NAA The Wasp .22 WMR Mini-Revolver — 5-Round Stainless
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About this product
The North American Arms The Wasp .22 WMR Mini-Revolver is an ultra-compact, five-shot, single-action defensive pistol built entirely from stainless steel. This specific configuration weighs just 6.2 ounces unloaded, measures 4.75 inches in overall length, and is intended for point-blank contingency situations where larger firearms are impractical. Its mechanical reliability stems from a simple, durable construction that prioritizes corrosion resistance and administrative safety.
What is the NAA The Wasp .22 WMR used for?
This revolver is primarily used as a deep-concealment backup or a minimalist tool for specialized scenarios like backpacking or emergency kit duty. Its stainless-steel frame and cylinder make it suitable for harsh environments where weight must be minimal, and its 5-round capacity in .22 Winchester Magnum provides a meaningful step up from .22 LR in terminal performance at close range. It is not a range toy or a primary defensive firearm, but a purpose-built last-resort option.
How does the NAA The Wasp compare to the Bond Arms Roughneck?
The Wasp is superior for true pocket or ankle carry due to its significantly smaller dimensions and lighter weight, while the Bond Arms Roughneck is a better choice for those seeking a more substantial grip and the ability to swap calibers. The Roughneck is a heavily-built derringer tipping the scales at over 20 ounces, whereas the 6.2-ounce Wasp disappears in a pocket. The trade-off is the Wasp’s smaller grip and single-action-only operation, which demands more deliberate manipulation under stress.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The NAA The Wasp has an unloaded weight of 6.2 ounces (176 grams) and measures 4.75 inches in overall length with a barrel length of 1.125 inches. It is 3.5 inches tall at the cylinder and barely 0.9 inches wide, making it one of the smallest centerfire-capable revolvers on the market. These dimensions allow it to fit in a dedicated pocket holster or inside a minimalist belt pouch, with the stainless construction adding negligible heft.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a new shooter seeking a first handgun, nor for anyone who intends to practice regularly with high round counts. The miniature grips, single-action hammer, and limited sighting system make it a challenging platform for learning fundamentals. If your primary use case involves recreational shooting or you prioritize high capacity, consider a full-sized .22 plinker like the Stevens 334 rifle for range days instead.
What's in the box?
North American Arms includes the revolver, a small zip-pouch or clamshell case, a basic trigger lock, and the required owner's manual and warranty card. The packaging is utilitarian, reflecting the tool-like nature of the firearm. Do not expect a cleaning kit or additional accessories; you will need to source appropriately-sized .22 WMR ammunition and a dedicated pocket holster separately.
Is the NAA The Wasp worth it at $286.99?
At $286.99, the Wasp is worth the cost if you specifically require the smallest possible stainless-steel revolver chambered in .22 WMR for a defined deep-concealment role. Its construction quality and niche utility justify the price point compared to larger, less specialized firearms. If your needs are more generalized, such as bird hunting or clay sports, a better value lies in a dedicated shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, which offers vastly more versatility for a similar investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 oz (176g) — over 14 oz lighter than a Bond Arms derringer.
- All-stainless construction provides complete corrosion resistance with zero maintenance beyond wiping down.
- Overall length of 4.75 inches allows concealment in a standard shirt pocket.
- Five-round capacity offers one extra round over typical .22 LR mini-revolvers.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only operation requires manual cocking for each shot, increasing reload-to-first-shot time.
- Fixed bead front sight is minimal; precision shooting beyond 7 yards is highly challenging.
- Peened rubber grips provide limited purchase; shooters with larger hands will find grip control difficult.
- No factory-mounted accessory rail or provision for optics eliminates modernization options.
Key attributes
| upc | 744253002298 |
| manufacturer | North American Arms |
| manufacturer part number | NAA-22M-TW |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1 5/8" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.1500 |
| model | The Wasp |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Safety Cylinder/Half Notch |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this revolver come with a holster?
- No, it comes only with a basic zip-pouch or clamshell case. For carry, you must purchase a dedicated pocket or ankle holster from a third-party like Mika's Pocket Holsters or Simply Rugged. Proper retention is critical given the pistol's 6.2-ounce weight and slick stainless finish.
- Is the cylinder safety notch reliable for carry?
- Yes, the half-notch safety is mechanically sound, allowing the hammer to rest between chambers and off a live round. You must manually rotate the cylinder to align the notch, a deliberate administrative step that takes approximately 3-5 seconds. It is a viable safety for loaded carry when combined with a rigid holster covering the trigger guard.
- Can I shoot .22 Long Rifle ammunition in this?
- No. The cylinder chambers are dimensionally specific to .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Attempting to fire .22 LR will not properly headspace, leading to unreliable ignition and potential squibs. Always use SAAMI-spec .22 WMR ammunition from manufacturers like CCI or Hornady for reliable function.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing is 2-3 business days after order verification, with ground shipping adding 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse. You will receive tracking information once the package is handed off to the carrier, and you must coordinate with your chosen FFL for the transfer.