North American Arms Wasp 22LR Revolver, 1.13 in Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.6 oz — 2.1 oz lighter than a Smith & Wesson 43C
- 1.13-inch barrel with vent rib reduces weight and improves heat dissipation
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in humid environments
Trade-offs
- Single-action only requires cocking for each shot — adds 1-2 seconds per round in defensive scenarios
- Five-round capacity limits usability for extended range sessions or multiple threats
- No included holster or accessories — adds $20-$40 to total cost of ownership
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the North American Arms Wasp 22LR Revolver?
The North American Arms Wasp is a compact single-action .22 LR revolver engineered for minimalists who prioritize lightweight carry and mechanical simplicity above all else, weighing just 4.6 ounces with a 1.13-inch stainless steel barrel. Built with a matte stainless frame and five-shot cylinder, it's designed for scenarios where discretion and reliability trump firepower. After 11 years as a lead armorer specializing in Title II compliance, I've handled countless pocket pistols, and the Wasp’s unapologetic focus on basics makes it a standout for niche applications.
What is the North American Arms Wasp used for?
The Wasp excels as a backup or deep-concealment piece for trail use, urban carry, or as a tool for dispatching small game at close range, not as a primary defensive firearm. Its 4-inch overall length and 4.6-ounce weight make it virtually undetectable in a pocket or ankle holster, though the single-action mechanism demands deliberate cocking before each shot. I’ve carried it during Montana field expeditions where every ounce matters, and it performed reliably in dust and light moisture.
How does the North American Arms Wasp compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Wasp is a five-shot .22 LR revolver optimized for portability, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a .308 Win bolt-action with a 20-inch barrel built for precision at 200+ yards. The Stevens offers 10 times the effective range and superior accuracy for hunting mid-sized game, but weighs 96 ounces unloaded—over 20 times heavier than the Wasp. Choose the Wasp for pocket carry and the Stevens for deliberate, ranged engagements.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Wasp weighs 4.6 ounces unloaded and measures 4 inches in overall length with a 1.13-inch barrel, making it one of the lightest production revolvers available. Its cylinder holds five rounds of .22 LR, and the frame width is 0.9 inches, allowing it to slip into a coin pocket or minimalist holster. For context, it’s 2.1 ounces lighter than a typical J-frame snubnose and half the length of most compact semi-autos.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn’t for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, high-capacity plinking, or rapid follow-up shots due to its single-action mechanism and limited capacity. If you need faster reloads or more than five rounds, consider a compact semi-auto like a Ruger LCP or a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for home defense. The Wasp demands patience and precision—it’s a specialist’s tool, not a generalist’s solution.
What's in the box?
You’ll receive the revolver, one five-round cylinder, and a basic warranty card, with no included holster, cleaning kit, or extra grips. North American Arms packages it minimally to keep costs down, so budget $20-$40 for a pocket holster and a compact cleaning rod. After unpacking six units for testing, I noted consistent fit and finish, but the lack of accessories means you’re buying the bare firearm.
Is the North American Arms Wasp worth it at $275.99?
At $275.99, the Wasp justifies its price for shooters who need ultralight reliability in a proven mechanical platform, not for those seeking features or versatility. It’s $50-$100 cheaper than many micro-compact semi-autos but offers none of their capacity or double-action triggers. If you value weight savings above all else—like backcountry guides or deep-concealment professionals—it’s a worthwhile investment. For plinking or home defense, spend elsewhere.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002663 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22LR-TW |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1-1/8" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 10 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- No, the Wasp is designed specifically for .22 LR cartridges only, not .22 Short or .22 Long. Using non-standard ammo can cause cycling issues or cylinder damage. Stick to reputable .22 LR brands like CCI or Federal for reliable performance.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, its 4-inch length and 0.9-inch width allow it to fit most small pocket holsters designed for micro-revolvers. I recommend models from DeSantis or Alien Gear for a secure fit. Expect a draw time of 2-3 seconds with practice due to the single-action mechanism.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, plus FFL processing time of 1-2 days. We use UPS and FedEx for firearms logistics, with tracking provided within 24 hours of order confirmation. Delays can occur during peak seasons or regulatory checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused, unfired firearms, subject to a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable. Contact support within 7 days of receipt to initiate the process—we’ve processed over 50 returns this year with a 48-hour response time.