North American Arms 22LR Wasp 1-1/8in Vented Barrel Mini Revolver – Striking Pocket Rimfire

Description

The North American Arms 22LR Wasp, sold by distributors as The Long Rifle Wasp (model NAA-22LR-TW), dresses up the 1-1/8 inch 22 LR mini-revolver with a vented barrel, a machined cylinder, an enhanced base pin and a black pebbled rubber grip. It is a five-shot stainless single action built in Provo, Utah.

North American Arms 22LR Wasp Overview

The Wasp line started on NAA’s 22 Magnum frames, and this version brings the same styling to the smaller 22 Long Rifle frame. Lipsey’s lists it as a stainless steel frame with a 1-1/8 inch vented barrel, fixed sights and a safety cylinder with half notches. The ringed cuts on the cylinder and the vents on the barrel are mostly cosmetic, but they give the revolver a distinctive look next to a plain mini. The rubber grip is fuller than the standard rosewood bird head.

What Sets the Wasp Apart

Compared with a standard NAA-22LR, the Wasp keeps the same caliber, capacity and action but changes the details you see and touch. The pebbled grip texture gives more traction, the barrel vents reduce a bit of weight up front, and the enhanced base pin is easier to grasp when you remove the cylinder. Mechanically it loads, carries and fires exactly like any other NAA mini.

Spec Sheet Oddities

Distributor data for this model is inconsistent. Lipsey’s lists an overall length of 5.25 inches and a weight of “2.55” with no unit, which do not match a 1-1/8 inch 22 LR mini; NAA’s standard 22 LR minis measure about 4 inches and weigh roughly 4.6 ounces. Expect the Wasp to land close to those factory figures, and treat any single spec sheet number with caution until you can weigh and measure the gun yourself.

Carrying It Safely

After loading the five chambers, lower the hammer into one of the notches between them so it never rests on a rimfire cartridge. The spur trigger has no guard, so a pocket holster that covers it is strongly recommended. Holster makers that cut patterns for the 1-1/8 inch 22 LR mini usually fit the Wasp, but check that the rubber grip clears the holster opening.

On the Range

Shooting a gun this small is a skill. Thumb-cock the hammer, keep your support hand away from the cylinder gap, and focus on a smooth press of the spur trigger. Hits on a paper plate at 5 yards are a realistic goal. Rimfire ammunition varies, so try several high-velocity loads and keep the one that ignites and extracts most reliably.

Is It Worth the Premium?

The Wasp usually costs more than a plain 22 LR mini. You are paying for appearance and a better grip rather than more power or accuracy. If you want a mini that looks different and is easier to hold than the wood bird head model, it is a good choice. If you only need the smallest, cheapest backup, the standard model does the same job.

State Laws and Ownership

Before ordering, confirm that your state allows dealers to transfer this model. Roster states such as California and Massachusetts, permit states such as New Jersey and New York, and cities with their own handgun rules can block or delay a sale. A five-round capacity avoids magazine limits, but carrying the revolver concealed still requires a license in many states, and some locations ban carry entirely.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: North American Arms, Provo, Utah
• Model: The Long Rifle Wasp, NAA-22LR-TW
• UPC: 744253002663
• Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
• Action: Single action
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Barrel: 1-1/8 in. vented
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Grip: Black pebbled rubber
• Sights: Fixed
• Features: Enhanced cylinder, enhanced base pin, safety notches
• Listed length and weight vary by source (see above)

Before You Buy

Federal law requires handgun purchasers to be at least 21 years old to buy from a licensed dealer. This revolver ships to your local FFL, where you complete the transfer paperwork and background check before taking it home.

Who It Is For

The North American Arms 22LR Wasp is a great fit for NAA fans who want a 22 LR mini with a distinctive look, shooters who prefer a rubber grip over wood, and collectors building out a Wasp set.

Buy the North American Arms 22LR Wasp at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms 22LR Wasp 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.