North American Arms Pug 22 WMR/22 LR 1-inch 5-Round Tritium
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 oz — 50% lighter than most J-frame revolvers.
- Dual-cylinder system provides immediate caliber swap between .22 WMR and .22 LR.
- True XS tritium dot sights guarantee a 15-year sight picture in zero-light conditions.
- All-stainless steel construction offers absolute corrosion resistance with zero maintenance.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only requires manually cocking hammer for every shot, slowing follow-up.
- The 1-inch barrel reduces .22 WMR muzzle velocity by approximately 150-200 fps compared to a 2-inch barrel, impacting terminal ballistics.
- The 5-round capacity is half that of modern micro-compact semi-autos like the SIG P365.
- No factory mounting options for optics or lights; platform is fixed-sights only.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
North American Arms Pug 22 WMR/22 LR 1-inch 5-Round Tritium
The North American Arms Pug TC is a stainless steel, convertible mini-revolver engineered for discrete, no-frills personal defense in an exceptionally compact footprint. This product's defining mechanical feature is its dual-cylinder system—one for .22 Long Rifle and one for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire—paired with XS tritium night sights for a sight picture in total darkness. Its 1-inch barrel and 6.4-ounce weight make it a true pocket or ankle-carry option for those who prioritize absolute minimalism over ballistic performance.
What is the North American Arms Pug 22 WMR/22 LR used for?
The NAA Pug TC is used as a deep-concealment or backup firearm where a standard handgun is impossible to carry. This is a purpose-built tool for scenarios where any gun is better than no gun, not a recreational plinker. Its five-round capacity demands precise shot placement; I recommend it primarily for emergency contact-distance defense in a personal or professional capacity where discretion is paramount, such as in plainclothes security details.
How does the North American Arms Pug 22 WMR/22 LR compare to a Ruger LCP II?
The NAA Pug TC differs fundamentally from a semi-auto like the Stevens 334 Rifle or the Ruger LCP II, which is superior for primary daily carry due to its faster reload and 6+1 capacity. The Pug's advantage is its absolute mechanical reliability; as a single-action revolver with a 1-inch barrel and a stainless steel frame, it has no magazines to malfunction, no slides to cycle, and will fire any .22 rimfire ammunition you feed it without concern for misfeed-induced stoppages. For a primary defensive tool, choose the LCP II in .380 ACP, but for a dedicated, zero-failure backup that takes up less space than a wallet, the Pug TC has no equal.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pug TC weighs 6.4 ounces (181 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 4.5 inches. Its 1-inch barrel length is the critical figure; this is less about ballistic optimization and more about fitting the entire package into the seam of a boot or a dedicated pocket holster. The cylinder measures 1.125 inches in diameter, and the rubber slip-on grip adds approximately 3/8 of an inch to the frame width. This isn't a dimension you measure, it's one you forget you're carrying.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for a shooter seeking a primary, general-purpose defensive handgun or a target pistol. Do not buy this if you expect to practice with it regularly at 25 yards; the 1-inch barrel results in significant velocity loss and the short sight radius magnifies shooter error. It is also ill-suited for anyone not prepared to invest in high-quality, defensive-oriented .22 WMR ammunition, as standard velocity .22 LR from this platform lacks reliable terminal performance for defensive use.
What's in the box?
The package includes the Pug TC revolver with the .22 WMR cylinder installed, a separate .22 LR conversion cylinder, a fitted plastic storage case, and the black rubber pebble slip-on grip already mounted. Expect a basic owner's manual and compliance paperwork, but no speed loaders, holster, or cleaning kit. The total delivered weight in the box is approximately 14 ounces, and you will need to supply your own ammunition and a dedicated pocket or ankle holster for safe, accessible carry, unlike the full accessory kits often included with Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns.
Is the North American Arms Pug 22 WMR/22 LR worth it at $447.99?
At $447.99, the Pug TC is worth the price for its specific, narrow-use case of ultra-reliable deep concealment. The value is in the niche engineering: a completely rust-resistant stainless steel frame, the dual-cylinder flexibility, and the genuine XS tritium sight installation. You are paying a premium for a tool that occupies a category almost by itself; if you do not require this level of miniaturization, a used Smith & Wesson J-Frame offers more capability for similar money. For the professional or individual whose situational awareness mandates a final, last-ditch option that will always work, the investment is justified.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253001956 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-PUG-TC |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1" Heavy Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | XS Tritium Sights |
| sights type | Night Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR and .22 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, with the correct cylinder installed. The revolver ships with the .22 WMR cylinder installed; you must physically swap to the included .22 LR cylinder to safely fire .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Always verify the caliber marking on the cylinder's face before loading. Both cylinders accept standard, high-velocity, and jacketed hollow point rounds.
- Does this fit in a pocket holster designed for a Ruger LCP?
- No, it will not fit properly. The Pug TC's revolver profile and 1-inch barrel require a holster specifically molded for North American Arms mini-revolvers. A generic LCP pocket holster will be too loose, compromising safety and concealment. I recommend a kydex holster from a vendor like Alabama Holster or a soft Pocket Shield from Sticky Holsters for secure carry.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 2-3 business days from order verification. Transit time then depends on your location and carrier, but standard ground shipping from our warehouse averages 5-7 business days to the continental United States. You will receive tracking information and must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL holder for the transfer, which usually adds 1-2 days for paperwork processing.
- Can I return it if I don't like it?
- Yes, within our 30-day inspection period, provided the firearm is unfired, in its original new condition, and returned with all original packaging and accessories. You are responsible for the return shipping cost and a 15% restocking fee. We cannot accept returns on firearms that have been fired or show any signs of handling or installation.
- Does this work with a suppressor or compensator?
- No. The 1-inch barrel lacks any threading for muzzle devices. The NAA Pug TC is fundamentally a point-blank, defensive-concealment tool, and its design does not accommodate suppressors, brakes, or compensators. If a suppressed .22 is your goal, you must look to a different platform with a threaded barrel.