North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 3″ 5rd Revolver

The North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 3″ 5rd Revolver is a modern take on the classic 1860s pocket revolver, built for lightweight carry and reliable single-action performance. Chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum, this five-shot mini-revolver features a heavy octagonal 3″ barrel, stainless steel construction, and a rosewood-style boot grip. It’s a compact, no-nonsense piece of Americana that disappears in a pocket but delivers authoritative rimfire power.

Manufacturer	North American Arms
Model	The Earl
Material	Stainless steel (barrel, frame, cylinder)
Compatibility	.22 Winchester Magnum (.22 WMR) ammunition
Finish	Matte/brushed stainless steel
Weight	Approximately 8.0 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 1860-Style Single Action: This revolver uses a traditional exposed hammer and single-action trigger pull, giving you a crisp, repeatable break that rewards deliberate shooting. It’s the same manual of arms as the cap-and-ball Colts of the 1860s, but in a modern stainless package.
• Heavy Octagonal 3″ Barrel: The octagonal profile adds rigidity and weight forward, reducing muzzle flip with .22 WMR loads. Per North American Arms specs, the 3″ barrel provides a longer sight radius for improved accuracy over shorter mini-revolvers.
• Rosewood-Style Boot Grip: The grip is shaped to fill the hand without printing, and the rosewood-laminate material gives a warm, classic look that contrasts nicely with the brushed stainless frame. It also helps you maintain a secure hold during rapid fire.
• Bead Front Sight & Top Strap Channel: The bead front sight aligns with a groove cut into the top strap, creating a low-profile sight picture that won’t snag on clothing. This setup is fast to acquire and perfect for close-range defensive use.
• Five-Shot Cylinder in .22 WMR: The five-round capacity is standard for this size, but .22 WMR delivers 40% more muzzle energy than .22 LR, making The Earl a legitimate backup or trail gun for small game and personal protection.

Who It’s For

The Earl is built for collectors who appreciate 19th-century revolver DNA, and for shooters who want a pocket-friendly single-action that doesn’t compromise on power. It’s also ideal for hunters and hikers who need a lightweight sidearm for finishing game or dispatching varmints. If you’re a gun show regular who loves rare rimfire pieces, this one belongs in your rotation.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Compact and light enough for ankle or pocket carry – weighs just 8 oz unloaded.
• Pro: Stainless steel construction resists rust and wear, even in humid or sweaty conditions.
• Pro: .22 WMR offers a noticeable power upgrade over .22 LR without the bulk of a centerfire.
• Con: Single-action only – you must manually cock the hammer for each shot, which slows follow-ups compared to double-action revolvers.
• Con: The bead front sight is basic; some shooters may prefer a fiber-optic or adjustable sight for precision work.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	NAA The Earl	Ruger LCR .22 WMR	Smith & Wesson 351C .22 WMR
Action	Single-action only	Double-action only	Double-action only
Capacity	5 rounds	8 rounds	7 rounds
Barrel Length	3″	1.875″	1.875″
Weight	~8 oz	~13.5 oz	~12.3 oz
Frame Material	Stainless steel	Aluminum / polymer	Aluminum / titanium cylinder
MSRP (approx.)	$295.76	$589	$689

The Earl is significantly lighter and more affordable than the Ruger LCR or Smith 351C, but sacrifices capacity and double-action speed. It’s a purpose-built pocket gun for traditionalists, not a high-volume defensive tool.

FAQ

Is this revolver safe to carry with a loaded cylinder?

Yes, but you should carry it with the hammer down on an empty chamber (the standard safety practice for single-action revolvers). The exposed hammer can catch on clothing and inadvertently cock, so a good holster with a hammer strap is recommended.

Can I shoot .22 Long Rifle in this revolver?

No. The cylinder is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum (.22 WMR). Do not attempt to fire .22 LR in it, as the case dimensions differ and could cause unsafe pressure or misfires.

What holsters fit The Earl with a 3″ barrel?

Most pocket holsters designed for the NAA Mini-Revolver series with a 3″ barrel will work. Look for leather or kydex options that cover the trigger guard and protect the exposed hammer. Brands like Uncle Mike’s and Desantis make compatible models.

How do I load and unload the cylinder?

To load, push the cylinder pin forward from the rear, rotate the cylinder to align each chamber with the loading gate cutout, and insert a cartridge. To unload, use the ejector rod (located under the barrel) to push spent casings out. Always verify the cylinder is empty before handling.

Get Yours Today

The North American Arms The Earl 22 WMR 3″ 5rd Revolver is in stock and ready to ship. Whether you’re adding to a single-action collection or need a deep-cover trail gun, this little revolver delivers classic style and modern reliability. Order now and experience the heritage of the Old West with a rimfire punch.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Explore more: Revolvers | Single-Action Revolvers | Rimfire Handguns

Last updated: April 2026