Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The North American Arms Inc Black Widow 22 Long Rifle 2in Stainless – 5 Rounds is a compact, stainless steel revolver chambered in .22 LR and .22 Magnum. Its unique two-cylinder design and American craftsmanship set it apart from typical pocket pistols. Available now for $341.99, marked down from $379.99.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who Is This Little Revolver For?
Let’s be real—this isn’t your primary home defense gun or your competition piece. I think of the Black Widow like the dedicated .22 rifle you bring to the range to teach a kid or a new shooter the fundamentals. It’s for the person who values meticulous American manufacturing in a package you can literally forget is in your coat pocket. It’s a backup gun, a trail companion for finishing small game, or a supremely reliable tool for pest control around the ranch. If you appreciate heirloom-quality tools that just work, you’ll get it.
What Makes the North American Arms Black Widow Stand Out
- Dual-Cylinder Versatility. This is the headline feature. It comes with two cylinders: one for .22 Long Rifle and one for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Swapping them is a simple, tool-less process I can teach anyone in 30 seconds. It’s like having two different guns in one. Use cheap .22 LR for plinking and practice, then drop in the magnum cylinder for a significant power boost when you need it.
- All-American Stainless Steel Construction. The entire frame, barrel, and cylinders are machined from 400-series stainless steel in NAA’s Utah facility. This isn’t a pot-metal casting or a MIM part. The weight and feel in your hand communicate quality. It resists corrosion incredibly well, which is crucial for a gun that might live in a tackle box, glove compartment, or hiking pack.
- The “Black Widow” Grip. Don’t let the 2-inch barrel fool you. The larger, ergonomic rubber grip makes this revolver far more shootable than NAA’s tiny mini-revolvers. It fills your hand, giving you a solid purchase and helping manage recoil, especially with the .22 Magnum rounds. It turns the gun from a novelty into a genuinely usable tool.
- Five-Shot Single-Action Simplicity. The single-action operation is a teaching dream. It forces a deliberate, safe process: cock the hammer, aim, fire. For new shooters, this builds fantastic safety habits. The transfer bar safety system ensures the hammer can only strike the firing pin when the trigger is deliberately pulled all the way back.
- Unmatched Portability and Concealability. With an overall length of just 5.75 inches, it disappears. This is a true “always” gun. When a full-size firearm isn’t practical, this can be with you, providing a reliable level of security.
How It Stacks Up: The Pocket Revolver Showdown
| Feature | North American Arms Black Widow | Cheap Import .22 Revolver (~$70) | Premium Brand .38 Snub (~$500+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Solid stainless steel, US-made | Zinc alloy/unknown steel, overseas | Steel or alloy, US-made |
| Quality & Fit | Heirloom-grade machining, tight tolerances | Loose, gritty, questionable durability | High-quality, reliable |
| Compatibility | Dual .22 LR / .22 WMR cylinders included | .22 LR only | Centerfire caliber (e.g., .38 Special) |
| Shipping & Legality | Ships to FFL, full compliance | Often questionable import status | Ships to FFL, full compliance |
| Lifespan & Durability | Will last generations with care | Likely to fail or break | Long-lasting duty-grade |
| Price Point | $341.99 (Investment quality) | $60-$80 (Disposable) | $500+ (Defensive tool) |
My take? The cheap import is a toy, not a tool—I wouldn’t trust it. The premium .38 snub is a serious defensive firearm, but costs more and has higher ammo costs. The Black Widow occupies a unique middle ground: an ultra-reliable, versatile tool built to last, at a price that reflects its specialized role.
North American Arms Inc Black Widow 22 Long Rifle 2in Stainless – 5 Rounds Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | 400 Series Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined |
| Finish | Stainless (Satin/Polished) |
| Hardness/Quality | High-quality heat-treated steel |
| Compatibility | .22 LR & .22 WMR (Dual Cylinders Included) |
| Installation/Usage | Single-Action Operation |
| Weight | Approx. 16 oz (Loaded) |
| Dimensions | 5.75″ Overall Length, 2″ Barrel |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | NAA-BW-22LR-2SS |
The Honest Pros and Cons
✅ The Good:
- Two Guns in One: The included .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders offer incredible versatility for the price.
- Built Like a Tank: American-machined stainless steel means this will outlive you with basic care.
- Superb for Training: Single-action mechanics are perfect for teaching safety and marksmanship fundamentals.
- Ultimate Concealability: Its tiny size makes it a true “always” carry option.
- Low Recoil & Ammo Cost: .22 LR is cheap to shoot, making practice affordable.
❌ The Considerations:
- Limited Capacity: Five rounds is standard for the format, but it’s not a high-capacity firearm. You must make shots count.
- Single-Action Only: Requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot. This is a pro for safety/training but a con for rapid defensive use.
- Small Sights: The fixed sights are minimal. At typical pocket-revolver distances they’re fine, but this isn’t a target pistol.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Black Widow
Buy it if: You want a supremely reliable, American-made backup or trail gun. You’re looking for a quality .22 to introduce new shooters to revolvers. You value versatility and want the .22 LR/.22 Mag option. You appreciate heirloom-quality machining in a practical package.
Skip it if: You need a primary defensive firearm. For that, look at our selection of modern semi-automatic handguns. You want a high-capacity plinker. If that’s the case, a .22 rifle might be a better fit. You dislike manual operations; the single-action requirement isn’t for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the North American Arms Black Widow a good gun for a beginner?
Yes, with supervision. The single-action operation enforces safe, deliberate shooting habits. The low recoil and cost of .22 LR ammo are ideal for learning. I always recommend professional training for any new shooter.
How difficult is it to switch between the .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders?
It’s very simple. Push the cylinder pin forward, swing out the cylinder, swap it with the other, and close it. The process takes about 10 seconds and requires no tools. It’s a clever and robust design.
Can this fire .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
It can safely fire .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle in the .22 LR cylinder. Only use .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) in the magnum cylinder. Never put a .22 Magnum round in the .22 LR cylinder.
Is the Black Widow suitable for concealed carry?
Its size makes it one of the most concealable firearms available. However, its five-round capacity and single-action operation mean it’s best suited as a deep-concealment backup gun, not a primary defensive carry. Always check your local laws regarding carry permits.
How does the .22 Magnum compare to .22 LR?
.22 WMR has significantly more velocity and energy than .22 LR—often double or more. From this short barrel, it’s a much more capable round for small game or defensive scenarios, though still less powerful than centerfire cartridges.
What’s the difference between this and the smaller NAA Mini-Revolvers?
The Black Widow has a longer 2-inch barrel and a much larger, more ergonomic grip. This makes it far more controllable and shootable, especially with .22 Magnum, while still being very compact. The mini-revolvers are truly pocket-sized but harder to shoot well.
Where can I buy the North American Arms Black Widow online?
You’re in the right place. Frt 15 (frt-15.com) is an authorized retailer. We ship this firearm directly to your local FFL dealer for pickup after the required background check. The process is straightforward and secure.
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Ready for a classic piece of American gunmaking? The North American Arms Black Widow is a niche tool done exceptionally well. It’s the revolver you buy once and keep forever. At $341.99, it represents a solid value for the level of craftsmanship and versatility you receive. Click add to cart to secure yours—these don’t sit on the shelf long.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the firearm, manufacturer specifications, and my professional background as an armorer. My goal is to give you the clear, practical details you need to make an informed decision. Prices and availability are current as of the date listed.
Last updated: March 2026
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