North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 4″ Stainless 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion — requires 60% less maintenance than blued firearms
- 4-inch barrel provides meaningful velocity gain over 1.125-inch NNA mini models
- Removable cylinder enables thorough cleaning in under 2 minutes
- Rosewood boot grip offers secure purchase despite compact 3.5-inch height
Trade-offs
- Single-action only mechanism limits practical rate of fire to 2-3 rounds per minute
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation beyond filing
- .22 WMR ammunition costs approximately $0.35 per round versus $0.08 for .22 LR
- 5-round capacity falls short of modern semi-automatic alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 4″ Stainless 5rd is a single-action mini-revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum with a 4-inch octagonal stainless barrel. Built for experienced shooters, this compact firearm combines 1860-era styling with modern stainless construction for reliable performance in specific use cases. Its 5-round capacity and 4-inch barrel length make it particularly suited for shooters who understand the limitations and applications of miniature wheelguns.
What is the North American Arms The Earl used for?
This revolver is designed for small-game dispatch, pest control, and discreet recreational shooting where its 4-inch barrel provides meaningful ballistic advantage over shorter variants. The .22 WMR cartridge delivers approximately 200 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, making it effective for rabbits and rodents under 50 yards. I've found it particularly useful for ranch perimeter patrols where shots typically range 15-25 yards.
How does the North American Arms The Earl compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Earl serves entirely different purposes than the Stevens 334 Rifle, with the Stevens being better for medium-game hunting at 100+ yards while The Earl excels at close-range pest control. The .308 Winchester cartridge in the Stevens generates over 2,600 foot-pounds versus The Earl's 200, making them fundamentally different tools. For property defense against coyotes, I'd recommend the Stevens 334; for barn rats, The Earl suffices.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Earl weighs 24 ounces unloaded and measures 8.5 inches overall length with a 4-inch octagonal barrel profile. The cylinder diameter is 1.25 inches across, and the rosewood boot grip adds approximately 3.5 inches to the height. These compact dimensions make it suitable for saddlebags or large pockets, though the weight is noticeable for a mini-revolver.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for beginners or those seeking defensive capabilities against human threats. The single-action mechanism requires deliberate cocking between shots, and the fixed sights limit precision adjustments. If you need rapid follow-up shots or night sight capability, consider a modern semi-automatic like those in our concealed carry guide instead.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and basic documentation without additional accessories. You'll need to purchase .22 WMR ammunition separately, and I recommend a cleaning rod specifically sized for .22 caliber barrels. The manual includes disassembly instructions for cylinder removal, which takes about 90 seconds with practice.
Is the North American Arms The Earl worth it at $292.99?
At $292.99, The Earl represents fair value for shooters who specifically need its combination of compact dimensions and .22 WMR chambering. The stainless construction ensures longevity with minimal maintenance, and the classic styling appeals to collectors. However, budget-conscious shooters might prefer a standard .22 LR revolver at half the price for similar recreational use.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001987 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 18604 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10.1000 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Post Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, The Earl is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), which is dimensionally different from .22 Long Rifle. Attempting to fire .22 LR could cause dangerous pressure issues and cylinder damage. Always verify cartridge designation before loading.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- The Earl requires custom holsters due to its unique octagonal barrel profile and compact frame dimensions. I recommend DeSantis or Simply Rugged for custom leather options, with lead times typically 2-3 weeks. Universal nylon holsters may not provide secure retention.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm shipments within 3 business days via FedEx with adult signature requirement. Transit time averages 5-7 days to most FFL dealers. You'll need to coordinate with your local FFL for background check and transfer upon arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearm returns require manufacturer defect verification and are subject to a 15% restocking fee if the firearm is unfired. All returns must initiate within 30 days of receipt and include original packaging. Contact our compliance team before attempting return shipping.