North American Arms Mini .22 Magnum Revolver, 1 5/8 inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the North American Arms Mini .22 Magnum Revolver, 1 5/8 inch? It's a single-action, stainless steel mini-revolver chambered in .22 WMR, designed specifically for deep concealment and emergency backup use where larger firearms aren't practical. This 5.13-inch overall firearm represents one of the smallest production revolvers on the market today, built around mechanical reliability rather than target-shooting comfort.
What is the North American Arms Mini .22 Magnum used for?
This revolver serves as a last-resort defensive tool or backup firearm, not a primary carry piece or range toy. The 1 5/8-inch barrel limits practical accuracy to within 7 yards maximum, and the single-action mechanism requires deliberate cocking before each shot. I consider it suitable for scenarios where absolute concealment outweighs rapid engagement capability.
How does the North American Arms Mini compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mini Revolver serves a completely different purpose than the Stevens 334 Rifle, with the Stevens offering actual hunting and precision capability versus the Mini's pure concealment focus. Where the Stevens 334 delivers .308 Winchester energy at 200+ yards, the Mini's .22 Magnum loses significant velocity from its abbreviated barrel, dropping below 800 fps. The Stevens is better for any situation requiring accuracy beyond contact distance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 5.13 inches in overall length with a 2.75-ounce unloaded weight that makes it virtually unnoticeable in pocket carry. The cylinder holds exactly 5 rounds of .22 Magnum, and the Black Pearlite grips add minimal bulk at 0.75 inches thick. These dimensions make it one of the few firearms that disappears in a jeans watch pocket.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for novice shooters or anyone expecting conventional revolver performance. The microscopic fixed sights and heavy 12-pound single-action trigger require significant practice to master. If you need rapid follow-up shots or ethical hunting capability, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
North American Arms ships this revolver with a basic padded box, one set of keys for the safety lock, and typically includes a single 5-round cylinder. Unlike many competitors, they don't include spare grips or cleaning tools, reflecting the minimalist design philosophy. Expect to spend another $15-20 on a proper cleaning rod that fits the tiny bore.
Is the North American Arms Mini worth it at $272.99?
At this price point, the Mini represents specialized value for its specific niche rather than general utility. The stainless steel construction justifies the cost compared to polymer-frame alternatives, and the machining tolerances are tighter than the price suggests. For deep concealment where no other firearm works, it's priced competitively against custom pocket pistols costing twice as much.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.75 oz — lighter than two rolls of quarters
- 5.13-inch overall length fits in watch pockets
- Stainless steel construction resists pocket sweat corrosion
- Single-action mechanism has fewer failure points than automatics
Trade-offs
- 1 5/8-inch barrel reduces .22 Mag velocity by 40% versus rifle ballistics
- Fixed sights are almost useless beyond 3 yards without practice
- Loading each round individually takes 15-20 seconds under stress
- No accessory rail for lights or lasers limits defensive utility
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001147 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-GP-B |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 1 5/8" |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Fixed |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| capacity | 5 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, this revolver is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) cartridges. The cylinder dimensions are specifically cut for the longer magnum case, and attempting to fire .22 LR can cause dangerous pressure issues. Always use Federal .22 WMR or equivalent magnum-specific ammunition.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-5 additional days to Montana addresses. The entire process from order to FFL pickup typically completes within 7-10 days barring regulatory delays. We use UPS Ground for all firearm shipments.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearm returns are handled through our 30-day mechanical defect policy only, as federal regulations prohibit returns based on fit or preference. The grip circumference measures 3.25 inches, which suits average-to-small hands but may challenge larger shooters. We recommend handling one at a local dealer before purchasing.
- Does this work with common holsters?
- Most universal pocket holsters accommodate the Mini's 2.75-ounce frame, but dedicated holsters from DeSantis or Sticky Holsters provide better retention. The revolver's 0.75-inch thickness fits standard pocket holster designs without modification. Avoid leather holsters that might swell and bind the cylinder.