The North American Arms Mini .22 LR Revolver 1 5/8″ Stainless is a five-shot single-action pocket pistol built for one thing: disappearing into your daily carry rotation. At just over 5 ounces and barely longer than a credit card, this little stainless steel revolver fits where nothing else will — a backup gun, a trail companion, or a deep-concealment option that doesn’t compromise on reliability. It’s the kind of piece you grab when your primary is off-body or you need something that won’t print under a T-shirt.
| Manufacturer | North American Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Mini Revolver |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition (standard and high-velocity) |
| Finish | Brushed stainless |
| Weight | 5.2 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Ultra-compact 1 5/8″ barrel — Why it matters: This keeps the overall length under 4.5 inches, so it tucks into a front pocket, ankle holster, or even a belt pouch without looking like you’re carrying a gun.
- Five-shot .22 LR cylinder — Why it matters: Five rounds of rimfire are enough for close-range defense or plinking, and the single-action trigger gives you a crisp break every time — no stacking, no surprises.
- Stainless steel construction — Why it matters: It shrugs off sweat, rain, and pocket lint. You can carry it daily for years and it’ll still look and function like new with basic care.
- Fixed sights — Why it matters: No snag points, no adjustments needed. At typical defensive distances (3-7 yards), point-shooting is faster than aligning sights anyway.
- Black pearlite grip panels — Why it matters: They provide a solid purchase on such a small frame, and the texture doesn’t chew up your hand during range sessions.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the EDC crowd that wants a “always” gun — something so small you never leave it behind. It’s for backup carry behind a duty-sized pistol, for runners who need a lightweight option on a belly band, or for anyone who wants a reliable .22 LR plinker that doubles as a last-ditch defensive tool. If you’re building a pocket-dump setup with a minimalist holster, this is your centerpiece.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: True pocketability — it’s one of the smallest production revolvers on the market, beating even the Ruger LCR in dimensions.
- Pro: Simple manual of arms — load, cock, squeeze. No safeties, no decockers, no confusion under stress.
- Con: The single-action trigger requires manual cocking for each shot, which slows follow-ups. Not ideal for high-threat scenarios where speed matters.
- Con: Fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards, but that’s not what this gun is built for.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | NAA Mini .22 LR 1 5/8″ | Ruger LCR .22 LR | Taurus 942 .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (empty) | 5.2 oz | 13.5 oz | 22 oz |
| Barrel length | 1 5/8″ | 1.875″ | 2″ |
| Action | Single-action only | Double-action only | Double/single action |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds |
| Price | $258.28 | ~$450 | ~$350 |
| Concealability | Excellent (pocket-sized) | Good (snub-nose) | Fair (heavier frame) |
FAQ
Is the NAA Mini .22 LR reliable with all .22 LR ammo?
Per North American Arms specs, it’s designed to function with standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. That said, some bulk-pack rimfire rounds have harder primers — stick with CCI Mini-Mag or Federal Champion for best reliability. Test a box before trusting it for carry.
How do you load and unload the cylinder?
The cylinder is removable by pulling the cylinder pin forward. Load each chamber individually, then reinstall the cylinder. To unload, push out the base pin, slide out the cylinder, and push the spent cases out with the pin. It’s slower than a swing-out cylinder, but the trade-off is a smaller overall package.
Can this revolver fit in a standard wallet holster?
Yes — many NAA owners use purpose-built pocket holsters or even modified wallet-style pouches. The 1 5/8″ barrel version is short enough to fit in a front jeans pocket with a minimalist kydex or leather holster. Just make sure the trigger guard is covered to prevent snags.
What’s the effective range for self-defense with this gun?
Realistically, 5-10 yards. The fixed sights and short sight radius limit precision, and .22 LR lacks the stopping power of larger calibers. Use it as a last-ditch option for close-quarters threats. It’s more about giving you a chance to escape than winning a gunfight.
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Shop more EDC essentials: Revolvers | .22 LR Handguns | Pocket Holsters
Last updated: April 2026





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