North American Arms

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.

Frequently Asked Questions: North American Arms

What is North American Arms known for?
North American Arms (NAA) is a Provo, Utah manufacturer producing the smallest functional revolvers in the world — single-action mini-revolvers in .22 Short, .22 LR, and .22 WMR that are small enough to fit in a coin pocket or palm of the hand. NAA mini-revolvers have a devoted following among deep-concealment carry enthusiasts who want a firearm so small it disappears in any pocket. They also produce the Black Widow and Mini-Master, slightly larger single-action revolvers in .22 LR and .22 WMR with better sights and longer barrels for improved accuracy.

Are NAA mini-revolvers practical for self-defense?
NAA revolvers are a backup or last-resort option rather than a primary defensive firearm. The .22 LR and .22 WMR calibers are marginal for defense compared to centerfire options; the single-action operation requires cocking the hammer before firing; and capacity is 5 rounds maximum. Their value is in their size — they fit spaces where no other firearm can go. For buyers who want any firearm versus no firearm in a deeply concealed role, NAA revolvers have a legitimate use case. They should not be a primary defensive choice when a small 9mm like the Sig P365 or Ruger LCP Max can be carried.

How do you safely carry an NAA mini-revolver?
NAA mini-revolvers have a unique safety system — the hammer must rest in the safety notch between cylinder chambers rather than on a loaded round. To carry safely, load all chambers, then position the cylinder so the hammer nose rests in the notch between chambers (not on a primer). NAA provides clear instructions with each revolver. Never carry with the hammer resting on a loaded chamber.

What is the difference between .22 LR and .22 WMR in an NAA revolver?
.22 WMR (Magnum) produces significantly more velocity and energy than .22 LR from NAA’s short barrels — improving the marginal defensive performance of the platform. Some NAA models ship with both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders for versatility. The .22 WMR cylinder is the preferred option for defensive use if available for your model.

See Also: Revolvers • Pocket Pistols • Concealed Carry • .22 LR Ammo • .22 WMR Ammo