Description
The North American Arms Sidewinder SW-250 puts a 2.5 inch barrel on NAA’s swing-out-cylinder 22 Magnum. It is the middle ground of the Sidewinder line: more velocity and easier aiming than the 1.5 inch gun, yet small enough for a jacket pocket.
North American Arms Sidewinder SW-250 Overview
NAA model NAA-SW-250 (UPC 744253002694) is listed by distributors with a 2.5 inch barrel, about 6 inches overall, roughly 7.7 ounces, stainless steel, wood grips and fixed sights. It is magnum only, five shots, single action.
Swing-Out Loading
The Sidewinder SW-250 keeps NAA’s single-action trigger but replaces the remove-the-cylinder routine with a swing-out cylinder: release the cylinder and it pivots out to the side of the frame, so you can load and unload without taking parts off the gun. It is still a single-action revolver, so the hammer must be cocked for every shot, and reloading is one cartridge at a time. NAA publishes dedicated Sidewinder cylinder instructions; read them before your first range trip.
Why 2.5 Inches
The extra inch over the pocket Sidewinder gives a longer sight radius and more complete powder burn, so the gun is easier to shoot accurately and flash is somewhat reduced. It is still light and quick to carry on a belt, in a pack or in a coat.
Ammunition
The Sidewinder SW-250 is chambered only for 22 WMR (22 Magnum). Never fire 22 LR, 22 Short or 22 WRF in it. Magnum rimfire costs more per round than 22 LR and supply can be uneven, so buy a few boxes of the load you trust and test it in your revolver. Short barrels give up a lot of the velocity printed on the box, and loads designed for short barrels tend to expand more reliably than rifle-oriented ammunition.
Living With a Sidewinder
Be realistic about what a tiny rimfire revolver does well. The Sidewinder SW-250 is loud for its size, flash is heavy in low light, and sights are minimal, so practical accuracy is measured in a few yards for most shooters. Rimfire ignition is less certain than centerfire, which is one more reason to test your carry ammunition. Holster options are limited for this length, so plan to buy one made for NAA revolvers.
Comparing Sidewinders
Shoppers deciding between Sidewinders usually land here: the 1.5 inch is more concealable, the 4 inch more accurate, and the 2.5 inch splits the difference. If a 22 LR cylinder matters, look at NAA’s convertible versions instead.
State Laws and Ownership
Pennsylvania buyers complete a standard handgun transfer with a PICS check at the receiving dealer, and carrying concealed outside your home or vehicle generally requires a License to Carry Firearms. Some states keep approved-handgun rosters (California and Massachusetts are the best-known examples) and may not allow the NAA Sidewinder SW-250; New York, New Jersey and several cities add permit steps of their own. Check your state and local rules before ordering, because we cannot transfer a handgun into a jurisdiction that prohibits it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: North American Arms (Provo, Utah)
- Model: NAA-SW-250
- UPC: 744253002694
- Caliber: 22 WMR (22 Magnum)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Single action, swing-out cylinder
- Barrel: 2.5 in.
- Overall length: about 6 in.
- Weight: about 7.7 oz (distributor data)
- Sights: fixed
- Grips: wood
- Finish: stainless steel
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handgun buyers to be at least 21 years old when purchasing from a licensed dealer, and this NAA Sidewinder SW-250 ships only to a valid FFL, where you will complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check before pickup. Inspect the revolver at transfer, read North American Arms’ owner’s manual before loading it, and confirm local carry rules before you put it in a pocket.
Who It Is For
The North American Arms Sidewinder SW-250 is a great fit for shooters who want a balanced, easy-loading 22 Magnum revolver for carry, camp and range.
Buy the North American Arms Sidewinder SW-250 at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms Sidewinder SW-250 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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