North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 3″ 5rd Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The North American Arms 'The Earl' is a compact, historically-styled single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum (WMR) intended for minimalist carry and traditionalist shooters.
Its design evokes 1860-era cap-and-ball aesthetics while utilizing modern stainless steel construction. This piece occupies a specific, almost anachronistic niche in the modern firearms market, blending heritage appeal with contemporary durability.
What is the North American Arms The Earl used for?
The Earl is primarily for discreet personal carry as a minimalist backup weapon and for recreational plinking with a historical feel. It is not a duty or primary defense tool but serves as an ultra-compact, last-resort option or a range toy for enthusiasts of traditional single-action mechanisms. Its 14.2-ounce weight and 6.75-inch overall length make it practical for deep concealment in a boot or pocket holster, but its rimfire caliber and five-round capacity limit its practical utility.
How does the North American Arms The Earl compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Earl is fundamentally different from the Ruger Wrangler, serving a more specialized, concealment-focused role versus the Wrangler's general-purpose plinking design. The Wrangler, like our Stevens 334 bolt-actions, is a larger, heavier-framed revolver chambered in .22 LR, offering a six-round capacity and a transfer-bar safety system the Earl lacks. The Earl is better for deep concealment due to its 3-inch barrel and 1.1-inch shorter overall profile, but the Wrangler is objectively better for casual target shooting, handling, and overall value-for-plinking.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Earl weighs 14.2 ounces (403 grams) unloaded and measures 6.75 inches (171.5 mm) in overall length. The heavy octagonal barrel contributes significantly to its profile at 3 inches (76.2 mm) long, with a cylinder gap of precisely .005 inches—a tight tolerance for this class. Its compact dimensions are central to its design intent, prioritizing a footprint smaller than most modern semiautomatic pistols.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a beginner's first handgun, or a high-volume plinker. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, which is slow and deliberate, disqualifying it for rapid defensive use. Its fixed sights and small grip also make it less than ideal for new shooters or those looking for a dedicated sporting tool like the Stevens 555 shotgun.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, a plastic hard case, a basic cable lock for compliance, and a one-page instruction manual covering operation and disassembly. The manual is sparse, typical of NAA, so consult additional resources for detailed maintenance. No cleaning kit or spare grips are included, so factor those into your initial purchase cost.
Is the North American Arms The Earl worth it at $321.99?
At $321.99, The Earl is a justifiable purchase only for its specific niche: collectors and experienced shooters who value its unique 1860 styling and ultra-compact stainless-steel construction for deep carry. You are paying a premium for machining a small, all-stainless firearm and its historical aesthetic appeal, not for practical features or performance. For the same budget, a shooter could obtain a more capable semiautomatic or a larger, more shootable .22 revolver, but they would not get this specific blend of traditional form and concealable function.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 14.2 oz — exceptionally light for an all-stainless-steel firearm.
- Compact overall length of 6.75 inches facilitates deep concealment.
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion with minimal maintenance.
- Tight .005-inch cylinder gap for a mini-revolver aids in velocity consistency.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking for each of the 5 shots.
- No transfer bar safety — can only be carried safely with an empty chamber under the hammer.
- Fixed bead front sight offers minimal precision adjustment for target work.
- Small boot grip (circ. ~3.75") provides poor control for shooters with medium or large hands.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001963 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-1860-3 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10.2000 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammo?
- No. The Earl is chambered specifically for the longer, higher-pressure .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) cartridge. Attempting to fire standard .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition can cause dangerous chambering and extraction issues due to the shorter case, potentially leading to a squib load or ruptured case. Always use .22 WMR ammunition only.
- Does it fit a standard holster?
- No. Due to its unique octagonal barrel profile and small overall size, it requires a holster specifically molded for North American Arms mini-revolvers. Many major holster companies like Simply Rugged or Tucker Gunleather offer models. I recommend verifying holster compatibility by model name before ordering.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms to your selected FFL dealer within 1-3 business days. Transit time via common carrier (FedEx or UPS) typically adds 2-5 additional business days depending on your location. Always confirm your FFL's information and their willingness to receive the transfer before completing your purchase.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer if possible before purchasing. The boot grip is small, measuring approximately 3.75 inches in circumference, which may be unsuitable for larger hands.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No. The Earl's specific grip frame and boot grip design are not compatible with aftermarket laser grip units like those from Crimson Trace. Sighting options are limited to the factory-installed fixed bead front sight and the top strap channel, which serves as a rudimentary rear sight.