North American Arms Black Widow 22 WMR (22 Mag) 2in 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 Black Widow 22 WMR (22 Mag) 2in Stainless Revolver is a five-shot, stainless steel mini-revolver chambered in the potent .22 Magnum cartridge. This isn’t a toy; it’s a serious, American-made backup piece built with precision. We have it in stock and ready to ship today for $314.99, a solid discount from its regular $349.99 price.

Let’s be clear: after handling thousands of polymer-framed striker-fired pistols, picking up the North American Arms Black Widow feels like stepping back onto a fundamental range drill. There’s a tangible heft and mechanical honesty to a well-made revolver, especially one this small. The .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) out of a short barrel is no joke—it’s a serious step up in power from a standard .22 LR, making this little gun a legitimate option for deep concealment or as a trail gun. Think of it as the dedicated, no-excuses tool in your kit, the one you forget is there until you absolutely need it.

Who Is The North American Arms Black Widow Really For?

This gun attracts specific shooters. It’s not your first pistol, and it’s probably not your only one. I see it fitting a few key roles:

• The Experienced Concealed Carrier looking for a supremely discreet, no-snag backup gun (a “New York Reload”).
• The Outdoorsperson who wants an ultra-lightweight, corrosion-resistant revolver for finishing small game or as a last-ditch defense against snakes when fishing or hiking.
• The Collector or Enthusiast who appreciates the machining and novelty of a high-quality, American-made mini-revolver.
• The Seasoned Shooter teaching a responsible young adult about firearm fundamentals with a low-recoil but authoritative cartridge.

What Makes The North American Arms Black Widow Stand Out: A Breakdown

1. American Stainless Steel Construction: The entire frame and cylinder are machined from bar stock 416 stainless steel. This isn’t a zinc alloy casting or MIM part. It’s solid, it resists rust, and it’s built to last generations. The fit and finish are what you’d expect from a precision tool.
2. .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire Chambering: This is the key differentiator. The .22 WMR delivers significantly more muzzle energy than a .22 Long Rifle—think 200+ foot-pounds versus 100-140. From the 2-inch barrel, you’re getting a real defensive punch in a tiny package, with less blast and recoil than a .38 Special from a small-frame snub.
3. Five-Shot Swing-Out Cylinder: Unlike many mini-revolvers that have a tip-up barrel for loading, the Black Widow uses a traditional swing-out cylinder. This allows for faster reloading with moon clips (available separately) and is generally a stronger, more robust design. The cylinder locks up tight, with minimal play.
4. Adjustable Rear Sight: For a gun this size, an adjustable sight is a luxury. The Black Widow features a fully adjustable rear notch sight, allowing you to dial in your point of impact for different ammunition. This elevates it from a pure “belly gun” to something you can actually practice with at 10-15 yards.
5. Convertible .22 LR Cylinder (Optional): While our model is the .22 WMR version, North American Arms sells a separate .22 Long Rifle cylinder. This lets you practice cheaply with low-cost .22 LR ammo and then swap to the more powerful .22 WMR cylinder for carry or serious use. It’s a smart, economical system.
6. Multiple Grip Options: It comes with a set of boot grips, but larger, more ergonomic grips are available. Getting a proper hold on a gun this small is critical for control, and having options is a big plus.

How It Stacks Up: The North American Arms Black Widow vs. The Field

To understand where this revolver sits, let’s put it side-by-side with two common alternatives: a budget import and a premium compact revolver.

The takeaway? The North American Arms Black Widow occupies a unique middle ground. It’s not the disposable plinker, and it’s not the primary centerfire defensive revolver. It’s a niche-filling tool that offers premium, durable construction and a potent rimfire cartridge at a price that reflects its quality without entering duty-grade firearm territory.

North American Arms Black Widow 22 WMR (22 Mag) 2in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds: Detailed Specifications

The Honest Pros and Cons

Based on my handling and the design, here’s the straight talk.

Pros:

• ✅ Superb Build Quality: The machining and fit are excellent. It feels like a jeweled tool, not a cheap imitation.
• ✅ Potent Cartridge for Size: .22 WMR from a short barrel provides a meaningful ballistic advantage over .22 LR for defensive use.
• ✅ Rust-Resistant: All-stainless construction means you can carry it in a pocket or on a humid trail without constant worry.
• ✅ Adjustable Sights: A rare and valuable feature on a mini-revolver, allowing for real accuracy potential.
• ✅ Convertible System: The option for a .22 LR cylinder makes practice affordable and increases the gun’s versatility.

Cons:

• ❌ Small Grip & High Perceived Recoil: The stock grips are tiny. Recoil with .22 WMR is snappy and can be uncomfortable for extended practice. Plan on buying larger aftermarket grips for serious use.
• ❌ Niche Application: This is a specialist’s tool. It’s not an ideal first, only, or primary defensive firearm for most people. If you need a primary carry gun, see our handgun selection for more conventional options.
• ❌ Long, Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: Like most small revolvers, the double-action pull is long and heavy by design (for safety). It requires dedicated practice to master.

Who Should Buy The North American Arms Black Widow (And Who Shouldn’t)

Buy it if: You’re an experienced shooter looking for a deep-concealment backup gun, a minimalist trail revolver, or you appreciate finely machined, unique firearms. You understand the ballistic role of .22 WMR and are willing to practice with its specific manual of arms.

Skip it if: This is your first or only firearm. You’re looking for a home defense weapon. You want a soft-shooting plinker for casual range days. You’re not prepared to train with a long, heavy double-action trigger. If any of these describe you, browse our full shop for better-suited options like a full-size 9mm or a .22 LR pistol.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the North American Arms Black Widow fits your specific need for a potent, ultra-compact, and impeccably made stainless steel revolver, this is your chance to get it at a great price. It’s a tool that demands respect and practice but rewards you with unmatched concealability and unique capability.

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