The North American Arms The Earl 3 inch 5-Shot Revolver is a compact, single-action mini-revolver that channels the spirit of the 1860s while delivering modern reliability. This five-shot stainless steel pistol features a heavy octagonal 3-inch barrel, fixed sights, and a removable extra cylinder, making it a standout piece for collectors and recreational shooters who appreciate old-school styling with new-school build quality.
| Manufacturer | North American Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | The Earl |
| Material | Stainless steel (frame, cylinder, barrel) |
| Compatibility | .22 LR or .22 Magnum (with included extra cylinder) |
| Finish | Brushed stainless |
| Weight | Approximately 7.5 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Heavy Octagonal 3-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: The added mass and flat sides reduce muzzle flip and improve sight picture, giving you tighter groups at close range than typical round barrels.
- Removable Extra Cylinder — Why it matters: Swap between .22 LR and .22 Magnum in seconds without tools, letting you plink cheaply or step up to hotter loads for small game or defense.
- Faux Loading Lever and Exposed Hammer — Why it matters: That classic 1860s silhouette isn’t just for looks—it gives you a positive, tactile cocking action and a period-correct profile that turns heads at the range or gun show.
- Rosewood Boot-Style Grips — Why it matters: The compact grip fits snugly in the palm, providing a secure hold even with gloved hands, while the rosewood adds a touch of elegance to the stainless frame.
- Fixed Sights — Why it matters: No adjustments to lose or break—just a simple front blade and rear notch that are dead-on for instinctive shooting at 5 to 15 yards.
Who It’s For
The Earl is built for collectors who crave authentic 19th-century styling, gun show enthusiasts looking for a conversation starter, and recreational shooters who want a reliable, low-recoil plinker that’s easy to pack in a jacket pocket or range bag. It’s also a solid choice for anyone wanting a backup gun with classic aesthetics.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic vintage look, dual-caliber capability with included extra cylinder, all-stainless construction for corrosion resistance, surprisingly accurate for a mini-revolver.
- Cons: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot—not ideal for rapid follow-ups. The fixed sights limit adjustability for windage or elevation.
Comparison
| Feature | NAA The Earl 3″ | Ruger Wrangler 4.62″ | Heritage Rough Rider 6.5″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR / .22 Mag (swap) | .22 LR only | .22 LR / .22 Mag (swap) |
| Barrel Length | 3″ octagonal | 4.62″ round | 6.5″ round |
| Action | Single-action | Single-action | Single-action |
| Construction | Stainless steel | Cerakote aluminum alloy | Alloy frame, steel cylinder |
| Capacity | 5 shots | 6 shots | 6 shots |
| Weight | 7.5 oz | 30 oz | 31 oz |
| Price | $313.97 | ~$269 | ~$199 |
FAQ
What is the barrel length on the North American Arms The Earl?
The barrel measures 3 inches and features a heavy octagonal profile for improved accuracy and reduced recoil.
Does The Earl come with an extra cylinder?
Yes, the pistol ships with a removable extra cylinder, allowing you to switch between .22 LR and .22 Magnum without tools.
Is The Earl suitable for concealed carry?
At about 7.5 oz and 5 inches overall length, it’s small enough for pocket carry, but remember it’s single-action only—you’ll need to cock the hammer manually before each shot.
What grips come standard on The Earl?
Rosewood boot-style grips are standard, providing a secure hold and classic look.
Are the sights adjustable?
No, the sights are fixed front blade and rear notch, designed for quick, instinctive aiming at close ranges.
Ready to add some Old West charm to your collection? Browse more revolvers or check out our .22 LR pistols and single-action revolvers.
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Last updated: April 2026




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