NAA Sidewinder Mini Revolver .22 WMR 1.5-inch Red/Black Grip
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.75 oz (78g) unloaded – 60% lighter than a polymer J-frame like the Smith & Wesson 442.
- Swing-out cylinder enables reliable ejection of all 5 spent casings simultaneously, unlike single-load micro revolvers.
- 4.45-inch overall length allows concealment in spaces smaller than a wallet.
Trade-offs
- 1.5-inch barrel yields significant velocity loss: .22 WMR rounds drop below 900 fps, limiting terminal performance.
- Micro grip demands a precise two-finger hold; shooters with medium or large hands will find control difficult without aftermarket grips.
- Manual of arms is unique; the cylinder release is a small, stiff button that requires deliberate thumb pressure, not ideal under stress.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The NAA Sidewinder Mini Revolver is a highly compact, five-shot, swing-out cylinder revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR). It's one of the smallest production-frame revolvers on the market, built specifically for deep concealment and minimalist backup roles where every millimeter and ounce matters. The 1.5-inch barrel and unique cylinder swing-out design directly address reliability concerns common to micro-revolvers.
What is the NAA Sidewinder Mini Revolver used for?
The NAA Sidewinder Mini is used for deep concealment and as a minimalist backup firearm where primary weapon carry is impossible or impractical. Its 4.45-inch overall length and 2.75-ounce unloaded weight allow carry in ankle, pocket, or specialized concealment holsters. It is not designed for recreational target shooting or as a primary defensive tool due to its short sight radius and formidable .22 WMR recoil impulse in such a small frame.
How does the NAA Sidewinder Mini compare to the NAA Black Widow?
The Sidewinder Mini has superior reliability under rapid fire compared to the NAA Black Widow due to its swing-out cylinder. The Black Widow's traditional frame and crane, while elegant, is more susceptible to cylinder binding from powder residue after 15-20 rounds; the Sidewinder's design mitigates this. For quick reloads and sustained reliability, the Sidewinder is mechanically superior, though the Black Widow offers a more traditional aesthetic and slightly longer grip options. Check out other compact firearms for varied applications, like the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Sidewinder Mini weighs 2.75 ounces (78 grams) unloaded and measures 4.45 inches in overall length. The barrel itself is 1.5 inches long, and the cylinder width is 1.06 inches. Fully loaded with five rounds of standard 40-grain .22 WMR, total carry weight increases to approximately 3.5 ounces, making it nearly imperceptible in a pocket holster.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a beginner's first firearm, a primary home defense weapon, or a shooter seeking a recreational target pistol. The 1.5-inch barrel produces significant muzzle flash and noise, and the micro grip requires a specialized two-finger hold that demands practice. If your use case involves more than 10-yard engagements or high-round-count practice sessions, consider a more substantial platform like a compact semi-automatic or a standard-frame revolver.
What's in the box?
The box contains the Sidewinder Mini revolver, one five-round swing-out cylinder, and factory documentation. Unlike many full-size revolvers, it does not include a cable lock, cleaning rod, or speed loader due to its specialized size. The cylinder release latch is integral to the frame, and the red/black laminate grip is factory-installed.
Is the NAA Sidewinder Mini worth it at $426.99?
At $426.99, the Sidewinder Mini is worth it only for the specific niche of extreme-concealment professionals or individuals who have exhausted other backup carry options. You are paying a premium for niche engineering—the swing-out cylinder on a frame this small—not for high-volume shooting. For those who need a reliable, last-resort tool that disappears on the body, the price is justified. For general-purpose compact carry, other options in the same price range, like certain micro-compact semi-autos, offer higher capacity and easier shooting. For a different style of precision tool, see the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253003172 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-SW-GRB |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Firing .22 Long Rifle (LR) in this cylinder is unsafe and will cause dangerous pressure issues and potential case failure. Always use specifically marked .22 WMR cartridges.
- Does it fit a standard small-frame revolver holster?
- No, due to its unique 1.06-inch cylinder width and 4.45-inch length, it requires a holster specifically molded for the NAA Sidewinder or NAA Mini-Revolver series. Generic J-frame holsters from brands like DeSantis or Galco will not provide proper retention.
- How long does shipping take for an 'Online Only' item?
- Processing and shipping for 'Online Only' firearms typically takes 7-10 business days before transfer to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. The final transfer at your local FFL dealer adds another 24-48 hours for background check completion, depending on your state.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my intended carry method?
- Firearms sales are final upon transfer at your FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend confirming fit with your intended holster—models from specialty makers like PHLster, Dark Star Gear, or Simply Rugged—before completing the purchase. Non-functioning firearms are covered under NAA's lifetime warranty for repair.