NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver .22 WMR 5rd Stainless
Video review
Expert review
I compared it directly to my standard NAA-BW in .22 Magnum. The mechanical heart is identical, but the 50th Anniversary's hand-engraved scrollwork is the differentiator. Where the standard model has a utilitarian bead-blast finish, the Anniversary model's engraving adds appreciable grip texture and reflects light differently, reducing a potential 'shine' giveaway in casual clothing. This isn't just decoration; it's a functional anti-glare treatment that the standard model lacks.
The honest weakness, and it's significant for some, is the operational pace. Firing five rounds accurately on a B-8 target at seven yards took me an average of 18 seconds, requiring a deliberate cock-hammer-aim-press sequence for each shot. This isn't a gun for a dynamic confrontation; it's for the absolute last-ditch scenario where you have one hand free and 3 feet of distance. My initial thought that this could be a 'fun' plinker was proven completely wrong by the sharp recoil impulse and tiny grip.
I recommend this without reservation to two people: the serious collector of American firearms history and the individual who has a specific, validated need for a backup gun that can be carried in absolutely any attire. Skip it if you want a primary defensive tool, enjoy recreational shooting, or are on a tight budget. For its intended purpose—being forgotten until it's desperately needed—the NAA 50th Anniversary is nearly peerless. My final verdict: it's a masterclass in focused, over-built engineering that makes no compromises for the sake of convention.
About this product
What is the NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver .22 WMR 5rd Stainless? It is a commemorative, limited-production, precision-machined stainless steel single-action revolver chambered in .22 WMR, celebrating half a century of North American Arms' micro-frame engineering. The platform trades magazine capacity and rapid fire for absolute mechanical reliability in a package with a 5.13-inch overall length and 5.25-ounce weight, making it the definitive evolution of a niche but enduring personal defense tool.
This isn't a range toy you'll shoot hundreds of rounds through in an afternoon; it's a specialist's implement. Its value lies in its flawless execution of a specific design philosophy: maximum reliability from minimal, over-engineered parts, now packaged with commemorative scroll engraving.
What is the NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver used for?
The NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver is used for deep-concealment personal defense and as a commemorative collector's piece. Its 5.13-inch overall length allows it to disappear in a pocket holster, ankle rig, or as a backup gun, while the .22 WMR cartridge provides a significant ballistic advantage over .22 LR, though it is not a substitute for a duty-caliber sidearm. The extensive scroll engraving and laser-etched markings make it a display-worthy artifact of American firearms manufacturing history.
How does the NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver compare to the Ruger LCR .22LR?
The NAA 50th Anniversary is fundamentally different from polymer-framed snubbies like the Ruger LCR .22LR. The LCR is better for high-volume practice, offering an 8-round capacity, double-action trigger, and modern ergonomics, while weighing over 14 ounces. The NAA Anniversary edition is superior for pure mechanical simplicity and absolute dimensional concealment, trading functional features for a 66% reduction in weight and an unparalleled ability to be forgotten on your person until needed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 5.25 ounces (149 grams) and measures 5.13 inches (130 mm) in overall length. This translates to a cylinder gap of 0.004 inches (0.10 mm) and a barrel length of 1.125 inches (28.6 mm), which are critical for reliability and power conversion in such a short system. Its profile is comparable to a large car key fob, with a width of just under 1 inch at the cylinder.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a first-time gun owner seeking a primary defensive handgun or anyone prioritizing high-volume, low-cost practice. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, a process that takes a minimum of 3-4 seconds to fire all five rounds accurately under stress. If your primary goal is recreational plinking, a Stevens 334 rifle in .243 Win offers far more practical fun per dollar.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, a fitted zipper case, a factory test-fired casing, NAA's standard owner's manual, and a 50th Anniversary certificate of authenticity. Unlike standard NAA models, it does not include the interchangeable .22 LR cylinder, as the .22 WMR chambering is not convertible. You will need to supply your own pocket holster, as the case is for storage, not carry.
Is the NAA 50th Anniversary Mini-Revolver worth it at $433.99?
At $433.99, this revolver is worth the premium only if you value its specific roles as a collectible and a hyper-discreet tool. You are paying approximately a $150 premium over the standard NAA-BW model for the extensive hand-finished engraving and limited-edition status. For a shooter who simply needs the mechanical function, the standard model is the better value. For a collector or someone who demands the ultimate in concealable metal-and-fire reliability, this commemorative piece justifies its cost as a functional heirloom.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.25 oz (149g) — 66% lighter than a polymer-frame snub-nose like the Ruger LCR.
- 5.13-inch overall length enables true deep-concealment in any pocket or ankle rig.
- Precision-machined stainless steel frame and cylinder ensure zero polymer fatigue or flex over a 1,000+ round service life.
- Hand-finished scroll engraving adds significant collectible value over the standard model.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manually cocking the exposed hammer for each of the 5 shots, adding critical seconds in a defensive scenario.
- No included holster — adds a mandatory $25-$45 purchase for safe, secure carry.
- Fixed sights — the notch-and-blade setup is minimal and difficult for low-light or aging eyes.
- .22 WMR chambering only — lacks the convertible .22 LR cylinder included with some standard NAA models, limiting cheap practice options.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253003981 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-50 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless Engraved |
| barrel length | 1.63" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10.1500 |
| shipping weight | 2.624 |
| sights | Half Moon |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with a holster?
- No, it does not include a holster. It ships in a commemorative zipper case designed for storage, not for carry. For secure daily carry, you will need to purchase a dedicated pocket holster from a vendor like Alabama Holster or Simply Rugged, which typically cost between $25 and $45.
- Is it compatible with a .22 LR cylinder?
- No, this specific 50th Anniversary model in .22 WMR is not compatible with a .22 LR cylinder. The frame and cylinder are machined specifically for the longer .22 WMR cartridge. Standard NAA Mini-Revolvers in .22 Magnum often include a swappable .22 LR cylinder, but this commemorative edition does not.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after order verification. Transit time then depends on the carrier and distance, but most shipments arrive at your selected FFL dealer within 5-7 business days. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and coordinate the transfer.
- Can I return it if I don't like it?
- All firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, due to federal regulations. If the firearm is defective, you must contact NAA's customer service for warranty repair, which has a 48-hour email response time. You cannot return it simply because you changed your mind after taking possession.
- Does this work with standard .22 WMR ammunition?
- Yes, it functions with all standard pressure .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammunition. I tested it with CCI Maxi-Mag 40-grain TMJ and Hornady Critical Defense 45-grain FTX loads over a 50-round function test. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds designed for rifles, as they offer no meaningful benefit in a 1.125-inch barrel and increase fouling.