessive cylinder gap flash and accelerated wear in the 1-inch barrel. For reliable cycling and longevity, I recommend standard or high-velocity 40-grain round nose .22 LR, such as Federal Champion or CCI Mini-Mag, which have a tested reliability rate above 99% in this platform.