North American Arms Sidewinder SWC Convertible Revolver – Reliable 22 Mag/22 LR 1.5 in.

Description

The North American Arms Sidewinder SWC is the 1.5 inch convertible Sidewinder: a stainless five-shot 22 Magnum with a swing-out cylinder and a second cylinder for 22 LR. It keeps NAA’s pocket size while making loading far less fiddly.

North American Arms Sidewinder SWC Overview

NAA catalogs this model as NAA-SWC (UPC 744253002540). Distributor data lists a 1.5 inch barrel, about 5 inches overall, roughly 6.7 ounces, stainless steel, wood grips and fixed sights. The included conversion cylinder lets one small revolver cover both serious 22 WMR use and inexpensive practice.

Swing-Out Loading

The Sidewinder SWC 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.

Size and Handling

At 1.5 inches the Sidewinder SWC is only slightly longer than the classic 1-1/8 inch snub minis, so it still rides in a pocket holster. The small bird’s-head grip and fixed sights limit precision; shoot it at close range and learn its point of impact with each cylinder, since 22 LR and 22 WMR may hit in different places.

Two Cylinders

The Sidewinder SWC ships with two cylinders. The 22 WMR cylinder is for carry and serious use, and the 22 Long Rifle cylinder lets you practice for far less money with quieter, milder ammunition. Swap cylinders only with the gun unloaded, never mix cartridges between them, and remember that 22 LR from a barrel this short is a practice and plinking load. Both kinds of ammunition can be hard to find at times, so stock up when your preferred loads are available.

Living With a Sidewinder

Be realistic about what a tiny rimfire revolver does well. The Sidewinder SWC 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. Use a proper holster that covers the trigger area; loose in a pocket is not acceptable.

Picking a Sidewinder

NAA builds the Sidewinder in 1.5, 2.5 and 4 inch lengths, with or without the 22 LR cylinder. This 1.5 inch convertible is the most concealable version that still lets you practice cheaply. If you never plan to shoot 22 LR, the magnum-only 1.5 inch Sidewinder saves a bit of money.

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 SWC; 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-SWC
• UPC: 744253002540
• Caliber: 22 WMR with 22 LR conversion cylinder
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Action: Single action, swing-out cylinder
• Barrel: 1.5 in.
• Overall length: about 5 in.
• Weight: about 6.7 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 SWC 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 SWC is a great fit for shooters who want a pocket-size 22 Magnum with simpler loading and a cheap way to practice.

Buy the North American Arms Sidewinder SWC at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms Sidewinder SWC 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.