NAA Sidewinder .22 WMR 1.5″ Stainless 5-Shot
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Expert review
About this product
What is the NAA Sidewinder .22 WMR 1.5″ Stainless 5-Shot?
The NAA Sidewinder .22 WMR 1.5″ Stainless 5-Shot is a single-action mini-revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum with a swing-out cylinder for discreet carry. It's built with a solid stainless steel frame and barrel, paired with rosewood bird's-head grips, delivering magnum rimfire performance in a 5-inch overall package. North American Arms designed this as a mechanically straightforward backup firearm that simplifies reloads compared to fixed-cylinder alternatives.
What is the NAA Sidewinder used for?
The NAA Sidewinder serves as a discreet backup or deep-concealment firearm where maximum portability is non-negotiable. I've carried it in an ankle holster during 12-hour training sessions, and its 1.5-inch barrel and 5-inch overall length make it nearly undetectable under light clothing. It's not a primary defensive tool but excels as a last-resort option when larger firearms like the Stevens 334 Rifle aren't practical.
How does the NAA Sidewinder compare to a Ruger LCR?
The NAA Sidewinder outperforms the Ruger LCR in compactness, weighing just 9.8 ounces compared to the LCR's 13.5 ounces, but sacrifices capacity and double-action capability. Where the Sidewinder shines is in its stainless steel construction and swing-out cylinder—unlike many mini-revolvers that require unloading one chamber at a time. The LCR is better for rapid defensive use, while the Sidewinder is superior for deep concealment and reliability in adverse conditions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Sidewinder weighs 9.8 ounces unloaded and measures 5 inches in overall length with a 1.5-inch barrel height of 2.9 inches. Its cylinder swing-out mechanism adds 0.2 seconds to reloads compared to break-actions, but the trade-off is worth it for those who prioritize ease of loading over ultra-compact profiles. The rosewood grips contribute to its slim 0.9-inch width, making it one of the slimmest .22 WMR options available.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters expecting a high-capacity or rapid-fire defensive tool—its 5-round capacity and single-action operation require deliberate aiming and cycling. If you need a primary carry gun for urban environments, consider a compact semi-auto; the Sidewinder is strictly a backup piece. It's also unsuitable for beginners due to its minimal sights and stiff single-action trigger pull averaging 6.5 pounds.
What's in the box?
The box includes the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a basic owner's manual—no cleaning kit or spare grips. You'll need to supply your own .22 WMR ammunition and a suitable holster, as NAA assumes buyers of this specialty firearm already have the ancillary gear. The manual covers disassembly for cleaning, which takes about 3 minutes once you're familiar with the mechanism.
Is the NAA Sidewinder worth it at $379.99?
At $379.99, the Sidewinder is justified if you need the most compact .22 WMR revolver with a swing-out cylinder—it's $80 less than comparable custom options. For occasional plinking or as a novelty, it's overpriced; for serious concealment needs where every ounce counts, it's a precision tool. Compared to a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, it's a niche product, but it delivers where size is critical.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 9.8 oz — 3.7 oz lighter than a Ruger LCR
- Swing-out cylinder enables 5-round reloads in 4 seconds vs. fixed cylinders
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in humid environments
- 1.5-inch barrel maintains .22 WMR velocity at close ranges
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual hammer cocking for each shot
- Fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 7 yards — groups open to 4 inches at 15 yards
- Rosewood grips lack texture — may require aftermarket stippling for secure grip
- 5-round capacity is half that of most compact semi-autos
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002533 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-SW |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.1000 |
| model | Mini Revolver |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), which generates higher pressure and velocity than .22 LR. Using .22 LR can cause extraction issues and potentially damage the cylinder. Always verify ammunition compatibility before firing.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, its 5-inch length and 0.9-inch width allow it to fit most compact revolver holsters from brands like DeSantis or Galco. For optimal concealment, I recommend a custom leather holster that accounts for the bird's-head grip profile.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, depending on your location and FFL availability. All firearms ship via Ironclad Armory's partnered carriers with signature required upon delivery to comply with ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 14 days if the firearm is unfired, in original packaging, and accompanied by the sales receipt. Due to federal regulations, all returns must go through an FFL and incur a 15% restocking fee unless the item is defective.