North American Arms 22MGRCHSS Mini-Revolver, .22 WMR, 1.63″
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About this product
What is the North American Arms 22MGRCHSS Mini-Revolver?
The North American Arms 22MGRCHSS Mini-Revolver is a 5-shot, single-action firearm chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire designed for deep concealment and minimalist survival carry. This 6.20-ounce revolver represents a specific category of firearms that prioritize absolute discretion over high-volume defensive capability. Its 1.63-inch barrel and 5.25-inch overall length classify it as one of the smallest commercially available revolvers in production, creating a distinct operational niche.
What is the North American Arms 22MGRCHSS used for?
The 22MGRCHSS is designed for last-resort defensive carry or as a survival tool where bulk and weight are critical constraints. It fits scenarios where a primary firearm is not viable, such as covert backup carry, emergency kits in ultralight camping, or for trappers in remote areas. The included side-carry holster suggests its intended role is as a dedicated, non-primary weapon system that requires immediate, single-handed deployment at contact distances.
How does the 22MGRCHSS compare to a pocket .380 pistol?
The 22MGRCHSS is categorically different from a modern micro-compact like the SIG P365 in .380 ACP; the North American Arms revolver is superior for deep concealment in non-permissive environments due to its 6.20-ounce weight and complete lack of printing, while the .380 pistol is vastly superior for actual defensive engagement due to its 10+1 capacity and faster, repeatable trigger. The NAA revolver trades capacity and ballistic energy for the absolute minimum physical and regulatory footprint, making it a tool for a specific, high-stakes problem that a more conventional pistol cannot solve.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 22MGRCHSS weighs 6.20 ounces (176 grams) unloaded and measures 5.25 inches in overall length. Its cylinder holds exactly 5 rounds of .22 WMR, and the stainless steel barrel is precisely 1.63 inches long. These figures translate to a package thin enough to fit in a dedicated pocket holster or a belt pouch with virtually zero detectable profile, a primary reason for its continued use in specialized carry roles where bulk is unacceptable.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, or for a shooter unwilling to invest significant time in mastering its single-action, 18.5-pound hammer-pull operation under stress. The platform demands precise firing protocol—placing the hammer in a safety notch, indexing the cylinder, and managing a long, heavy trigger—which is impractical for general defensive use compared to the point-and-shoot simplicity of a lightweight, striker-fired pistol suitable for primary concealed carry.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, a fitted side-carry leather holster, and the standard safety documentation. There is no integrated cleaning kit or additional speed loaders, as the product philosophy centers on providing the absolute core tool. For those considering a more traditional firearm with comprehensive accessories for sport or home defense, inspect our range of Stevens bolt-action rifles, for instance the Stevens 334 in .308 Win that ships with scope bases and a full manual.
Is the North American Arms 22MGRCHSS worth it at $293.99?
At $293.99, the 22MGRCHSS is worth the investment only if you have a validated operational requirement for a firearm under 7 ounces that can be concealed in a wallet or boot cuff. For that specific user, the reliability of its stainless-steel construction and the proven, simple lockwork justify the cost. For a general shooter seeking a first or only defensive pistol, this cost equals nearly half the price of a far more capable and easy-to-use firearm like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun in .410, which offers a substantially different defensive capability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.20 oz (176g) — lighter than two packs of playing cards, ideal for absolute minimal carry.
- Stainless steel construction — provides full corrosion resistance for a tool that may be carried in sweat and humidity.
- Half-way notch cylinder — allows the hammer to rest on the cylinder between chambers for a mechanical safety with empty or loaded chambers.
- 1.63" barrel length — creates a total package shorter than an average human hand for deep concealment.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only operation — requires manually cocking the 18.5-pound hammer for each shot, which is impractical in a rapid defensive encounter.
- Limited to 5 rounds of .22 WMR — offers minimal ballistic energy and capacity compared to modern micro-compact pistols in calibers like .380 ACP.
- No integrated firing pin block — the half-way notch is the sole mechanical safety, which is a less redundant system than most modern firearms.
- Tiny, smooth sights — the front sight is a minimal blade, making precision alignment challenging beyond 7 yards.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001857 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 22MGRCHSS |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.63" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Half Moon |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it is not compatible with .22 Long Rifle. The 22MGRCHSS is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), which is a longer, more powerful cartridge. Firing .22 LR in this cylinder will cause misfires and is unsafe due to the case head spacing difference. Always use only .22 WMR cartridges marked on the barrel, such as those from CCI or Federal.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, its compact dimensions (5.25" overall length) allow it to fit most small, dedicated pocket holsters designed for mini-revolvers. The included side-carry holster is of typical quality, but for optimal concealment in a front jeans pocket, a custom-molded Kydex or leather holster from a vendor like DeSantis or Sticky Holsters is recommended to fully conceal the cylinder profile.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Our standard shipping to Montana via FedEx or UPS typically takes 3-5 business days after the firearm clears our compliance verification process, which itself requires 1 business day. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer. For expedited service, contact our customer support before ordering to confirm availability of 2-day air options, which are subject to additional carrier charges.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, Ironclad Armory cannot accept returns on a firearm that has been transferred through an FFL, fired, or removed from its original sealed packaging due to federal regulations. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer prior to purchase. If you receive a mechanically defective firearm, contact us within 30 days for manufacturer warranty service coordination.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the 22MGRCHSS cannot be suppressed. The barrel is not threaded, and the cylinder gap inherent to revolver design allows significant gas and sound escape, making effective suppression impossible. If you require a suppressed .22 platform, you must look at a dedicated bolt-action or semi-automatic pistol with a threaded barrel and a fixed breech to properly contain gas, such as a Ruger Mark IV with an integrated suppressor host.