Description
The North American Arms Wasp 22 Magnum takes the standard NAA magnum mini and adds a vented rib barrel, a skeletonized hammer, a stylized cylinder and an enhanced cylinder pin. It is still a five-shot stainless single action that disappears in a pocket, just with more visual edge than the plain-Jane minis.
North American Arms Wasp 22 Magnum Overview
Model NAA-22M-TW has a 1-5/8 inch barrel, weighs 6.5 ounces and measures about 5.1 inches long, 2.81 inches tall and 1.06 inches wide. The front sight is NAA’s half-moon blade and the rear is a notch in the frame. Grips are pebbled black rubber, which give a little more traction than smooth wood. A convertible version with an extra 22 LR cylinder is sold separately as NAA-22MC-TW; this listing is the magnum-only gun.
What Makes the Wasp Different
The cuts on the barrel, the sculpted flutes on the cylinder and the skeletonized hammer save a little weight and look sharp, but they do not change how the gun works. Mechanically it is the same proven 22 Magnum mini NAA has built for decades. The enhanced cylinder pin is easier to grab and pull when you load and unload.
Pebbled Rubber Grip
The rubber grip is grippier than rosewood when hands are sweaty, and it softens the sharp edges of a gun this small. One note: the spec block on NAA’s own page lists rosewood grips, but their photos and feature list, and the distributor, show the black pebbled rubber grip pictured here.
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 skeletonized hammer is light, so make sure it settles fully into the notch.
Realistic Expectations
This is a backup or deep-concealment revolver, not a target gun. Practical accuracy is at arm’s length to about 7 yards. Recoil is light but the muzzle blast is sharp from the short barrel, so hearing protection matters at the range.
Ammunition Notes
Only 22 WMR cartridges belong in this cylinder. Loads designed for short barrels deliver less flash and keep velocity up. Magnum rimfire costs more than 22 LR, so plan on paying more per box, and confirm reliable ignition with any load you intend to carry.
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: The Wasp, NAA-22M-TW
- UPC: 744253002298
- Caliber: 22 WMR (22 Magnum)
- Action: Single action
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel: 1-5/8 in., vented rib
- Overall length: 5.13 in. (Lipsey’s lists 5.25 in.)
- Height: 2.81 in.
- Width: 1.06 in.
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Sights: Half-moon front, fixed
- Grips: Black pebbled rubber
- Features: Skeletonized hammer, stylized cylinder, enhanced cylinder pin
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 Wasp 22 Magnum is a great fit for pocket carriers who want a 22 Magnum backup with a bit of style, NAA collectors and anyone who prefers rubber grips over wood.
Buy the North American Arms Wasp 22 Magnum at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the North American Arms Wasp 22 Magnum 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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