Description
The North American Arms 22M Black Pearl is the five-shot 22 Magnum mini-revolver from Provo, Utah, dressed in black pearlite bird head grips. It is a special run made for Lipsey’s distribution, built on the standard stainless steel magnum frame with a 1-5/8 inch barrel and the fixed sights NAA uses across its pocket revolvers.
North American Arms 22M Black Pearl Overview
Model number NAA-22M-GP-B weighs about 6.5 ounces and measures roughly 5.1 inches overall. It is a single action: you thumb the hammer back for every shot, and the sheathed spur trigger has no guard. The magnum frame is slightly taller and longer than the 22 LR mini, which gives the hand a little more to hold and lets the cylinder accept the longer 22 WMR case. The dark pearl grips contrast with the brushed stainless and dress up a gun that is usually carried out of sight.
Why the 22 Magnum Frame
The 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire pushes a 30 to 40 grain bullet considerably faster than 22 LR, even from a short barrel. In a revolver this small that means more energy and more penetration than the 22 LR minis, at the cost of a louder report, a brighter flash and more expensive ammunition. It is still a rimfire, so think of it as a capable backup, not a replacement for a centerfire carry gun.
The Black Pearl Grips
The pearlite panels are a synthetic with the depth of real pearl and a smooth, polished feel. They are the same bird head shape as the factory rosewood grips, so standard NAA holsters for the 1-5/8 inch magnum fit. Our main photo shows the same grip on the 22 LR model, which has a shorter barrel and cylinder; the frame proportions on this magnum are a bit longer.
Loading and Safe Carry
Every NAA mini loads the same way: press the base pin latch, pull the cylinder pin, drop the cylinder out, load or punch out the five rounds and reassemble. After loading, lower the hammer into one of the notches cut between the chambers so it never rests on a live rim. Practice this with an empty gun until it is automatic. The half-cock notches are the reason a mini can be carried with five rounds; skipping that step is the most common mistake new owners make.
Shooting It Well
The grip fills two fingers at most and the spur trigger feels unfamiliar at first. Expect to shoot accurately at 3 to 7 yards after some practice. Keep the support hand well clear of the muzzle and cylinder gap, and cock the hammer deliberately each time. Many owners shoot 22 Magnum loads designed for short barrels, which reduce flash and keep velocity up.
Ammunition Notes
Only 22 WMR cartridges belong in this cylinder; it is not a conversion model, so 22 LR will not work in it. Ammo prices run higher than 22 LR and supply can be uneven, so stock up when you find a load that runs well. Function-test any new load before trusting it for carry, because rimfire priming is less consistent than centerfire.
State Laws and Ownership
Mini-revolvers are legal to own in most of the country, but several states limit which handguns a dealer may transfer. California, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York keep rosters or approval lists, and some cities require a purchase permit first. Concealed carry rules differ widely, and a permit is required in many states even for a revolver this small, so check your local law before you order.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: North American Arms, Provo, Utah
- Model: Mini-Revolver, NAA-22M-GP-B (Lipsey’s special run)
- UPC: 744253001147
- Caliber: 22 WMR (22 Magnum)
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel: 1-5/8 in.
- Overall length: about 5.13 in.
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Grips: Black pearlite bird head
- Sights: Fixed
- Safety: Half-notch hammer rest between chambers
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 22M Black Pearl is a great fit for collectors of NAA grip variants, pocket carriers who want 22 Magnum power in a 6.5-ounce package, and anyone who likes a dressed-up backup revolver.
Buy the North American Arms 22M Black Pearl at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms 22M Black Pearl 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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