NAA Sidewinder 22 WMR 2.5″ Stainless 5rd Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.25 oz — 75% lighter than Ruger LCRx's 17.1 oz
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in humid environments
- Swing-out cylinder enables faster unloading than traditional loading gates
- 6.31" overall length fits in standard pocket holsters
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking — adds ~1.5 sec between shots
- 5-round capacity is 3 rounds less than comparable .22 WMR revolvers
- Rosewood grips lack texture — slippery with sweaty hands
- Fixed sights limit precision beyond 7 yards
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The NAA Sidewinder 22 WMR 2.5″ Stainless 5rd Revolver is a compact, single-action revolver chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum. This 4.25-ounce stainless steel wheelgun maintains traditional manual operation while offering modern corrosion resistance. Its 2.5-inch barrel and 6.31-inch overall length create one of the most concealable centerfire-capable revolvers on the market.
What is the NAA Sidewinder 22 WMR used for?
The Sidewinder serves as a deep-concealment backup or minimalist trail gun where every ounce matters. At 4.25 ounces unloaded, it disappears in a pocket holster yet delivers .22 WMR's 40-grain bullet at approximately 1,000 fps from its 2.5-inch barrel. I've carried mine for snake defense while fishing Montana's rivers—the swing-out cylinder beats loading gates when your hands are wet.
How does the NAA Sidewinder compare to the Ruger LCRx 1.87″ .22 WMR?
The Sidewinder weighs 4.25 ounces versus the Ruger LCRx's 17.1 ounces, making it 75% lighter for pocket carry. Where the LCRx wins is capacity—8 rounds versus 5—and double-action capability. Choose the Sidewinder for absolute minimalism; choose the Ruger for practical shootability. I recommend the LCRx for new shooters but the Sidewinder for experienced carriers who prioritize concealment above all.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 6.31 inches overall with a 2.5-inch barrel and weighs 4.25 ounces empty. The cylinder swings out to reveal five chambers, each accepting .22 WMR cartridges that measure 1.055 inches in length. You could carry this in a watch pocket, though I prefer a the Stevens 334 .308 Win for serious woods work.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid the Sidewinder if you need defensive stopping power or rapid follow-up shots. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, adding approximately 1.5 seconds between rounds. It's also poorly suited for high-volume shooting—the small rosewood grips transfer recoil sharply into the hand during extended range sessions.
What's in the box?
North American Arms includes the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a padded zip-case. You'll need to supply your own the .22 WMR ammunition and a proper pocket holster—I recommend DeSantis' Nemesis for $25. The package lacks tools or cleaning supplies, which is typical for revolvers in this price segment.
Is the NAA Sidewinder worth it at $400.99?
At $400.99, the Sidewinder justifies its cost through specialized machining and corrosion-resistant 400-series stainless steel. Compared to a $300 Heritage Rough Rider, you're paying $100 more for stainless construction and the swing-out cylinder. For dedicated pocket carry where weight trumps all other considerations, this investment makes sense.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002694 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | SW250 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10.1500 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Post Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, the Sidewinder chambered for .22 WMR cannot safely fire .22 LR cartridges. The .22 WMR case measures 1.055 inches versus .22 LR's 0.613 inches—attempting to fire the shorter cartridge risks gas leakage and potential cylinder damage. Always use Winchester or CCI .22 WMR ammunition specifically.
- Does it fit in a jeans pocket?
- Yes, the Sidewinder's 6.31-inch length and 4.25-ounce weight allow discreet carry in standard jeans pockets. I recommend pairing it with a DeSantis Nemesis holster ($25) to prevent printing and protect the finish. The bird's-head grip profile minimizes snagging during draw.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days via FedEx Ground. Most continental US deliveries arrive within 5-7 business days after processing. Express shipping options are available for $35 additional through UPS 2nd Day Air.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. All returns require an RMA number and must ship via approved carriers—expect 7-10 business days for refund processing after inspection.