North American Arms Mini 22 Long Rifle 1.6in 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 Mini 22 Long Rifle 1.6in Stainless Revolver is a five-shot, single-action rimfire revolver built for ultimate concealment. This isn’t a range toy; it’s a serious, American-made backup tool with a level of fit and finish that’s rare in its class. Available now for $296.99, down from $329.99.

Who This Tiny Revolver Is Really For

Let’s be clear from the jump. This North American Arms Mini 22 Long Rifle 1.6in Stainless Revolver isn’t your first gun, and it’s not your primary home defense piece. Think of it like the spare tire in your trunk—you hope you never need it, but you’re sure glad it’s there when you do. I’ve seen these serve as a deep-concealment backup for law enforcement, a discreet tool for ranch hands dealing with pests, and a training wheel for experienced shooters teaching a young family member the absolute fundamentals of revolver mechanics and safety. It demands respect and practice.

What You Get: Features That Matter

1. All-American Stainless Steel Construction: The entire frame, cylinder, and barrel are machined from solid stainless steel. This isn’t a zinc alloy casting. It feels dense and substantial in your hand, which is surprising given its size. That material choice means corrosion resistance and longevity that cheap imports can’t touch.
2. Single-Action-Only (SAO) Operation: Like a classic cowboy revolver, you must manually cock the hammer for each shot. This simplifies the internal mechanism, enhancing reliability, and it’s a fantastic way to teach trigger discipline. Every shot is deliberate.
3. Five-Round Cylinder: It holds five rounds of .22 Long Rifle. The cylinder is precisely machined and locks up tight—no play or wiggle, a sign of quality machining I always check for.
4. 1.6-Inch Barrel & Ultra-Compact Design: At just over 1.5 inches, the barrel makes this revolver disappear. The overall length is under 4.5 inches. It’s built for a specific job: being there when nothing else can be.
5. Adjustable Rear Sight: This is a feature that sets it apart. Most guns this small have a simple groove. This has a genuine, click-adjustable rear sight for windage, allowing you to actually zero it. That tells you the manufacturer expects you to practice with it.
6. Safety Notch & Transfer Bar Safety: It can be carried safely with all five chambers loaded. The hammer has a safety notch between chambers, and a transfer bar system prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled.

How It Stacks Up: The Armorer’s Comparison

In my shop, I see a lot of small-frame .22s. Let’s put this North American Arms Mini 22 Long Rifle 1.6in Stainless Revolver up against two common alternatives so you can see where your money goes.

The takeaway? You’re not buying a disposable tool. The North American Arms revolver sits in a sweet spot: it offers near-indestructible, precision American manufacturing at a price far below larger, more complex double-action revolvers. It’s a purpose-built heirloom, not a novelty.

Technical Specifications

The Honest Breakdown: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Unmatched Concealability: It literally fits in a watch pocket. For its intended role, nothing is smaller or more discreet.
• ✅ Bulletproof Construction: All-stainless steel means it will outlast you with basic care. This is a generational piece.
• ✅ Excellent Training Tool: Teaching revolver fundamentals, safety, and marksmanship? The single-action operation forces focus on each step.
• ✅ Surprisingly Accurate: With the adjustable sights and a steady hand, you can make consistent hits at reasonable distances for its size.
• ✅ Simple & Reliable: Fewer moving parts than a semi-auto. With quality .22 LR ammo, it goes bang every time the hammer falls.

Cons:

• ❌ Not a Primary Defense Firearm: .22 LR is a minimal caliber. This is a backup-of-a-backup or specialty tool. For primary home defense, see our centerfire handguns.
• ❌ Demands Practice: The tiny sights and grip require skill to use effectively. It’s not a point-and-shoot firearm. You must train with it.
• ❌ Slow to Reload: Single-action and a small cylinder mean reloading under stress is a deliberate process. It’s part of the trade-off for size.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Revolver

Buy it if: You’re an experienced shooter looking for a deep-concealment backup gun. You’re a rancher, hiker, or outdoorsperson who needs a lightweight pest-control tool. You’re a firearms instructor or parent wanting a supremely safe, mechanically simple revolver to teach fundamentals on. You appreciate American machining and want a durable, niche tool that fills a specific role.

Skip it if: You’re looking for your first and only firearm. You need a primary home or self-defense weapon. You want a high-capacity, fast-shooting plinker for the range. You’re unwilling to dedicate time to practice with a small, precise firearm. If any of these describe you, check out our full handgun selection for better-suited options.

Your Questions, Answered

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