North American Arms 1860 Earl 22 Long Rifle 3in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds

Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The North American Arms 1860 Earl 22 Long Rifle 3in Stainless Revolver is a faithful, scaled-down reproduction of a classic single-action revolver chambered in .22 LR. It’s built with a focus on quality and durability, not just being a novelty. Available now for $359.99, a solid $40 off the regular price.

Who This Revolver Is For (And Who It’s Not)

After handling hundreds of firearms, I’ve learned that the right tool for the job depends entirely on the shooter. Let’s talk about who will get the most out of this North American Arms 1860 Earl.

Buy it if: You’re a history buff who wants a tangible, shootable piece of the Old West. You’re a family looking for a low-recoil, single-action platform to teach fundamental firearm safety and marksmanship to a new shooter. You want a supremely reliable, simple-to-operate rimfire revolver for plinking or small game. You appreciate the craftsmanship of a solid stainless steel firearm that will last.

Skip it if: You need a defensive firearm for concealed carry or home defense—this is a single-action .22, not a modern defensive tool. You’re looking for high-capacity or rapid-fire capability. You want a lightweight backpacking gun; the all-stainless construction has some heft to it. If those are your needs, check out our selection of modern semi-automatic handguns instead.

What Makes This North American Arms 1860 Earl Stand Out

1. Authentic Single-Action Operation: This isn’t a modern revolver dressed up like an old one. You manually cock the hammer, which rotates the cylinder and aligns the next chamber. It forces a deliberate, thoughtful pace of fire, which is fantastic for training new shooters on trigger control and sight alignment.
2. All-Stainless Steel Construction: Forget pot metal or cheap alloys. The frame, barrel, and cylinder are machined from solid stainless steel. This means incredible corrosion resistance and durability. I’ve seen older NAA revolvers that look brand new after decades of use.
3. Five-Round Cylinder: It holds five rounds of .22 Long Rifle. The loading gate swings open, and you load and unload one chamber at a time, just like the original 1860s. It’s a process that teaches patience and reinforces the importance of checking every chamber.
4. 3-Inch Barrel: The 3-inch barrel length is a great balance. It’s long enough to provide a decent sight radius for improved accuracy over shorter “snub-nose” .22s, but it keeps the overall package compact and classic-looking.
5. Fixed Sights: It features a simple, rugged fixed front blade and a notch in the top strap. They’re not adjustable, but they’re dead reliable and perfectly serviceable for the ranges this revolver is meant for. It keeps the profile clean and authentic.
6. Built for the Long Haul: The fit and finish on North American Arms revolvers is consistently excellent. The cylinder locks up tight with no play, and the action is smooth. This is a gun you buy once and can pass down.

How It Stacks Up: The Range Day Comparison

Let’s put this North American Arms 1860 Earl on the bench next to a couple of common alternatives you’ll see. Think of this like comparing tools in the shop.

The takeaway? The Heritage is an entry-level plinker. The Ruger Wrangler is a fantastic, modernized value. But the North American Arms 1860 Earl is in a different category: it’s a heirloom-quality reproduction. You’re paying for materials and craftsmanship that will outlast the others. It’s the difference between a dependable work truck and a hand-restored classic car.

North American Arms 1860 Earl 22 Long Rifle 3in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds: Full Specifications

The Honest Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Superior Materials: All-stainless construction is top-tier for durability and looks.
• ✅ Excellent Training Tool: Single-action operation enforces safe, deliberate shooting habits.
• ✅ Historical Authenticity: Faithful reproduction of the 1860 design, not a caricature.
• ✅ Low Maintenance: Simple mechanics and stainless steel make cleaning and upkeep easy.
• ✅ Built to Last: This is a lifetime firearm with proper care.

Cons:

• ❌ Deliberate Rate of Fire: Single-action is slow. Not suitable for any defensive scenario. For that, see our defensive handguns.
• ❌ Limited Capacity: Five rounds is standard for the type, but less than modern revolvers.
• ❌ Heavier Than Alternatives: The stainless steel adds weight compared to alloy-framed guns. Some see this as a pro for stability.

Your Questions, Answered

If the North American Arms 1860 Earl isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we have other options. Browse more in our Rifles section or check out our Full Shop.