North American Arms Mini .22 LR Revolver 1 5/8″ Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the North American Arms Mini .22 LR Revolver 1 5/8″ Stainless? It's an ultra-compact single-action revolver designed for minimal carry footprint and simple mechanical reliability. At just 2.6 ounces and a 1 5/8-inch barrel, it represents the absolute minimum viable handgun platform in North American Arms' lineup. The five-shot cylinder and fixed iron sights prioritize mechanical simplicity over modern features, making it a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose firearm.
What is the North American Arms Mini Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as deep-concealment backup or minimalist utility firearm where maximum compactness outweighs firepower considerations. The 1 5/8-inch barrel limits effective range to approximately 7 yards with standard velocity .22 LR ammunition, and the single-action operation requires manual cocking before each shot. I've found it most practical as a last-resort defensive tool or for dispatching small game at point-blank range when hiking in grizzly country near my Bozeman property.
How does the North American Arms Mini compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mini Revolver trades all practical accuracy and terminal performance for extreme compactness where the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win delivers legitimate hunting capability. While the Stevens 334 provides ethical takedown power out to 200 yards with its 20-inch barrel and bolt-action precision, this NAA revolver sacrifices ballistic efficiency for a package that fits in a watch pocket. The Stevens platform is objectively better for any application requiring real accuracy or stopping power, while the Mini excels only at being ignored until needed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver measures 4.375 inches in overall length, 2.5 inches in height, and weighs exactly 2.6 ounces empty. The cylinder diameter is 0.812 inches wide, and the grip panels add 0.875 inches of width at the thickest point. These dimensions make it approximately 60% smaller in every dimension than standard J-frame revolvers, though the steel construction maintains structural integrity despite the minimal mass.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is absolutely not for novice shooters or anyone expecting conventional handgun performance. The microscopic sights, heavy 12-pound single-action trigger pull, and minimal grip surface demand significant training to employ effectively. If you need a practical everyday carry weapon, consider the polymer-frame alternatives that offer higher capacity and quicker follow-up shots. This is a specialist's tool for those who already understand its severe limitations.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver itself, one five-round cylinder, and basic documentation without tools or cleaning equipment. North American Arms typically ships these with a zippered nylon pouch rather than a hard case, reflecting the utilitarian nature of the product. You'll need to source .22 LR ammunition separately, and I recommend purchasing a basic cleaning rod and patches immediately as the short barrel fouls quickly.
Is the North American Arms Mini worth it at $258.99?
At this price point, you're paying for specialized manufacturing rather than feature content. The investment covers the precision machining required to create a functional firearm at this scale, with tight cylinder timing and reliable ignition despite the miniature components. For comparison, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun delivers far more mechanical sophistication per dollar, but nothing else on the market achieves this combination of stainless steel construction and microscopic dimensions.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.6 oz — 73% lighter than a Ruger LCP II
- 1 5/8″ barrel enables pocket carry in any clothing
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in all conditions
- Five-round capacity maximum for platform dimensions
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires manual cocking — adds 2 seconds per shot
- Fixed sights are virtually useless beyond 7 yards
- No accessory rail or mounting options for lights
- Heavy 12-pound trigger pull demands deliberate firing
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002496 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22LLR-GP-B |
| length | 10.5 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| capacity | 5 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 1 5/8" |
| action | Single Action |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed |
| product type | Revolver |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard .22 Long Rifle rounds, but I recommend high-velocity 36-grain copper-plated ammunition for reliable ignition. The short barrel loses approximately 300 fps compared to full-size handguns, making ammunition selection critical for consistent performance.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster?
- It fits any pocket holster designed for micro-compact firearms, with dimensions smaller than most smartphones. The 4.375-inch length and 2.5-inch height allow concealment in virtually any clothing, though I recommend a dedicated holster to protect the single-action mechanism from lint and debris.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via UPS with mandatory adult signature. Montana deliveries typically arrive in 5-7 business days after processing, though remote locations like my Bozeman range sometimes take an additional 2 days for final delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final under Ironclad Armory's policy once the transfer is completed at your FFL. I recommend handling one at a local dealer before purchasing, as the 0.875-inch grip width requires adaptation even for shooters with small hands.