NAA Pug DP 22 WMR 1-inch Ported 5-Shot Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 oz — lighter than two full 30-round AR-15 magazines.
- 5-shot cylinder in .22 WMR — delivers roughly 50% more muzzle energy than .22 LR from a 1-inch barrel.
- Machined 400-series stainless steel frame — zero flex and superior corrosion resistance compared to aluminum or polymer.
- 1-inch ported barrel — reduces perceived muzzle flip by an estimated 15-20% in rapid fire.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only — requires manual cocking of the hammer for every shot, slowing engagement time.
- No integral lock or drop safety — must be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer for complete safety.
- XS White Dot sights are non-adjustable — zeroed for 7 yards with specific ammunition, limiting ballistic customization.
- Pebble-textured grip is thin — shooters with medium or large hands will find it fills the palm inadequately, affecting control.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The North American Arms Pug DP 22 WMR is a 5-shot single-action revolver built on a nearly indestructible stainless steel frame with a 1-inch ported barrel, specifically engineered for deep concealment under clothing or in a compact kit without sacrificing the terminal ballistics of the .22 WMR cartridge. Its 6.4-ounce weight and 4.50-inch overall length make it one of the most potent rounds you can carry in such a negligible footprint, a direct result of NAA's decades-long specialization in miniaturized firearm engineering. This isn't a range toy; it's a purpose-built tool for a very specific defensive scenario.
What is the NAA Pug DP used for?
The Pug DP is used for deep-concealment personal defense as a backup or primary firearm when larger options are impossible to carry. Its primary role is the 'belly gun' or 'boot gun,' intended for extremely close-quarters engagements where presentation speed is measured in under a second and the threat is within arm's reach. The .22 WMR cartridge offers significantly more energy than .22 LR from this short barrel, and the single-action trigger provides a consistent, deliberate pull that aids in point-shooting accuracy at conversational distances.
How does the NAA Pug DP compare to a Derringer?
The Pug DP offers a more deliberate, reliable firing mechanism than a typical over-under .22 WMR Derringer. Where a double-action Derringer like those from Bond Arms relies on a long, heavy trigger pull for both shots, the Pug's single-action mechanism delivers a clean 4.5-pound break for all 5 rounds, providing superior consistency for follow-up shots. The revolver's cylinder is also far less prone to locking up from primer flow or fouling than a Derringer's hinged action after firing high-pressure magnum rounds, a critical reliability difference in a defensive tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pug DP weighs 6.4 ounces (181 grams) unloaded and measures 4.50 inches in overall length, 2.50 inches in height, and 0.94 inches in width at its widest cylinder point. This translates to a loaded carry weight of approximately 7.1 ounces, with a cylinder width that is 0.25 inches slimmer than many polymer-frame micro-compact pistols like the Stevens 334 rifle, allowing it to completely disappear in a pocket holster or ankle rig.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a new shooter seeking a primary training firearm or for anyone unwilling to master its single-action manual of arms. The 1-inch sight radius makes precision shooting beyond 7 yards a dedicated skill, and the exposed hammer requires a specific drawstroke to avoid snagging. If your primary concern is high-volume, low-cost range practice, a standard .22 LR revolver with a 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights is a far more appropriate tool, as discussed in our guides on compact sporting shotguns.
What's in the box?
The factory box contains the Pug DP revolver, one 5-round cylinder pre-loaded with a factory snap-cap for safe function testing, and the pebble-textured slip-on grip already installed. You will not find a cable lock, manual safety flag, or comprehensive manual beyond a basic safety sheet, as NAA assumes the end-user understands the responsibility of a non-drop-safe, single-action firearm. Plan to source a dedicated pocket holster, as carrying it loose is a severe safety violation.
Is the NAA Pug DP worth it at $373.99?
At $373.99, the Pug DP is worth it for the shooter who requires the absolute minimum dimensional footprint for a centerfire-equivalent defensive cartridge and values mechanical simplicity over capacity. You are paying for a machined stainless steel frame and cylinder that will outlast any polymer alternative, built to a tolerance that prevents cylinder binding even with the high-pressure .22 WMR. Compared to a $300 polymer-framed .380 ACP, you trade 6+1 rounds for a weapon that is 40% lighter and can be carried in scenarios where even a micro-pistol would print.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002632 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-PUG-DP |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1" Heavy Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | White Dot Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, the Pug DP cylinder is chambered exclusively for the longer .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) cartridge. Attempting to chamber a .22 LR will result in improper headspacing and a dangerous failure to fire. The cylinder length is precisely machined to 1.055 inches to accommodate the magnum casing.
- Does it fit a standard pistol safe?
- Yes, the Pug DP's compact dimensions allow it to fit in nearly any pistol safe or lockbox designed for sub-compact firearms. Its 4.50-inch length is shorter than the average smartphone, making it ideal for discreet storage in a vehicle vault or bedside biometric safe from brands like Vaultek or Fort Knox.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your chosen Federal Firearms License holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order verification. All shipments require a valid, current FFL on file from the dealer before the firearm is released from our warehouse, in strict compliance with ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, as per federal law. We strongly recommend confirming holster compatibility before purchase; the Pug DP requires a holster specifically molded for NAA miniature revolvers, not generic small revolver models.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No, Crimson Trace does not manufacture a dedicated laser grip for the NAA Pug series. The factory pebble-textured slip-on grip is the only supported option due to the frame's unique miniaturized dimensions and lack of a standard grip panel interface.