Description
The North American Arms 22LR Ported Mini adds factory barrel ports to NAA’s 1-1/8 inch 22 Long Rifle mini revolver. It is a five-shot, stainless steel single action with wood bird head grips, fixed sights and the safety notch cylinder that every NAA mini uses.
North American Arms 22LR Ported Mini Overview
Model NAA-22LR-P is built on the standard short-barrel frame and is about 4 inches long overall. Ports cut near the muzzle vent some propellant gas upward as the bullet exits, which is meant to keep the muzzle flatter during firing. Lipsey’s lists a weight of 6.2 ounces, heavier than the roughly 4.5 ounces of the unported 22 LR mini, so check the weight with NAA if every fraction of an ounce matters to you.
What the Ports Do
With only 22 LR recoil, muzzle flip on an NAA mini is small to begin with, but the tiny grip means the gun still rolls in the hand. Ports direct gas upward to counter that motion. The trade-off is extra flash and noise directed toward the top of the gun. Never fire a ported revolver from a position close to your face or chest, such as a retention position, because the gas and debris can cause injury.
Cleaning a Ported Barrel
Ports collect carbon and lead fouling faster than a plain muzzle. After each range trip, scrub the ports with a nylon brush and solvent and wipe the top strap. Clean the cylinder face and the gap between cylinder and barrel too. Stainless steel resists rust, but rimfire residue still needs to come off for consistent function.
Loading Routine
To load, remove the base pin and lift the cylinder out, fill the chambers and reinstall. Then lower the hammer gently into one of the notches between chambers. Do this slowly with your thumb in control of the hammer. These steps take longer than loading a swing-out revolver, so reloads in a hurry are not realistic.
Carry and Holsters
The ported model fits the same holsters as the 1-1/8 inch 22 LR mini. Pocket holsters, belt buckle carriers and leather holsters from NAA cover the spur trigger, which is essential because there is no trigger guard. Make sure the holster leaves the ports unobstructed.
Practical Expectations
A 1-1/8 inch barrel gives limited velocity, and the short sight radius makes this a close-range gun. It is best treated as a backup or a handy companion for hikes and chores. Try several brands of 22 LR ammunition, since some ignite more reliably and leave less fouling in the ports than others.
How It Compares
Next to the standard 1-1/8 inch 22 LR mini, the ported model looks nearly identical apart from the cuts near the muzzle. Shooters who already own a plain mini may notice slightly flatter recoil and more blast. If you mainly want the smallest pocket gun possible with the least noise, the unported version is simpler to clean. If you like the idea of reduced muzzle rise on a gun this light, the ported version is worth a look.
State Laws and Ownership
Check your state and local laws before ordering. Roster states such as California and Massachusetts allow only approved handgun models, and features like ports can make a variant different from an approved model. Concealed carry generally requires a permit or license, and some cities have rules stricter than the state.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: North American Arms, Provo, Utah
- Model: Mini-Revolver, NAA-22LR-P
- UPC: 744253002656
- Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel: 1-1/8 in., ported
- Overall length: about 4 in.
- Weight: 6.2 oz per Lipsey’s
- Material: Stainless steel
- Grips: Wood bird head
- Sights: Fixed
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 22LR Ported Mini is a great fit for NAA fans who want a little less muzzle rise, owners adding a distinctive variant to a mini revolver collection, and shooters seeking a compact backup in 22 LR.
Buy the North American Arms 22LR Ported Mini at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms 22LR Ported 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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