NAA Wasp 22 WMR/.22 LR 1-5/8″ Stainless 5-Rd
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About this product
What is the NAA Wasp 22 WMR/.22 LR 1-5/8" Stainless 5-Rd? It is a dual-cylinder mini-revolver engineered for extreme concealment and mechanical reliability, where its 5-shot capacity and 4.3 ounce weight prioritize discretion over ballistic performance. Coming from Ironclad Armory's perspective, this is a tool for a specific regulatory and physical niche, not a primary defensive firearm, and understanding that distinction is critical. The inclusion of both .22 WMR and a dedicated .22 LR cylinder addresses ammunition logistics without compromising the platform's core design integrity.
What is the NAA Wasp used for?
The NAA Wasp is used for deep concealment carry where even a compact semi-auto like a Ruger LCP is too large or presents a snag hazard, specifically in roles like a backup gun (BUG) for law enforcement or a last-resort tool for trained civilians in controlled environments. Its 1-5/8" barrel and overall length of just 5.1 inches defeat most metal detectors designed for larger objects, making its concealment footprint nearly absolute. The single-action mechanism provides a consistent, heavy trigger pull averaging 12 pounds, a deliberate safety feature for a firearm carried in close contact with the body without an external safety.
How does the NAA Wasp compare to a Ruger LCP Max?
The NAA Wasp is fundamentally different from the Ruger LCP Max, a comparison illustrating the trade-off between ballistic capability and concealment; the LCP Max is superior for primary defensive use with 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP, while the Wasp is superior for absolute, print-free concealment in a pants coin pocket or specialized holster. The LCP Max, weighing 10.6 ounces unloaded, offers modern semi-auto reliability and sights usable past 10 yards, where the Wasp's fixed bead is essentially a close-contact index point. For a shooter whose threat model is being completely unarmed until the moment of contact at arms-length, the Wasp's 4.3 ounce stainless frame and 0.9-inch width have no peer in production firearms.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The NAA Wasp weighs 4.3 ounces (122 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 5.1 inches, a height of 3.4 inches, and a cylinder width of 0.9 inches, making it one of the smallest production revolvers available. The 1-5/8" vented-rib barrel is integral to the stainless steel frame, contributing to its durability but limiting ballistic potential—.22 WMR velocity from this barrel is approximately 700-800 fps, well below its rifle cartridge designation. These dimensions categorize it as a "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) under the NFA if configured with a forward grip, a regulatory nuance our compliance guides cover extensively for builders of more complex platforms like the Stevens 334.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a plinking tool, or a novice's first handgun, as its specific role demands advanced handling skills and realistic expectations about terminal ballistics. The heavy single-action trigger and minuscule sights require dedicated practice to employ effectively under stress, a training requirement that exceeds that for a standard compact pistol. If your use case involves any engagement past contact distance, or you prioritize high capacity, you should be looking at a compact semi-automatic or a larger-frame revolver, not this specialty tool.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the NAA Wasp mini-revolver frame, one 5-shot .22 WMR cylinder installed, one dedicated 5-shot .22 LR conversion cylinder, and typically a fitted plastic storage case, with no factory-supplied holster or speed loaders included. The .22 LR cylinder is a dedicated, precision-machined part, not a simple sleeve, ensuring headspace and timing remain correct when swapped—a process that requires aligning the cylinder pin and takes about 20 seconds with practice. Unlike a competition-ready Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, this is a no-frills kit for the informed user who will source their own carry solutions.
Is the NAA Wasp worth it at $354.99?
At $354.99, the NAA Wasp is worth it only for the shooter who has a validated need for absolute, deep-concealment carry and understands they are paying for precision machining in an extremely small stainless steel platform, not for ballistic performance. The price reflects the cost of manufacturing the dual-cylinder system and the tight tolerances required for a reliable mini-revolver, comparable to the cost of a higher-capacity .380 semi-auto. If your threat model does not specifically require a firearm that disappears completely, this investment is better allocated toward a more versatile primary carry pistol and quality training.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.3 oz unloaded — 6.3 oz lighter than a loaded Ruger LCP Max.
- Overall length of 5.1" and width of 0.9" for coin-pocket level concealment.
- Dual dedicated cylinders for .22 WMR and .22 LR provide ammo flexibility without adapters.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking for each shot, slowing follow-ups.
- 1-5/8" barrel drastically reduces .22 WMR velocity to roughly 750 fps, limiting terminal effect.
- No factory holster included — add $40-$85 for a quality custom leather or Kydex rig.
- Fixed bead front sight is a minimal reference point, not suitable for precision past 7 yards.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002304 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22MC-TW |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1 5/8" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10.1000 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Safety Cylinder/Half Notch |
| shipping weight | 2.7 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, but only with the dedicated .22 LR conversion cylinder installed; you cannot fire .22 LR from the .22 WMR cylinder. The dedicated cylinder is precisely machined for .22 LR rim dimensions and headspace. I recommend standard or high-velocity 40-grain round nose for reliable function, avoiding hyper-velocity or subsonic loads which may not cycle consistently.
- Does it fit a pocket holster designed for the NAA Black Widow?
- No, the Wasp's vented-rib barrel profile and skeletonized hammer require a holster specifically molded for this model. The Black Widow has a longer, un-vented barrel and a full hammer shroud. For a proper fit, seek a holster from vendors like Black Hills Leather or Simply Rugged, who make Wasp-specific models to ensure safe, secure carry.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing and compliance verification are complete. All shipments require a signed copy of the recipient FFL's license on file before dispatch. You must coordinate directly with your FFL for pickup, which involves a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check that can add 1-30 minutes at their location.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns for mechanical defects are accepted within 30 days of FFL transfer, provided the firearm is unfired and in original condition, as per Ironclad Armory's policy. Ammunition-related cycling issues are not considered defects; this is a manual, single-action revolver requiring deliberate operation. All returns must initiate through our compliance team to ensure adherence to federal and state transfer regulations during the reverse logistics process.