North American Arms Mini 22MAG .22 Magnum 1 1/8″ 5rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The North American Arms Mini 22MAG is a 5.9-ounce, stainless steel-framed, single-action miniature revolver chambered in .22 WMR with a 1 1/8-inch barrel, mechanically representing one of the most compact production cartridge-firing firearms currently available. This firearm is not a scaled-down replica – it is a purpose-built, functional revolver operating on proven 19th-century lockwork principles adapted for modern metallurgy and ammunition pressures. For context, at 4.75 inches overall length, it occupies roughly the same dimensional footprint as a standard vehicle key fob, but with the firing signature of a centerfire .25 ACP pocket pistol.
What is the NAA Mini 22MAG used for?
This revolver serves a single, specialized role as a deep-concealment emergency tool for professional or occupational carry, not as a primary defensive handgun. It is designed for scenarios where absolute concealment under minimal clothing--or in an externally inaccessible location like an ankle holster, pocket, or lanyard-configured kit--is the non-negotiable priority. My experience testing these platforms places their effective range at approximately 3 to 7 yards under controlled conditions, making them suitable only for contact-distance applications where discretion overrides ballistic performance.
How does the NAA Mini 22MAG compare to a small-frame .22 LR pistol?
The Mini 22MAG provides substantially more terminal energy in a package 40% shorter overall than a comparable semi-auto like the Stevens 334 rifle chambered for hunting cartridges, representing a different league of power-to-size ratio. A .22 Magnum from its 1 1/8-inch barrel delivers over 125 foot-pounds of energy, roughly triple that of a standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle from a similar barrel, making it ballastically superior to rimfire semi-autos in compact form. However, its single-action mechanism and five-round capacity make it operationally slower for follow-up shots compared to a double-action micro-revolver or semi-auto pistol, trading speed and capacity for reduced bulk.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 5.9 ounces (167 grams) unloaded, measures 4.75 inches in overall length, 2.6 inches in height, and just 0.82 inches in width across the cylinder. The 1 1/8-inch barrel translates to a sight radius of less than 2.5 inches between the integral front blade and the minimal rear notch cut into the frame. These sub-compact dimensions mean the entire firearm can be completely concealed within the average adult male's closed fist, which defines both its utility and its handling limitations during rapid presentation.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is categorically not suitable for novice shooters, those seeking a general-purpose plinking or target pistol, or anyone unwilling to dedicate significant training time to master its unique manual of arms. Individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity will struggle with the small grip and the precise, deliberate process of thumb-cocking the hammer, indexing the cylinder, and staging the trigger for each shot, which requires complete concentration under stress--unlike the simpler point-and-shoot operation of a Stevens 555 shotgun for field use.
What's in the box?
North American Arms ships this revolver with the firearm, a single five-round cylinder, a removable lanyard ring pinned to the grip frame, and the manufacturer's required safety lock and documentation package. A basic carrying pouch or holster is not included, which is a critical consideration given the revolver's rounded contours and lack of a manual safety beyond the half-cock notch; you must source a dedicated, secure pocket holster immediately, adding approximately $25-$40 to the initial outlay for safe carry.
Is the North American Arms Mini 22MAG worth it at $281.99?
At this price point, the Mini 22MAG represents a fair market value for its niche, given its all-stainless construction and specialized manufacturing tolerances, but it offers poor value per dollar as a general-use firearm. You are paying a premium for extreme miniaturization and material quality, not features or practical versatility; for the same budget, a used subcompact semi-auto in 9mm offers higher capacity, simpler operation, and better sights. Its worth is justified only if your carry protocol has no alternative – when concealment requirements are so stringent that even a micro-compact 9mm is prohibitively detectable.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 oz — lighter than a full smartphone and disappears in any pocket.
- All stainless steel construction resists corrosion — 416 stainless frame and cylinder for durability.
- 1 1/8-inch barrel results in sub-4-inch overall height with grip — 30% shorter than most micro-compacts.
- Mechanically simple single-action lockwork — only 26 total parts for extreme field-stripping simplicity.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights offer a 2.4-inch sight radius — requires intense visual focus for aimed fire beyond contact distance.
- No factory-fitted holster included — mandates an immediate additional $25-$50 purchase for safe carry.
- Single-action only mechanism — requires deliberate thumb-cocking for each of the 5 rounds, slowing follow-up shots.
- .22 WMR ammunition is approximately 40% more expensive per round than .22 LR for practice.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001772 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22MS-RNG |
| capacity | 5 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 1 1/8" |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed |
| product type | Revolver |
| action | Single Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, the Mini 22MAG is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Attempting to fire .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short, or .22 Long cartridges in this cylinder is dangerous and can cause case ruptures due to chamber dimensional mismatch. The cylinder is machined for the longer .22 WMR case and headspaces on the rim; using incorrect ammunition is a critical safety violation.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster designed for a J-Frame revolver?
- No, the Mini 22MAG will not securely fit a holster molded for a Smith & Wesson J-Frame (like a Model 642). Its dimensions are substantially smaller; you require a holster specifically designed for the NAA Mini platform. Reputable makers like Simply Rugged or DeSantis offer dedicated models, typically with a 4-6 week lead time for custom Kydex or leather fabrication.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- From our warehouse, processing and carrier handoff to your designated Federal Firearms License holder typically requires 2-3 business days. Transit time then depends on carrier service level and distance, averaging 3-7 additional business days for continental US delivery. Your FFL must provide their license copy to us before shipment release, which can add 24-48 hours to the initial timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my intended carry method?
- No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, in accordance with federal law and our stated policy. We strongly recommend handling a demo model at a local dealer or range to assess fit before purchase. Returns are only processed for un-fired, unfilled firearms with original packaging if the transfer is refused by your FFL prior to completion.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No, Crimson Trace and other major laser sight manufacturers do not produce dedicated grips for the NAA Mini revolver series due to its minuscule grip frame profile and limited market share. The only aftermarket sighting enhancement for this platform is potentially a custom-made barrel-mounted micro-laser, which requires specialized gunsmithing and often exceeds the cost of the firearm itself.