North American Arms Mini Revolver: Small But Interesting

Guns Magazine, April, 2000 by Clair Rees

According to widely quoted wisdom, only accurate guns are interesting. That's not entirely true. One .22 rimfire that's caught the eye of countless shooters lays little claim to tack-driving abilities. The all-stainless Mini Revolvers produced by North American Arms have been around for years, but still capture their share of attention. Mini Revolvers are guilty pleasures.

I got rid of the first Mini Revolver I owned. The cylinder of this early model lacked recessed chambers. The case heads of chambered .22 Long Rifle cart were fully exposed. When the gun ran dry, you removed the cylinder pin, then the cylinder, and pushed out the empties with the pin. Finally, you inserted fresh loads into the chambers and replaced the cylinder.

One day my son Richard and I were taking turns shooting the Lilliputian five-shooter and upon reloading, the tiny cylinder slipped from my fingers and fell base-down against the concrete walk. On impact with the concrete, one round fired. The bullet traveled straight up, passing between my son and I. Shaken, I promptly retired the gun.

I mentioned the accident to the manufacturer. Before long, Mini Revolver, cylinders were being produced with recessed chambers, eliminating the problem. I now own two North American Arms Mini Revolvers and shoot them with confidence.

That doesn't mean I shoot them? accurately. Precision gunning is kinda' difficult with a 4 1/2 oz. revolver sporting a 1 1/8" tube and barely vestigial sights. The curved, birdshead-style grip is equally diminutive, standing just 1 3/8" tall. It can barely be grasped with the middle finger. The single-action trigger breaks at 6 lbs., but the let-off seems heavier because of lack of leverage.

My other Mini Revolver is identical, except that the laminated rosewood grip panels have been replaced with North American Arms' "holster grip." This 4 3/8" synthetic handle is hinged to the Mini Revolver's frame. A release button high on the grip's left side allows the gun to fold neatly into the grip or rotate out to lock in firing position. This provides a comfortingly generous handle that aids accuracy.

The grip sports a sturdy synthetic clip on one side. When the gun is jackknifed into the grip, this clip fits behind your belt for secure carry. Thus, this ingenious grip does double duty as both handle and holster.

The standard Mini Revolver comes complete with a suede leather holster equipped with a belt clip. Zippered mini pistol rugs are standard equipment on both guns. Clipped to your belt, these little guns are highly unobtrusive -- but because they are exposed (barely), you're not "carrying concealed."

Rimfire magnum versions are available, as are longer 2" and 4" barreled guns with miniature Millett adjustable sights. That's all well and good. but none of these tiny revolvers are going to win medals at the target range.

Some shooters buy Mini Revolvers as backup defensive weapons. I wouldn't want to be struck by a .22 LR slug fired from the Mini Revolver's abbreviated barrel -- but that doesn't mean I'd ever consider carrying this pint-sized pretender in defense of life and limb. Anyone believing they're at any possible risk should buy a .38 revolver or 9mm auto pistol. At a bare minimum, they should venture forth with nothing less potent than North American Arms' Guardian -- a .32 ACP pocket pistol that's not a whole lot larger than the Mini Revolver.

The Mini Revolver is neither a tack driver nor a serious threat to felons. What it is, is a high-quality miniature that makes a great conversation piece. It's cute enough to be worn as jewelry, and it fires .22 rimfire fodder. It's a fun little gun -- and that's enough for most people who buy one. There's nothing else like it on the market.