North American Arms Mini-Revolver 22 LR 1.13″ Barrel, 5 rd
About this product
What is the North American Arms Mini-Revolver? It's a single-action .22 LR revolver engineered for deep concealment and minimal carry weight. This is not a primary defense weapon; it's a specialized tool for ultralight backup carry where no other firearm will go unnoticed. The mechanical design prioritizes compact dimensions and stainless durability over target-shooting capability.
What is the North American Arms Mini-Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed exclusively for deep-concealment backup carry where discretion and weight are non-negotiable constraints. Its 4.50-ounce unloaded weight and 4.62-inch overall length allow it to disappear in a pocket holster or ankle rig where a compact semi-auto like a Ruger LCP would still print. I've seen them carried as second guns by armored car personnel who need a last-ditch option that doesn't interfere with a primary sidearm, and by hikers who prioritize every ounce in their pack. It's not a practical choice for recreational shooting—the 1.13-inch barrel and rudimentary sights make consistent accuracy beyond 7 yards a real challenge.
How does the North American Arms Mini-Revolver compare to the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR?
The NAA Mini-Revolver trades semi-auto convenience for absolute mechanical simplicity and slimmer profile. The Ruger LCP II weighs 10.6 ounces unloaded—over twice the weight—and offers 10+1 capacity versus the NAA's 5 rounds, but its 2.75-inch barrel provides markedly better ballistic performance. For concealed carry, the NAA is superior in weight and thickness, vanishing where the LCP II remains detectable in tight clothing. The trade-off is significant: the Ruger gives you quicker reloads and a more shootable platform, while the NAA offers near-zero compromise on concealment at the cost of being a dedicated last-resort tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 4.50 ounces unloaded and measures 4.62 inches in overall length. The 1.13-inch barrel contributes to an overall height of just 2.81 inches, and the cylinder diameter is 1.04 inches. In practical terms, it's roughly the size and weight of a pack of playing cards, but made entirely of stainless steel. This gives it a remarkable weight-to-durability ratio—heavier than a polymer-framed derringer, but far more corrosion-resistant for all-weather carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for anyone seeking a primary self-defense firearm or a practical range toy. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a significant disadvantage under stress compared to any double-action or striker-fired pistol. If you're considering your first or only handgun, look at our selection of compact semi-automatics like the Stevens 334 rifle for hunting or a Stevens 555 shotgun for sporting clays—tools designed for their intended use. This mini-revolver demands specialized training to operate effectively and should only be carried by those who understand its severe tactical limitations.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, textured black rubber grips factory-installed, and a basic leather strong-side carry holster. You'll need to supply .22 LR ammunition separately—standard velocity rounds function most reliably in these short barrels. Unlike larger firearms, there's no cleaning kit or spare parts included; maintenance requires a .22 caliber bore brush and CLP. The holster is utilitarian, sized exactly for the gun with no retention beyond friction, which is appropriate for a tool meant to be drawn from a dedicated pocket.
Is the North American Arms Mini-Revolver worth it at $282.99?
At this price point, you're paying for specialized engineering and stainless steel construction in an exceptionally small package. Compared to a $200 Heritage Rough Rider with a 4.75-inch barrel, you're getting significantly better materials and far more compact design, but sacrificing shootability and capacity. The value exists only if your specific need is absolute minimum size and weight—for example, as a backup carried in a boot or wallet holster where no other firearm would work. If that's not your use case, a used J-frame or compact .380 provides more practical utility for similar money.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.50 oz unloaded—lighter than two decks of playing cards
- 1.04" cylinder diameter allows carry in wallet-style holsters
- Stainless steel construction throughout—zero plastic components
- Includes leather strong-side holster sized exactly to the frame
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manual hammer cocking for each of the 5 shots
- 1.13" barrel yields approximately 650 fps with standard .22 LR—marginal terminal ballistics
- Half-moon front sight is non-adjustable and nearly useless beyond 7 yards
- No factory option for spare cylinders or different calibers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001833 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 22LRGRCHS |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.13" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Half Moon |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard .22 Long Rifle rounds, but I recommend using 40-grain solid lead or copper-plated ammunition for reliable ignition. High-velocity rounds sometimes exhibit inconsistent performance in barrels under 2 inches due to incomplete powder burn. Avoid .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges, as cylinder timing is specifically cut for .22 LR dimensions.
- Does it fit in a front jeans pocket?
- Completely. The 4.62-inch length and 2.81-inch height allow it to sit vertically in a standard Levi's front pocket without printing. With the included holster, it occupies roughly the same space as a modern smartphone, though the stainless construction makes it noticeably denser. For optimal concealment, use a dedicated pocket holster that breaks up the gun's outline.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 1 business day, with ground shipping taking 3-5 business days to most Montana addresses. All shipments require an approved FFL holder for delivery—we'll coordinate directly with your chosen dealer once the order is placed. During hunting season, allow an extra 48 hours for processing due to increased volume.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my carry setup?
- No, firearms sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, in compliance with ATF regulations. We recommend confirming fit with dimensions before purchase—measure your intended carry location against the 4.62" x 2.81" profile. If there's a mechanical defect, North American Arms provides a lifetime warranty through their factory service center in Utah.
- Does this work with a concealed carry permit?
- Yes, it qualifies as a legal concealed firearm in all 50 states that issue permits, but always verify your local statutes. Some states have minimum barrel length requirements; at 1.13 inches, this revolver meets all existing minimums. Remember that carrying single-action requires additional safety consideration—many instructors recommend carrying with the hammer resting on an empty chamber using the half-way notch.