Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The North American Arms Mini with Holster 22 Long Rifle 1.1in Stainless Revolver is a meticulously crafted, ultra-compact five-shot revolver. Its defining trait is a level of stainless steel construction and precision machining you simply won’t find in typical pocket pistols. This complete kit, including a holster, is available now for $251.99.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who This Tiny Titan is For (And Who It’s Not)
After handling hundreds of firearms, I’ve learned that the right tool for one person is the wrong tool for another. Let’s be clear about who will get the most from this North American Arms Mini.
Buy it if: You’re a seasoned shooter looking for a supremely reliable, deep-concealment backup gun (BUG). You’re a collector who appreciates American-made, jewel-like machining. You want a dedicated, ultra-lightweight tool for specific tasks like finishing small game or as a last-resort defensive option where carrying anything larger is impossible. You understand and respect the limitations of the .22 LR cartridge for defense.
Skip it if: You’re looking for your first or only firearm for home defense or everyday carry. You want a high-capacity, easy-to-shoot pistol for the range. You’re on a tight budget and considering a cheap, pot-metal import. (For those needs, check out our handgun section for more suitable primary options.)
What Makes This North American Arms Mini Revolver Stand Out
This isn’t a toy or a novelty. It’s a serious piece of engineering shrunk down. Think of it like the difference between a Swiss watch and a dollar-store digital—both tell time, but one is built to last generations. Here’s what you’re getting:
- All-Stainless Construction: The entire frame, cylinder, and barrel are machined from solid stainless steel. This isn’t a zinc alloy casting or a steel slide on an aluminum frame. It’s solid, corrosion-resistant, and incredibly durable for its size.
- Five-Shot Cylinder: It uses a swing-out cylinder, just like a full-size revolver. This allows for safer unloading and loading compared to fixed-cylinder designs. The machining on the cylinder lock-up is precise, with minimal play.
- Included Leather Holster: This isn’t a throw-away nylon pouch. You get a fitted, quality leather holster designed specifically for this mini-revolver. It completes the package, making it ready to carry right out of the box.
- Single/Double Action: You can fire it by simply pulling the long, deliberate double-action trigger, or you can manually cock the hammer for a lighter, shorter single-action pull. This versatility is a big plus for accurate shot placement.
- Ultimate Concealability: With a 1.1-inch barrel and an overall size that fits in the palm of your hand, this revolver disappears. It’s the kind of gun you can always have on you, even when you can’t carry anything else.
How It Stacks Up: The Real Comparison
In my shop, I see a lot of small .22s come through. To show you where the North American Arms Mini sits, let’s put it head-to-head with two common alternatives.
| Feature | North American Arms Mini (This Product) | Generic “Saturday Night Special” .22 Revolver (~$60-80) | Premium Derringer (e.g., Bond Arms) (~$250+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid stainless steel frame, cylinder, barrel | Zinc alloy (pot metal) casting, steel barrel liner | Stainless steel or carbon steel |
| Quality / Fit & Finish | Jewel-like, precise machining. Tight tolerances. | Rough casting, visible seams, loose tolerances. | Very good machining, robust construction. |
| Compatibility / Holster | Includes a fitted leather holster in the box. | Rarely includes a holster; generic fit is poor. | Holster usually sold separately for $40+. |
| Shipping & Legality | Ships to your FFL. Full manufacturer support. | Often questionable import status. No support. | Ships to your FFL. Good manufacturer support. |
| Lifespan / Durability | Will last a lifetime with proper care. Heirloom quality. | Prone to breakage. Cylinder timing often fails. | Very durable, built for heavier calibers. |
| Price Point | $251.99 (complete kit) | $60 – $80 (gun only, low quality) | $250 – $400+ (gun only, often larger caliber) |
The takeaway? You’re paying for American manufacturing, materials that won’t fail, and a package that’s actually usable. The cheap import is a gamble, and the premium derringer often serves a different purpose (larger calibers in a 2-shot package).
North American Arms Mini with Holster 22 LR: The Hard Specs
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined |
| Finish | Stainless / Satin |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Steel, High-Quality Fit & Finish |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Cartridge |
| Installation/Usage | FFL Required. Swing-Out Cylinder. |
| Weight | Approx. 4.5 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | ~4″ overall length, 1.1″ barrel |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New In Box |
| SKU | NAA-MINI-22LR-HOLSTER |
The Honest Pros & Cons
Based on my handling, here’s the straight talk.
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched Concealability: It literally fits anywhere. This is its superpower.
- ✅ Superb Construction: The all-stainless, CNC-machined build is in a different league than budget pocket guns.
- ✅ Complete Kit: The included leather holster is a real value-add, not an afterthought.
- ✅ Simple & Reliable: Revolver mechanics are inherently simple. No feeds, no ejections, just point and click.
- ✅ Lightweight: At under 5 ounces, you’ll forget it’s in your pocket.
Cons:
- ❌ Challenging to Shoot Accurately: The tiny sights and short grip make precision difficult. This is not a range toy for new shooters.
- ❌ .22 LR for Defense: While better than nothing, .22 LR is a marginal defensive round. Shot placement is absolutely critical.
- ❌ Limited Capacity: Five rounds is what it is. For a primary defensive firearm, consider our semi-automatic pistols with higher capacity.
Your Questions, Answered
Is this North American Arms Mini revolver difficult to shoot?
Yes, it can be. Its small size makes it hard to grip firmly, and the sights are minimal. It requires practice and good fundamentals. I wouldn’t recommend it as a first gun for a new shooter. It’s a specialist’s tool.
What is the main purpose of a gun this small?
Its primary role is as a deep-concealment backup gun or a “last ditch” option. It’s also popular as a minimalist carry piece for situations where even a compact 9mm is too bulky, or as a dedicated tool for finishing small game while hunting.
Can I use .22 Short or .22 Long in this revolver?
This revolver is chambered for .22 Long Rifle. While .22 Long may physically fit, and .22 Short may fire, you should only use the ammunition the firearm is specifically designed for: .22 Long Rifle. Using other cartridges can affect reliability and safety.
How do I clean and maintain such a small revolver?
Just like a big one, just with smaller tools. Use a .22 caliber cleaning rod, patches, and solvent. Pay attention to the cylinder chambers and the forcing cone area. The stainless steel construction makes it very resistant to corrosion, but regular cleaning after use is still essential.
Is the holster right-handed or left-handed?
The included holster is typically designed for right-handed carry. It’s a simple leather pouch-style holster that allows the gun to be drawn with the strong hand. Left-handed shooters may need to seek a separate holster solution.
Where can I buy a North American Arms Mini revolver online?
You’re in the right place. Frt 15 (frt-15.com) carries this North American Arms Mini with Holster kit. We ship directly to your local Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for a smooth, legal transfer process.
What’s the difference between this and a derringer?
This is a 5-shot revolver with a swing-out cylinder. A derringer is typically a 2-shot, break-action pistol. The revolver offers more capacity and a simpler, more robust action. Derringers can often handle more powerful cartridges but are limited to two shots.
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Final Round: The North American Arms Mini with Holster is a niche masterpiece. It’s not trying to be a do-everything gun. It’s an American-made, incredibly well-built tool for a specific job: being there when nothing else can. If you understand its role and its limits, it’s an excellent choice. If you need a more versatile firearm, our full selection is ready for you.
Browse more: Accessories | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the product and similar firearms, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and 12+ years of professional armorer work. It is written to help you make an informed purchase decision. Last updated: March 2026
Buy Firearms Online – Reliable & Affordable
This North American Arms Mini with Holster 22 Long Rifle 1.1in 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.
Why Choose the North American Arms Mini with Holster 22 Long Rifle 1.1in Stainless Revolver – 5 Rounds?
- ✅ Quality guaranteed by top firearm manufacturers
- ✅ Ships fast across the USA
- ✅ Legal compliance and background-check ready
Buy Firearms Near Me – Nationwide Delivery
No matter your location, we ship to all 50 states. Looking for where to buy Accessories near you? FRT-15.com brings the best selection to your door, legally and securely.
Shipping & Return Policy
- 📦 Fast shipping within 1–3 business days
- 🔁 30-day return policy for unused, unmodified items
- 💬 Questions? Contact our support team
Related Firearms
Explore more options: handguns, rifles, shotguns, and trigger kits.
