The North American Arms Sidewinder SW4 .22 WMR 4-inch is a single-action mini-revolver that brings a swing-out cylinder to the pocket-carry world. Chambered in .22 WMR, this stainless steel five-shooter combines a 4-inch barrel with a rosewood bird’s-head grip for a traditional profile. Reloading is faster than fixed-cylinder mini-revolvers, making it a practical choice for everyday carry or trail use. Per manufacturer specs, the Sidewinder SW4 weighs in at just over 8 ounces, keeping it light enough for a jacket pocket or holster.
| Manufacturer | North American Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Sidewinder SW4 |
| Material | Stainless Steel (frame and barrel) |
| Compatibility | .22 WMR (also .22 LR with optional cylinder, per manufacturer specs) |
| Finish | Stainless Satin |
| Weight | 8.2 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Swing-Out Cylinder — Why it matters: Reloading a mini-revolver used to mean punching out each spent case one by one. The SW4’s swing-out cylinder lets you eject all five at once, cutting reload time in half on the range or in the field.
- 4-Inch Stainless Steel Barrel — Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you a better sight radius for aiming at longer distances, while the stainless construction resists rust from sweat or rain during daily carry.
- Rosewood Bird’s-Head Grip — Why it matters: The bird’s-head shape fills your palm naturally, reducing muzzle flip and making the .22 WMR easier to control shot-to-shot. Rosewood adds a touch of class to a workhorse gun.
- Fixed Post Front Sight — Why it matters: No adjustments to lose zero, and no snag points when drawing from a pocket. It’s a simple, reliable aiming reference for self-defense distances.
- Exposed Hammer — Why it matters: You can thumb-cock for a precise single-action shot or shoot double-action by simply pulling through. The exposed hammer also lets you manually decock for safe carry.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the daily carrier who wants something smaller than a J-frame but still packs a rimfire punch. Hikers, backpackers, and campers will appreciate the light weight and corrosion-resistant stainless build. It also works as a backup gun for hunters who need a quiet, low-recoil option for dispatching small game. If you carry a fixed-cylinder NAA mini now, the SW4 is a direct upgrade in reload speed.
Pros / Cons
- Pros: Swing-out cylinder speeds reloads; 4-inch barrel improves accuracy; stainless steel resists rust; rosewood grip looks good and feels solid; light enough for pocket carry.
- Cons: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot; the 5-round capacity is low compared to modern semi-autos; .22 WMR ammo is louder and pricier than .22 LR.
Comparison: NAA Sidewinder SW4 vs. Ruger LCR .22 WMR vs. Smith & Wesson 43C
| Feature | NAA Sidewinder SW4 .22 WMR | Ruger LCR .22 WMR | Smith & Wesson 43C .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-action revolver | Double-action revolver | Double-action revolver |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds |
| Weight | 8.2 oz | 15.8 oz | 11.9 oz |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches | 1.875 inches | 1.875 inches |
| Caliber | .22 WMR | .22 WMR | .22 LR |
| Reload | Swing-out cylinder | Swing-out cylinder | Swing-out cylinder |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel | Polymer frame, steel cylinder | Aluminum alloy, stainless barrel |
| MSRP (approx) | $401 | $579 | $599 |
The Ruger LCR and S&W 43C both offer double-action triggers and higher capacity, but they weigh more and cost more. The NAA Sidewinder SW4 is the lightest and most affordable option, with the trade-off of being single-action only. If you prioritize pocketability and price over trigger speed, the Sidewinder wins.
FAQ
Does the NAA Sidewinder SW4 come with a .22 LR cylinder?
Per manufacturer specs, the SW4 is chambered in .22 WMR only, but North American Arms sells a separate .22 LR conversion cylinder that fits this model. You’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to shoot both calibers.
Can I carry the Sidewinder SW4 loaded in my pocket?
Yes, but use a pocket holster to cover the trigger and prevent the hammer from snagging. The exposed hammer can catch on fabric, and the single-action trigger is light, so a holster is recommended for safe carry.
How do I clean the swing-out cylinder on this revolver?
Open the cylinder by pushing the cylinder release forward, then swing it out. Use a bore brush and solvent on the chambers and barrel, then wipe down the cylinder face and crane with a cloth. Reassemble and lubricate the pivot points lightly.
Is .22 WMR powerful enough for self-defense?
.22 WMR offers higher velocity than .22 LR, with typical loads pushing a 40-grain bullet around 1,400 fps. It’s marginal for self-defense—some shooters find it adequate with modern hollow points, but most experts recommend at least .38 Special for serious protection. The Sidewinder is best as a backup or trail gun.
What holsters fit the NAA Sidewinder SW4 with a 4-inch barrel?
Look for holsters specifically designed for the NAA Sidewinder SW4 or for NAA mini-revolvers with 4-inch barrels. Brands like DeSantis, Galco, and Simply Rugged make leather pocket holsters and belt holsters that fit. Always confirm barrel length when ordering.
Why Buy from Us?
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day return policy
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Explore more revolvers and rimfire handguns in our store. For pocket carry options, check our concealed carry section.
Last updated: April 2026





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