Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The North American Arms Mini-Revolver 22 WMR (22 Mag) 1.13in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds is a purpose-built, ultra-compact personal defense revolver. Its defining trait is its incredibly small size and robust stainless steel construction, making it a true last-resort tool. Available now for $233.99, down from $259.99.
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 Mini-Revolver For? (And Who Should Pass)
Let’s be clear from the start: this isn’t your typical range toy or a first gun. After handling hundreds of firearms, I can tell you this NAA mini-revolver serves a very specific role. Think of it like the backup iron sights on a rifle—you hope you never need them, but you’re glad they’re there when the red dot fails.
Buy it if: You need a deep-concealment backup gun that disappears in a pocket or ankle holster. You’re looking for a dedicated tool for specific tasks like fishing or hiking where a larger firearm is impractical. You appreciate the mechanical simplicity and reliability of a single-action revolver for its intended, close-quarters purpose.
Skip it if: You’re looking for a primary defensive handgun or a beginner’s first firearm. The small size and single-action mechanism require significant practice. If you need a more versatile, easier-to-shoot compact, check out our handguns section for modern semi-autos in .380 ACP or 9mm.
What You Get: Features of the NAA Mini-Revolver
- Ultimate Concealability: With a 1.13-inch barrel and an overall length under 5 inches, this revolver is smaller than most wallets. It’s designed for one job: to be carried always, in situations where anything larger would be left behind.
- Stainless Steel Construction: This isn’t a pot-metal novelty. The entire frame and cylinder are machined from 416 stainless steel. In my shop, I see how this material holds up—it resists corrosion from sweat and the elements, which is critical for a gun that might live in a pocket.
- Single-Action Reliability: The firing mechanism is as simple as it gets. No slides to rack, no magazines to insert. Like teaching a new shooter on a .22 LR rifle, the manual of arms is straightforward: cock the hammer, pull the trigger. There’s very little to go wrong.
- .22 WMR Chambering: Don’t let the small caliber fool you. The .22 Magnum (WMR) from a short barrel is a different animal than standard .22 LR. It offers a significant step up in velocity and energy, making it a more viable defensive round in this platform than its little brother.
- Five-Round Capacity: It holds five rounds of .22 WMR. In the context of a deep-concealment backup, that’s five chances. It forces a mindset of shot placement and deliberate action, which isn’t a bad thing.
- Integrated Safety: The hammer has a safety notch between cylinders. When you lower the hammer into this notch, it blocks the firing pin from contacting a cartridge. It’s a simple, mechanical safety you can verify by touch.
How It Stacks Up: NAA Mini-Revolver vs. The Competition
| Feature | North American Arms Mini-Revolver (.22 WMR) | Generic “Saturday Night Special” .22 Revolver | Premium Compact Semi-Auto (e.g., SIG P365 .380) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | 416 Stainless Steel, machined. Built for long-term carry. | Often zinc alloy (“pot metal”) or mystery steel. Cast parts. | Stainless steel slide, polymer frame. Modern manufacturing. |
| Quality & Fit | Precise machining, tight cylinder lockup. A tool-grade finish. | Loose tolerances, rough finish. Feels cheap in hand. | Excellent fit and finish. Designed for high-round-count use. |
| Compatibility & Use | Single-action only. Niche, deep-concealment role. | Double-action usually, but unreliable. No defined role. | Semi-auto, high capacity. Primary or secondary defensive gun. |
| Shipping & Legality | Ships to your FFL. Requires background check. | May be questionable import. Same FFL process. | Ships to your FFL. Requires background check. |
| Lifespan & Durability | Extremely high. Stainless steel withstands elements and carry. | Very low. Prone to breakage and wear. | Very high. Built for thousands of rounds of practice. |
| Price Point | $233.99 (Investment in a durable tool) | ~$60-$80 (Disposable, potentially unsafe) | $400+ (Investment in a versatile system) |
The takeaway? The NAA isn’t competing with your everyday carry Glock. It’s in its own category. Compared to a junk-grade revolver, the NAA is in a different league of quality. Compared to a modern micro-compact, it trades capacity and shootability for absolute minimal size.
North American Arms Mini-Revolver Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | 416 Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined |
| Finish | Stainless / Satin |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-treated stainless for durability |
| Compatibility | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) |
| Installation/Usage | Single-Action Operation |
| Weight | Approximately 4.6 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | ~4.9″ Overall Length, 1.13″ Barrel |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | NAA-MINI-22MAG |
The Honest Pros and Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched Size: It genuinely disappears. You will forget it’s in your pocket.
- ✅ Extreme Durability: The all-stainless construction laughs off sweat, rain, and pocket lint. This is a “buy it for life” tool.
- ✅ Mechanical Simplicity: No magazines, no slides, no external safety levers to fumble with. It’s point-and-click simple.
- ✅ Potent for its Size: .22 WMR is the most powerful cartridge you can fit in a package this small.
- ✅ Safe Carry: The hammer safety notch provides a secure way to carry with all five chambers loaded.
Cons:
- ❌ Challenging to Shoot Well: The tiny sights and grip require dedicated practice. This isn’t a plinker. Hitting a target at 7 yards demands focus.
- ❌ Limited Capacity & Slow Reload: Five rounds and a single-action reload is methodical. It’s not for a sustained firefight. If you need more rounds on tap, a small semi-auto is a better choice.
- ❌ Niche Application: It excels at one thing: deep concealment. For general home defense or range fun, there are far better (and more fun) options in our full shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the North American Arms Mini-Revolver a reliable gun?
For its intended purpose, yes. The simplicity of the single-action mechanism and the quality of the stainless steel construction make it very reliable mechanically. Its reliability for defense depends entirely on the shooter’s ability to master the small platform under stress. It’s a tool that demands practice.
Can you use .22 Long Rifle in this .22 WMR revolver?
No. You must use .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) ammunition. The chambers are specifically sized for this longer, more powerful cartridge. Using .22 LR is unsafe and will not allow the cylinder to close properly.
Is this a good gun for a beginner?
Generally, no. I would not recommend this as a first firearm. The small size, minimal sights, and single-action operation make it difficult to learn fundamental shooting skills. It’s better suited as a specialized tool for an experienced shooter who understands its limitations. For new shooters, I always recommend starting with a full-sized .22 LR rifle or pistol to build fundamentals safely.
How do you safely carry this mini-revolver loaded?
The standard method is to load all five chambers, then lower the hammer into the safety notch located between two chambers. This blocks the firing pin from contacting a live round. To fire, you must deliberately pull the hammer back to full cock. Always use a holster that covers the trigger guard, even for pocket carry.
What’s the effective range of this little revolver?
Realistically, its effective range for defensive use is contact to about 7 yards. The short barrel limits velocity, and the tiny sights limit precision. Think of it as a “get off me” tool. It’s not designed for target shooting at 25 yards, though skilled shooters can hit at that distance with practice.
Where can I buy a North American Arms mini-revolver online?
You’re in the right place. Frt 15 (frt-15.com) is an authorized retailer. We have this NAA Mini-Revolver in stock, ready to ship to your local Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for pickup after a background check.
Does it come with a holster or case?
It comes new in the factory box from North American Arms. The box typically includes the revolver and an owner’s manual. It does not include a holster. You’ll want to source a dedicated pocket or ankle holster for safe carry.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
✅ Secure checkout
If the North American Arms Mini-Revolver fits your specific need for an ultra-discreet, durable backup, you won’t find a better-made tool for the job. At $233.99, it’s an investment in a piece of American machining that will last. Click add to cart to start the process. It will ship fast from our Houston warehouse to your chosen FFL.
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About this review: My name is Jake Thornton. I’m the Lead Armorer at Frt 15 in Houston. I’ve spent over
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This North American Arms Mini-Revolver 22 WMR (22 Mag) 1.13in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds is ideal for shooters looking to buy guns online with confidence. Built with precision engineering and tested performance, it’s a top-tier choice whether you're looking for home defense, sport shooting, or a trusted everyday carry.
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| Brand | North American Arms |
|---|
