Description
The North American Arms 22 Short Mini is the smallest and lightest revolver in the NAA lineup. Built in Provo, Utah, from stainless steel, this five-shot single action weighs about 4 ounces, measures roughly 3-5/8 inches long and wears rosewood bird head grips with a lanyard ring at the base of the grip frame.
North American Arms 22 Short Mini Overview
This model, NAA-22S-RNG, chambers the 22 Short cartridge, the oldest American metallic rimfire round still in production. The barrel is 1-1/8 inches long, the sights are a fixed blade front and a notch in the top strap, and the trigger is a sheathed spur design with no trigger guard. The hammer must be cocked by hand for every shot. Between each chamber is a small cut that lets the hammer rest safely off a live cartridge when you carry it.
Why 22 Short?
The 22 Short is a smaller case than the 22 Long Rifle, which lets NAA build the frame and cylinder even more compact than its 22 LR minis. Recoil is barely noticeable and the report is milder than 22 LR from the same barrel length. The trade-off is energy: a 22 Short from a 1-1/8 inch barrel produces modest velocity and limited penetration, so this is a last-ditch backup or a novelty, not a primary defensive gun.
The Lanyard Ring
The ring at the bottom of the grip lets you attach a cord or lanyard, a practical touch for a gun this small that can slip out of a pocket or tackle box. It also adds a bit of old-west character. Use a lanyard that will break away if snagged, and never thread anything through the ring that could reach the trigger.
Loading and Carrying Safely
Like every NAA mini, the cylinder is removed to load and unload: press the base pin latch, slide the pin out, drop the cylinder, insert or punch out the five rounds and reassemble. After loading, lower the hammer into one of the safety notches between chambers rather than onto a cartridge rim. Practice this at home with an unloaded gun until it is second nature, because a mistake here matters more than on a conventional revolver.
Shooting Expectations
The small bird head grip fits two fingers at most, and the spur trigger takes getting used to. Most owners shoot it accurately at 3 to 7 yards with practice. Thumb-cocking for every shot keeps the pace slow, which is fine for plinking cans and learning the gun. Keep your support hand fingers well away from the muzzle and the cylinder gap, which is easy to do on a gun this tiny.
Ammunition Availability
22 Short ammunition is produced in smaller quantities than 22 LR, so it is often harder to find on store shelves and can cost more per round. Buy a few boxes when you see them. Never try to fire 22 Long Rifle or 22 Magnum in this cylinder; only cartridges marked 22 Short belong in it. CB Shorts and standard-velocity loads both work, but confirm each brand fires reliably.
State Laws and Ownership
Small revolvers are legal in most of the country, but some states and cities restrict which handguns dealers may sell or require a purchase permit first. California, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York keep handgun rosters or approval lists, so confirm this exact model is transferable where you live. Concealed carry rules vary widely, and a permit is required in many states even for a revolver this small.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: North American Arms, Provo, Utah
- Model: Mini-Revolver, NAA-22S-RNG
- UPC: 744253002502
- Caliber: 22 Short
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel: 1-1/8 in.
- Overall length: 3-5/8 in.
- Weight: about 4 oz
- Material: Stainless steel
- Grips: Rosewood bird head
- Sights: Fixed blade front, top strap notch rear
- Features: Lanyard ring, safety notches between chambers, spur trigger
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handgun purchasers to be at least 21 years old to buy from a licensed dealer, and this revolver must ship to an FFL where you will complete the transfer and background check.
Who It Is For
The North American Arms 22 Short Mini is a great fit for collectors of tiny revolvers, owners who want the lightest NAA mini, and shooters looking for a quiet, low-recoil backup or fun range piece.
Buy the North American Arms 22 Short Mini at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms 22 Short Mini online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more revolvers. For factory details, visit North American Arms.
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