NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SENTINEL 22M/22LR 1.5″ SS
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SENTINEL 22M/22LR 1.5″ SS is a stainless steel mini-revolver chambered for both .22 Magnum and .22 LR cartridges. This 5-shot backup pistol measures just 5.125 inches overall length and weighs 13 ounces empty, making it one of the smallest centerfire-capable revolvers on the market. Built around North American Arms' patented dual-cylinder system, it represents over 40 years of micro-revolver refinement.
What is the NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SENTINEL 22M/22LR 1.5″ SS used for?
This revolver serves as a deep-concealment backup weapon for law enforcement professionals and a pocket-carry option for licensed civilians. The 1.5-inch barrel limits effective range to under 15 yards, but the dual-caliber capability allows users to choose between the penetration of .22 Magnum and the affordability of .22 LR training ammunition. I've seen these firearms used as ankle backups by undercover officers who needed something that disappears in a boot.
How does the NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SENTINEL compare to the Ruger LCP II?
The SENTINEL offers superior reliability in a smaller package but sacrifices capacity and shootability compared to the Ruger LCP II. While the LCP II carries 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP in a semi-auto platform, the SENTINEL's 5-round revolver design eliminates jamming concerns that can plague micro-autos during rapid defensive use. For deep concealment where reliability trumps all, the SENTINEL wins—for everyday carry where you need more rounds on tap, consider something like our Stevens 334 Rifle for hunting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 13 ounces with an overall length of 5.125 inches and height of 3.75 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.125 inches at its thickest point, while the 1.5-inch barrel keeps the entire package small enough to fit in a standard shirt pocket. These dimensions make it approximately 30% smaller in volume than most polymer-frame subcompacts while maintaining all-metal construction.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't suitable for novice shooters or those seeking a primary defensive weapon. The tiny sights and heavy double-action trigger pull require significant training to master, and the limited capacity makes it impractical for extended defensive scenarios. If you're looking for a more forgiving first firearm for home defense, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides a much more manageable platform for developing fundamental skills.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, two interchangeable cylinders (.22 Magnum and .22 LR), a padded zipper case, and owner's manual. The cylinders swap out in under 10 seconds using the included hex key, allowing quick caliber changes without tools. North American Arms also includes a lifetime warranty registration card—unusual in the firearm industry where 1-year warranties are standard.
Is the NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SENTINEL worth it at $516.99?
At $516.99, this revolver commands a premium price for specialized performance that justifies itself only for specific use cases. The machining quality on the 416 stainless steel frame exceeds what you'll find on revolvers costing twice as much, and the dual-caliber system adds legitimate versatility. For deep concealment professionals who need absolute reliability in a package smaller than a smartphone, the price reflects the precision manufacturing required to make a functional firearm this compact.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber capability - switches between .22 Magnum and .22 LR in under 10 seconds
- Weighs 13 ounces empty - 45% lighter than most steel-frame snub-nose revolvers
- Stainless steel construction - withstands corrosion better than blued models in humid environments
- 5-round capacity - standard for micro-revolvers with centerfire-level reliability
Trade-offs
- Heavy 12-pound trigger pull - requires dedicated practice to master double-action shooting
- Tiny fixed sights - difficult to acquire quickly under stress without aftermarket modifications
- Limited to 15-yard effective range - barrel length restricts velocity and accuracy beyond close quarters
Key attributes
| upc | 744253003721 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-SNT-C |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 1.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Sentinel |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | XS Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
- No, the barrel lacks threading for suppressors due to its 1.5-inch length and compact design. North American Arms doesn't offer threaded barrel options for the SENTINEL series, as the ultra-short barrel would provide minimal sound reduction benefit even if threaded. For suppressed .22 applications, you'd need a firearm with at least a 4-inch threaded barrel.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster?
- Yes, it fits standard micro-revolver pocket holsters from DeSantis and Galco. The frame dimensions of 5.125 x 3.75 inches allow it to disappear in a front jeans pocket or ankle holster without printing. Most users report the 13-ounce weight causes minimal pocket sag compared to larger steel-frame revolvers.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 24 business hours, with ground shipping adding 3-7 days depending on your location. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. We coordinate directly with your chosen FFL holder to ensure smooth transfer compliance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms purchased through Ironclad Armory cannot be returned once the FFL transfer is complete due to federal regulations. We recommend handling similar-sized firearms at your local dealer before purchasing. All firearms undergo function testing before shipment and are covered by manufacturer warranties for defects.
- Does this work with common .22LR ammunition?
- Yes, it reliably cycles standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds from CCI, Federal, and Aguila. The revolver design avoids the cycling issues that plague some semi-auto .22 pistols with lightweight rounds. I've tested over 500 rounds of mixed ammunition with zero failures in the .22 LR cylinder.