North American Arms 22S Mini-Revolver .22 Short 5rd 1.13″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.0 ounces unloaded — lighter than most smartphones and disappears in a pocket.
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion from sweat and pocket lint, requiring minimal maintenance.
- 1.13-inch barrel and 3.63-inch overall length enable true deep concealment in ankle or pocket rigs.
- Single-action mechanism is mechanically simple and reliable, with a clean 4.5-pound trigger break.
Trade-offs
- Chambered exclusively for .22 Short — ammunition is less common and has limited defensive ballistics compared to .22 Magnum.
- No factory-installed holster or speedloader included — requires approximately $30-50 in aftermarket accessories for safe carry.
- Fixed half-moon sights are extremely small and difficult to acquire quickly under stress.
- Mandatory empty chamber under the hammer for safe carry reduces functional capacity from 5 to 4 rounds.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The North American Arms 22S Mini-Revolver is a stainless steel, five-shot, single-action revolver engineered for deep concealment, weighing just 4 ounces with a 1.13-inch barrel. It represents one of the smallest functional firearms commercially available, chambered exclusively for the .22 Short cartridge, which has roughly 30% less muzzle energy than a standard .22 Long Rifle. NAA has specialized in these minimalist revolvers since the 1970s, establishing them as definitive tools for backup utility where bulk is non-negotiable.
What is the North American Arms 22S used for?
The 22S is designed specifically for deep concealment as an emergency-contact or backup firearm, where its primary utility is providing a functional option in scenarios where no other firearm can be carried undetected. Its 4-ounce weight and 3.63-inch overall length allow it to disappear into a pocket holster, ankle rig, or specialized concealment compartment with zero printing. I would not classify this as a primary defensive tool, but rather as a mechanical guarantee for a worst-case scenario, similar in concept to a glass breaker or seatbelt cutter stored in a vehicle's center console.
How does the North American Arms 22S compare to the North American Arms 22M?
The 22S is chambered exclusively for the lower-power .22 Short, while the NAA 22M fires the more common .22 Magnum, which offers nearly double the muzzle energy for a slight increase in size and recoil impulse. The 22M is the better choice for shooters who prioritize terminal ballistics in a micro-platform, accepting its slightly larger cylinder and sharper report. The 22S is better for those who value the absolute minimum in size and weight and are comfortable with the limited penetration of the .22 Short round, which typically achieves 6-8 inches in ballistic gel from its 1.13-inch barrel.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 4.0 ounces (113.4 grams), with an overall length of 3.63 inches (92.2 mm), a height of 2.56 inches (65 mm), and a width of 0.85 inches (21.6 mm) across the cylinder. The barrel is precisely 1.125 inches (28.6 mm) long, and the cylinder holds 5 rounds of .22 Short with a nominal bore diameter of .222 inches. To put that in perspective, its footprint is smaller than the grip module alone on a Stevens 334 Rifle, and it weighs less than two rolls of standard U.S. quarters.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a new shooter expecting a training platform or anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm. The single-action operation, tiny sights, and short grip make it difficult to shoot accurately beyond 7 yards without dedicated, specialized practice. It is also not for someone unwilling to master a specific manual of arms involving careful loading, unloading, and carrying with the hammer safely positioned on an empty chamber, which is a critical safety step for these pocket-sized guns.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, a fitted plastic storage case, a small cable-style security lock, and the required owner's manual with warranty information. You will not receive a cleaning rod, brush, or supplemental holster—these are aftermarket necessities. I recommend budgeting an additional $25-$40 for a dedicated pocket holster like those from Sticky Holsters or DeSantis to ensure safe carry and protect the finish from daily abrasion.
Is the North American Arms 22S worth it at $245.99?
At $245.99, the 22S offers tangible value for its specific niche as the smallest, most concealable mechanical insurance policy on the market, with a fit and finish that exceeds many polymer-framed alternatives in its price range. Its stainless steel construction is corrosion-resistant and durable, requiring less maintenance than a blued version would in a sweaty pocket-carry environment. For anyone whose situational awareness demands a last-resort option that literally cannot be detected, its price is justified; for general plinking or casual shooting, a standard .22LR revolver like a Stevens 555 .410 shotgun offers far more recreational utility per dollar.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253000324 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22S |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1 1/8" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Short |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.5 |
| model | Mini Revolver |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard .22 Long Rifle bullet?
- No, the cylinder and chamber are machined exclusively for the shorter .22 Short cartridge. Attempting to load a .22 Long Rifle or .22 Magnum round will prevent the cylinder from rotating and can create a dangerous obstruction. Stick with high-quality .22 Short ammunition, such as CCI Short CB Caps, for reliable function.
- Does it fit in a jeans coin pocket?
- Yes, the 22S fits comfortably in a standard jeans coin pocket, measuring only 0.85 inches wide. However, you must use a dedicated pocket holster to protect the trigger and maintain proper orientation. I recommend the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, which adds only 0.12 inches to the overall width.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the North American Arms 22S cannot accept a suppressor. The barrel is not threaded, and its overall length of 3.63 inches would fall below the 26-inch minimum for a non-NFA firearm if a suppressor were permanently attached. The .22 Short cartridge itself is also inherently subsonic, reducing the practical need for suppression.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to a Montana FFL dealer via Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days for processing and transit once your background check is approved. You must coordinate with your selected FFL holder for transfer, which typically adds 1-2 business days for paperwork processing upon delivery.
- Can I return it if I change my mind?
- No, Ironclad Armory's policy, in compliance with federal law, prohibits returns or exchanges on firearms after the transfer to your FFL is initiated unless the firearm is mechanically defective. You have 72 hours from the time of purchase to cancel an order before processing begins. All sales are final following shipment.