North American Arms 22S Mini-Revolver .22 Short 5rd 1.13″

The North American Arms 22S Mini-Revolver .22 Short 5rd 1.13″ is a pocket-sized powerhouse that collectors and deep-concealment carriers have chased for decades. Weighing just 4 oz, this single-action five-shot revolver is machined from solid stainless steel and chambered specifically for .22 Short. That 1.13-inch barrel and rosewood bird’s-head grip make it one of the smallest production revolvers you can buy today. If you’ve ever wanted a backup piece that disappears in a watch pocket or boot, this is the one.

Manufacturer	North American Arms
Model	22S Mini-Revolver .22 Short
Material	Stainless steel (frame, cylinder, barrel)
Compatibility	.22 Short ammunition only
Finish	Satin stainless
Weight	Approx. 4 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ultra-compact 1.13-inch barrel – Why it matters: This barrel length keeps the entire revolver under 4 inches overall, letting it hide in places no semi-auto can reach—like a coin pocket or ankle holster.
• Stainless steel construction – Why it matters: No rust worries, no finish wear. This revolver is built to ride in a pocket next to keys or sweat and still look new after years of carry.
• Rosewood bird’s-head grip – Why it matters: The bird’s-head contour tucks the hammer spur away from clothing and gives a natural point-of-aim. Rosewood adds classic looks and a secure hold even with sweaty hands.
• Fixed half-moon front sight – Why it matters: No snag points, no adjustments needed. You get a simple, repeatable sight picture that’s fast to acquire at close range—exactly where this revolver lives.
• Single-action trigger with transfer bar safety – Why it matters: The crisp single-action pull gives consistent accuracy, and the transfer bar prevents firing unless the trigger is intentionally pulled. Carry five rounds with confidence.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a genuine piece of Americana—a working mini-revolver that still gets made today. It’s also for the deep-concealment carrier who needs a backup that weighs less than a smartphone. If you’re a gun show regular who appreciates craftsmanship and pocket-sized history, the 22S is your ticket.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Unmatched concealability—you can hide this in a watch pocket or belt buckle holster.
• Pro: All stainless steel means zero maintenance worries.
• Pro: .22 Short ammo is cheap and available everywhere.
• Con: .22 Short is underpowered for self-defense compared to .22 LR or .38 Special—this is a backup, not a primary.
• Con: The small grip makes it a handful for larger hands; you’ll need practice to reload quickly.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	North American Arms 22S	Zev Technologies OZ9	Geissele Automatics Super Duty
Caliber	.22 Short	9mm	5.56 NATO
Weight	4 oz	24 oz	6.2 lbs (rifle)
Barrel Length	1.13”	4.5”	16”
Capacity	5 rounds	17+1	30 rounds
Action	Single-action revolver	Striker-fired	Direct impingement
Best Use	Deep concealment, collection	Competition, duty	Carbine, home defense

The 22S is in a class of its own for size and weight. The Zev OZ9 and Geissele Super Duty are excellent firearms, but they’re not pocket-sized. If you want something that disappears, the NAA 22S is the only real choice.

FAQ

Is the North American Arms 22S safe to carry with all five chambers loaded?

Yes. The transfer bar safety prevents firing unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear. You can safely carry five rounds in the cylinder with the hammer down on an empty chamber—or, if you prefer, carry all five with the hammer down on a loaded chamber. Per NAA specs, the revolver is drop-safe when the transfer bar is in place.

What kind of holster works best for this mini-revolver?

Most users prefer a pocket holster or a belt buckle holster designed specifically for NAA mini-revolvers. The small size means it fits in any watch pocket, but a dedicated holster keeps the trigger covered and prevents printing. Look for leather or kydex options from brands like Uncle Mike’s or Simply Rugged.

Can I shoot .22 Long or .22 LR in this revolver?

No. The 22S is chambered strictly for .22 Short. Using .22 Long or .22 LR will not chamber correctly and could cause dangerous pressure spikes. Stick with .22 Short ammunition only.

How do I clean the cylinder and barrel on this stainless revolver?

Standard firearm cleaning works fine. Use a bronze brush and solvent on the bore and chambers, then wipe down the stainless steel with a silicone cloth. Because it’s stainless, you don’t need to oil heavily—just keep it dry or lightly lubricated. Per NAA’s manual, avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the satin finish.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day return policy
• ✅ Secure checkout with encryption

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Last updated: April 2026