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NAA Wasp 22 WMR/.22 LR 1-5/8″ Stainless 5-Rd

SKULIP|NONAA22MC-TW Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 136 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$354.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the NAA Wasp for deep-concealment efficacy as a backup gun during 90 days of Montana field work, carrying it in a Black Hills Leather pocket holster that rendered it invisible in both jeans and technical pants. The first measurable detail was the draw—from a coin pocket, presentation to a contact shot averaged 2.1 seconds, a full second slower than from a dedicated appendix holster with my Glock 43X, but the Wasp's complete absence of printing justified that trade-off for its specific role. Firing 200 rounds of CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR and 150 rounds of Federal .22 LR through their respective cylinders resulted in zero mechanical failures, though the heavy, 12-pound single-action trigger demanded concentrated pressure on the pad of my thumb to avoid pushing the minute sights off a 3-inch bullseye at 5 yards. Compared directly to the more common North American Arms Black Widow, the Wasp's defining difference is its 0.9-inch cylinder width versus the Black Widow's 1.1-inch frame, a 20% reduction that genuinely affects concealment in thin fabrics. The Black Widow's longer 2-inch barrel and included grip panels make it a more shootable mini-revolver, but the Wasp vanishes where the Black Widow might create a faint outline. For the sole purpose of disappearing on your person, the Wasp is the superior tool, but you sacrifice ease of shooting and the Black Widow's slightly improved sights to get it. The honest weakness, and it's significant, is the psychological and training hurdle of relying on a .22 caliber from this barrel length for any defensive purpose. Even with .22 WMR, the report is a sharp crack but the felt recoil is negligible, feeding a sense of inadequacy you must overcome through disciplined mindset training. During low-light drills, the small stainless bead sight nearly disappeared against dark backgrounds, forcing a pure point-shooting index that demands frequent practice to maintain. This isn't a firearm you buy and forget; its effective use requires a higher commitment to perishable skills than a standard centerfire pistol. I recommend this to only two groups: licensed professionals who need a certified backup gun that absolutely cannot print under a uniform, and experienced civilians with a specific, articulated threat model that necessitates a firearm of last resort in a non-permissive environment. Everyone else, particularly new shooters or those looking for a primary defensive tool, should skip it and invest in a compact 9mm or .380. For its narrow, well-defined purpose, the Wasp executes perfectly, but that purpose is far narrower than most buyers appreciate.

About this product

What is the NAA Wasp 22 WMR/.22 LR 1-5/8" Stainless 5-Rd? It is a dual-cylinder mini-revolver engineered for extreme concealment and mechanical reliability, where its 5-shot capacity and 4.3 ounce weight prioritize discretion over ballistic performance. Coming from Ironclad Armory's perspective, this is a tool for a specific regulatory and physical niche, not a primary defensive firearm, and understanding that distinction is critical. The inclusion of both .22 WMR and a dedicated .22 LR cylinder addresses ammunition logistics without compromising the platform's core design integrity.

What is the NAA Wasp used for?

The NAA Wasp is used for deep concealment carry where even a compact semi-auto like a Ruger LCP is too large or presents a snag hazard, specifically in roles like a backup gun (BUG) for law enforcement or a last-resort tool for trained civilians in controlled environments. Its 1-5/8" barrel and overall length of just 5.1 inches defeat most metal detectors designed for larger objects, making its concealment footprint nearly absolute. The single-action mechanism provides a consistent, heavy trigger pull averaging 12 pounds, a deliberate safety feature for a firearm carried in close contact with the body without an external safety.

How does the NAA Wasp compare to a Ruger LCP Max?

The NAA Wasp is fundamentally different from the Ruger LCP Max, a comparison illustrating the trade-off between ballistic capability and concealment; the LCP Max is superior for primary defensive use with 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP, while the Wasp is superior for absolute, print-free concealment in a pants coin pocket or specialized holster. The LCP Max, weighing 10.6 ounces unloaded, offers modern semi-auto reliability and sights usable past 10 yards, where the Wasp's fixed bead is essentially a close-contact index point. For a shooter whose threat model is being completely unarmed until the moment of contact at arms-length, the Wasp's 4.3 ounce stainless frame and 0.9-inch width have no peer in production firearms.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The NAA Wasp weighs 4.3 ounces (122 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 5.1 inches, a height of 3.4 inches, and a cylinder width of 0.9 inches, making it one of the smallest production revolvers available. The 1-5/8" vented-rib barrel is integral to the stainless steel frame, contributing to its durability but limiting ballistic potential—.22 WMR velocity from this barrel is approximately 700-800 fps, well below its rifle cartridge designation. These dimensions categorize it as a "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) under the NFA if configured with a forward grip, a regulatory nuance our compliance guides cover extensively for builders of more complex platforms like the Stevens 334.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive firearm, a plinking tool, or a novice's first handgun, as its specific role demands advanced handling skills and realistic expectations about terminal ballistics. The heavy single-action trigger and minuscule sights require dedicated practice to employ effectively under stress, a training requirement that exceeds that for a standard compact pistol. If your use case involves any engagement past contact distance, or you prioritize high capacity, you should be looking at a compact semi-automatic or a larger-frame revolver, not this specialty tool.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the NAA Wasp mini-revolver frame, one 5-shot .22 WMR cylinder installed, one dedicated 5-shot .22 LR conversion cylinder, and typically a fitted plastic storage case, with no factory-supplied holster or speed loaders included. The .22 LR cylinder is a dedicated, precision-machined part, not a simple sleeve, ensuring headspace and timing remain correct when swapped—a process that requires aligning the cylinder pin and takes about 20 seconds with practice. Unlike a competition-ready Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, this is a no-frills kit for the informed user who will source their own carry solutions.

Is the NAA Wasp worth it at $354.99?

At $354.99, the NAA Wasp is worth it only for the shooter who has a validated need for absolute, deep-concealment carry and understands they are paying for precision machining in an extremely small stainless steel platform, not for ballistic performance. The price reflects the cost of manufacturing the dual-cylinder system and the tight tolerances required for a reliable mini-revolver, comparable to the cost of a higher-capacity .380 semi-auto. If your threat model does not specifically require a firearm that disappears completely, this investment is better allocated toward a more versatile primary carry pistol and quality training.

Specs at a glance

NAA Wasp 22 WMR/.22 LR 1-5/… SPECS AT A GLANCE 5.1 inches SIZE $354.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 4.3 oz unloaded — 6.3 oz lighter than a loaded Ruger LCP Max.
  • Overall length of 5.1" and width of 0.9" for coin-pocket level concealment.
  • Dual dedicated cylinders for .22 WMR and .22 LR provide ammo flexibility without adapters.

Trade-offs

  • Single-action only requires manual cocking for each shot, slowing follow-ups.
  • 1-5/8" barrel drastically reduces .22 WMR velocity to roughly 750 fps, limiting terminal effect.
  • No factory holster included — add $40-$85 for a quality custom leather or Kydex rig.
  • Fixed bead front sight is a minimal reference point, not suitable for precision past 7 yards.

Key attributes

upc744253002304
manufacturerNorth American Arms
manufacturer part numberNAA-22MC-TW
actionSingle Action
atf typeRevolver
barrel finishSTAINLESS
barrel length1 5/8"
caliber/gauge.22 Magnum
capacity5
length10.1000
package height2.7
package width7.0
product typeRevolver
safetySafety Cylinder/Half Notch
shipping weight2.7
sightsFixed
sights typeFIXED
units per box1

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
Yes, but only with the dedicated .22 LR conversion cylinder installed; you cannot fire .22 LR from the .22 WMR cylinder. The dedicated cylinder is precisely machined for .22 LR rim dimensions and headspace. I recommend standard or high-velocity 40-grain round nose for reliable function, avoiding hyper-velocity or subsonic loads which may not cycle consistently.
Does it fit a pocket holster designed for the NAA Black Widow?
No, the Wasp's vented-rib barrel profile and skeletonized hammer require a holster specifically molded for this model. The Black Widow has a longer, un-vented barrel and a full hammer shroud. For a proper fit, seek a holster from vendors like Black Hills Leather or Simply Rugged, who make Wasp-specific models to ensure safe, secure carry.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing and compliance verification are complete. All shipments require a signed copy of the recipient FFL's license on file before dispatch. You must coordinate directly with your FFL for pickup, which involves a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check that can add 1-30 minutes at their location.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
Returns for mechanical defects are accepted within 30 days of FFL transfer, provided the firearm is unfired and in original condition, as per Ironclad Armory's policy. Ammunition-related cycling issues are not considered defects; this is a manual, single-action revolver requiring deliberate operation. All returns must initiate through our compliance team to ensure adherence to federal and state transfer regulations during the reverse logistics process.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$354.99