North American Arms 22MC Mini-Revolver .22WMR/.22LR 1.63″ 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.3 oz—lighter than most polymer pocket pistols like the Kel-Tec P-32 (9.6 oz)
- Dual cylinders included—swap between .22 WMR and .22 LR in under 10 seconds
- Stainless steel frame—corrosion-resistant for carry in humid environments
- 5-round capacity—standard for mini-revolvers, with notched safety for secure carry
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manual cocking, slowing follow-up shots by 2-3 seconds each
- 1.63-inch barrel—velocity loss of ~150 fps compared to 4-inch .22 barrels
- Fixed sights—minimal adjustment for windage or elevation, limiting precision past 10 yards
- Small grip—may be uncomfortable for hands larger than 4-inch palm width
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The North American Arms 22MC Mini-Revolver is a stainless steel, convertible pocket revolver chambered in .22 WMR/.22 LR with a 1.63-inch barrel and 5-round capacity, designed for discreet carry and backup roles. This single-action mini-revolver ships with both magnum and long rifle cylinders, offering caliber flexibility in a compact package built for reliability. Its notched cylinder safety and bird's-head grips make it a practical choice for informed shooters who value mechanical simplicity and low-profile operation.
What is the North American Arms 22MC Mini-Revolver used for?
The 22MC is designed for pocket carry, backup defense, and close-range pest control where minimal size and reliability are prioritized. With its 1.63-inch barrel and 5-round capacity, it excels in scenarios requiring deep concealment, such as ankle holsters or coat pockets, though its effective range is limited to approximately 7-10 yards due to the fixed sights and short barrel. I've carried it as a backup during Montana trail hikes where larger firearms would be impractical.
How does the North American Arms 22MC compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 22MC is superior for concealment and portability, weighing just 8.3 ounces compared to the Stevens 334's 6.8-pound heft, but the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers significantly greater range, accuracy, and stopping power for hunting or long-distance shooting. Where the 22MC fits in a palm, the Stevens 334 requires a sling or case, making them complementary rather than competitive—choose the 22MC for urban carry and the Stevens 334 for field use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 22MC weighs 8.3 ounces unloaded and measures 4.75 inches in overall length, 1.38 inches in width, and 3.63 inches in height, making it one of the smallest production revolvers available. These dimensions allow it to fit in a standard jeans coin pocket or a minimalist ankle holster without printing, though the trade-off is a grip that may be too small for shooters with larger hands. The stainless steel construction adds durability without adding bulk.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for hunters, competitive shooters, or those seeking high-capacity or rapid-fire capabilities. The single-action operation requires manual cocking for each shot, and the 5-round capacity is inadequate for extended engagements or recreational target shooting beyond 15 yards. If you need a primary firearm for home defense or hunting, consider a Stevens 555 shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
The box includes the revolver, both .22 WMR and .22 LR cylinders, a padded zipper case, and owner's manual, with no additional tools or cleaning kits provided. The cylinders are serialized to the frame, ensuring legal compliance and proper fit, but you'll need to supply your own lubricant and snap caps for maintenance. Total package weight is 1.2 pounds, including packaging.
Is the North American Arms 22MC worth it at $338.99?
At $338.99, it's worth it for those needing ultra-compact reliability and caliber versatility, but overpriced for casual plinking due to its niche role. The stainless steel construction and dual cylinders justify the cost compared to cheaper .22 derringers, but if you want a range toy, a used .22 pistol offers more shots per dollar. For dedicated backup carry, however, the investment is defensible.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253000188 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22MC |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.625" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10 |
| model | Mini Revolver |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Notched Cylinder |
| shipping weight | 2.785 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammo?
- Yes, with the included conversion cylinder—it fires both .22 WMR and .22 LR, but you must swap cylinders, which takes about 10 seconds with practice. Use high-velocity rounds for reliable cycling, as subsonics may not fully eject.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster?
- Yes, its 4.75-inch length and 1.38-inch width fit most pocket holsters designed for micro-compacts, but the bird's-head grip may require a specific mold. I use a DeSantis Nemesis for mine.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-2 business days, with FedEx or UPS Ground shipping taking 3-5 days continental U.S., but FFL transfer adds time—plan for 7-10 days total.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms are non-returnable due to federal regulations, so check grip dimensions first—the grip circumference is 3.9 inches, which suits small to medium hands best.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not threaded, and the fixed front sight blocks adapter installation—for suppressed .22 work, consider a pistol like the Ruger Mark IV with a 0.5x28 thread.