Description
The North American Arms Bootlegger 22 Mag (model NAA-22M-BB) puts a Prohibition-era look on NAA’s proven 1-5/8 inch Magnum mini revolver. It wears a burnt bronze Cerakote finish with black Cerakote accents and dark walnut bird head grips with an engraved panel, and it is built in Provo, Utah, from stainless steel.
North American Arms Bootlegger 22 Mag Overview
Under the finish it is the familiar NAA Magnum frame: five rounds of 22 WMR, a 1.63 inch barrel, a half-moon front sight and traditional single action operation with a spur trigger. It measures about 5.13 inches long and weighs 6.5 ounces, small enough to vanish in a vest pocket. The Bootlegger is a newer addition to the catalog and is aimed as much at collectors as at people who want a backup gun.
The Finish and Grips
Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that resists wear and corrosion well, and the burnt bronze color gives the revolver a warm, aged look that photographs nicely. The black accents on the cylinder and small parts break up the bronze. The walnut grips are paneled and engraved. Like any coating, Cerakote can show holster wear at the edges over years of carry, so a soft-lined holster or pouch helps keep it looking new.
Built on the Magnum Frame
The 22 Magnum frame is slightly larger than NAA’s 22 LR frame, and the cylinder is longer to hold the longer cartridge. This model ships with only the Magnum cylinder. NAA sells conversion cylinders for many Magnum minis, but check with the factory before ordering one, because fitting can vary and a finish-matched cylinder may not be available.
Realistic Expectations
A 1-5/8 inch barrel gives up a lot of the velocity 22 Magnum is known for in rifles, and the report is loud with plenty of flash. The bird head grip holds two fingers. This is a deep-concealment backup or a range novelty, not a substitute for a duty-size handgun. Practice at 3 to 7 yards and learn how the half-moon sight lines up with your point of impact.
Loading and Safe Carry
To load, remove the base pin and cylinder, insert five cartridges and reinstall. When you lower the hammer, guide it into one of the safety notches milled between the chambers rather than onto a rim. The spur trigger has no guard, so any holster or pouch you use should fully cover it. Never carry this revolver loose in a pocket with keys or coins.
A Gift or Collector Piece
Plenty of Bootleggers will end up in display cases or as gifts, and that is a fine use for a revolver this distinctive. If you plan to keep it unfired, store it in a dry place with a light coat of oil on the bore and cylinder face. If you plan to shoot it, clean the cylinder face and forcing cone after each session, since 22 Magnum leaves stubborn fouling there.
State Laws and Ownership
Handgun rules differ from state to state. Rosters in California and Massachusetts, permit-to-purchase laws in states such as New York, New Jersey and Maryland, and local carry restrictions can all affect whether you can take delivery. Your receiving dealer can tell you what applies where you live, and it is worth asking before you check out.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: North American Arms, Provo, Utah
- Model: Bootlegger, NAA-22M-BB
- UPC: 744253004063
- Caliber: 22 Magnum (22 WMR)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel: 1.63 in. (1-5/8 in.)
- Overall length: 5.13 in.
- Height: 2.81 in.
- Width: 1.06 in.
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Action: Single action
- Sights: Half-moon front
- Grips: Dark walnut bird head, engraved panel
- Finish: Burnt bronze Cerakote with black Cerakote accents over stainless steel
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handgun buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase from a licensed dealer. This revolver ships to your local FFL, where you fill out the ATF Form 4473 and pass the background check before taking it home.
Who It Is For
The North American Arms Bootlegger 22 Mag is a great fit for collectors of NAA special models, shooters who want a backup revolver with some character, and anyone shopping for a memorable gift for a rimfire fan.
Buy the North American Arms Bootlegger 22 Mag at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms Bootlegger 22 Mag 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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.