The North American Arms Black Widow is a compact single-action mini-revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It pairs a 2-inch heavy vent barrel with a 5-shot bull cylinder in a stainless steel frame. Marble Arms fixed sights and an oversized black rubber grip provide a straightforward, stable handling platform in a small package.
| Manufacturer | North American Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Black Widow |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and finish |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 6.8 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 2-inch Heavy Vent Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: The vented design reduces muzzle flip and dissipates heat faster, letting you stay on target for follow-up shots without the barrel walking off zero.
- 5-Shot Bull Cylinder – WHY IT MATTERS: A thicker cylinder wall means higher strength and reliability with hot .22 LR loads, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
- Oversized Black Rubber Grip – WHY IT MATTERS: This fills your palm and tames recoil, turning a tiny revolver into something you can actually control—no pinky dangling off the bottom.
- Marble Arms Fixed Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed; the white outline rear and red ramp front snap your eye on target instantly, making it a true point-and-shoot piece.
- Single-Action Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: The crisp, light pull—typically around 4.5 lbs—gives you precision in a pocket-sized package, ideal for deliberate shots at close range.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the collector who appreciates a piece of Americana that still rides concealed. It’s for the gun show guy who wants something that’s not just a tool but a conversation starter—a stainless mini that looks sharp and shoots straight. If you’re into backup guns, pocket holster carry, or just want a fun plinker that’s built like a bank vault, the Black Widow is your ticket.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Ultra-compact, stainless durability, easy to conceal, reliable single-action, great aftermarket holster support.
- Cons: The heavy trigger pull on some units can be stiff out of the box, requiring a break-in period or a drop of oil on the hammer pivot. Also, the fixed sights aren’t adjustable for elevation, so you’ll need to hold a bit high at 25 yards.
Comparison
| Feature | NAA Black Widow .22 LR | Ruger LCR .22 LR | Smith & Wesson 43C .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-action | Double-action | Double-action |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2 in. | 1.875 in. | 1.875 in. |
| Weight | 6.8 oz | 13.5 oz | 11.9 oz |
| Grip | Oversized rubber | Hogue Tamer | Rubber |
| Price | $308.77 | ~$500 | ~$450 |
FAQ
Is the NAA Black Widow safe to carry with a round in the chamber?
Yes, but only if you follow the manual: load one round, then leave the hammer down on an empty chamber (the safety notch). The revolver has a hammer safety notch that prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled. Many owners carry it with five rounds in the cylinder and the hammer down on the half-cock notch.
What holster fits the NAA Black Widow with the oversized grip?
Most NAA Black Widow holsters from brands like DeSantis, Uncle Mike’s, and NAA’s own leather line will fit. The oversized grip means it won’t fit standard NAA Mini-Master holsters—look for ones specifically listed for the Black Widow. Pocket holsters work great, and there’s a wide selection on the market.
Can I use .22 Short or .22 Long in this revolver?
Per North American Arms specs, the Black Widow is chambered for .22 Long Rifle only. While you can physically chamber .22 Short or .22 Long, the cylinder gap and headspace are optimized for .22 LR, and using shorter rounds may cause accuracy issues or misfires. Stick with .22 LR for reliability.
Is the stainless steel frame prone to rust?
The stainless steel used by NAA is 400-series stainless, which is corrosion-resistant but not rust-proof. If you carry it in a sweaty pocket or humid environment, wipe it down with a silicone cloth after use. The heavy vent barrel and cylinder can hold moisture, so give it a quick dry after cleaning. With basic care, it’ll look new for decades.
What is the trigger pull weight on the Black Widow?
Factory trigger pull on the NAA Black Widow averages around 4.5 to 5.5 pounds, measured with a gauge. It’s a single-action revolver, so the pull is crisp with minimal creep. A drop of oil on the hammer pivot can smooth it out further after a few hundred rounds.
Why Buy from Us?
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — we ship to your FFL or door where legal
✔ Ships in 1-2 business days — no waiting weeks for your new piece
✔ 30-day returns — if it’s not right, send it back hassle-free
✔ Secure checkout — your payment info stays locked down
Looking for more compact carry options? Check out our Revolvers and Concealed Carry categories. Or browse Rimfire Pistols for other .22 LR choices.
Last updated: April 2026




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