North American Arms
North American Arms (NAA) manufactures the world’s smallest production revolvers in Provo, Utah — single-action mini revolvers in .22 Short, .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR that are small enough to fit in a closed fist. NAA revolvers are carried as deep-concealment backup guns, vest-pocket pistols, and novelty collectors’ pieces by shooters who want the ultimate in compactness. Impact Guns stocks 149 North American Arms products including the full mini revolver lineup, holster options, and conversion cylinders.
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NAA Mini Revolver Models: PUG, Sidewinder & Earl
The NAA lineup centers on several platform variations. The standard NAA Mini is the original — a 5-shot single-action with fixed sights and a 1–1.625″ barrel in .22 LR or .22 Magnum. The PUG is a compact variant with a rubber grip and fixed XS front sight optimized for defensive use. The Sidewinder features a swing-out cylinder for faster reloads — a significant operational upgrade over the standard model that requires removing and reloading individual chambers. The Earl brings a longer 4″ barrel and traditional single-action cowboy styling. For carry use, the PUG or Sidewinder; for collectors, the standard models and Earl series.
NAA Belt Buckle Holster: The Most Unique Carry System
One of NAA’s most distinctive accessories is the belt buckle holster — a working western-style belt buckle with a built-in holster that conceals a mini revolver directly on the belt. This is genuine deep concealment that passes casual inspection in most environments and positions the firearm at the waistline for relatively intuitive access. The belt buckle holster is available for .22 LR and .22 Magnum models and is one of the most-searched NAA accessories. NAA also produces pocket holsters, holster grips (a folding grip that serves as its own holster), and ankle holsters for the mini revolver platform.
NAA .22 LR vs. .22 Magnum: Choosing Your Mini Revolver Caliber
The NAA mini revolver is available in both .22 LR and .22 Magnum, with select models offering conversion cylinders that allow both calibers in one gun. .22 LR is quieter, has less recoil, and produces less muzzle flash from the short barrel — which truncates the velocity advantage the round normally enjoys. .22 Magnum from a 1″ barrel still produces significantly more energy than .22 LR from the same barrel length, making it the more capable defensive choice if power is a priority. The conversion cylinder option is the best of both worlds: .22 Magnum for carry, .22 LR for economical practice.
NAA Mini Revolvers for Backup and Deep Concealment
The primary carry use case for NAA mini revolvers is as a deep-concealment backup gun — a last-resort option when a primary carry gun is not accessible or has failed. The extreme compactness that makes NAA revolvers unique also limits them: a 5-shot .22 Magnum from a 1″ barrel is not a primary defensive weapon. Serious self-defense instructors generally recommend a compact 9mm or .380 as a primary carry gun, with an NAA as a supplementary option for situations where nothing else can be carried. For shooters who already carry a primary gun and want a true backup, the NAA is unmatched in its category.
NAA Revolvers, Accessories & Related Pages
For rimfire ammunition for NAA revolvers, see our .22 LR ammo and .22 WMR ammo pages. For larger-caliber concealed carry options, see our concealed carry page and pocket pistols page. For other small revolvers including Charter Arms and Smith & Wesson J-Frame options, see our revolvers page.