North American Arms Sidewinder .22 Mag 5-Round Revolver, Stainless Steel with Wood Grips

The North American Arms Sidewinder .22 Mag revolver is a purpose-built pocket gun for shooters who want genuine stopping power in a truly concealable package. Built on NAA's proven mini-revolver frame, the Sidewinder chambers .22 Magnum rimfire—a step up in velocity and energy compared to standard .22 LR—and holds five rounds in its compact cylinder. At just 6.7 ounces and measuring a hair over 5 inches overall, this is a revolver you'll actually carry, whether as a backup, deep-cover truck gun, or last-resort personal defense piece. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion in field conditions, and the wood grips give it a classic, purposeful feel that beats plastic on a gun this size.

What makes the Sidewinder stand out among pocket revolvers is its barrel length. At 1.5 inches, it's long enough to let .22 Magnum rounds develop real velocity—better ballistics than you'd get from a shorter snub—while staying compact enough to disappear in a pocket holster, ankle rig, or glove box. The stainless steel post sights are fixed and paired for quick target acquisition at the ranges where you'll actually deploy this gun. There's no fiddling; it points naturally and shoots where you look.

North American Arms has been making mini-revolvers since the 1970s, and they've earned a reputation for reliability and durability in a form factor that large-frame manufacturers won't touch. The Sidewinder is built to the same standards. If you're looking for a true backup revolver or a gun that rides where full-size carry pieces won't, this delivers capability without compromise.

Key Features

• .22 Magnum rimfire chambering for enhanced power over standard .22 LR
• Five-round cylinder capacity
• 1.5-inch barrel balances velocity and concealability
• Stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance
• Wood grips for authentic, durable handling
• Fixed stainless steel post sights
• Weighs just 6.7 ounces—genuine pocket carry weight
• Compact overall length of 5 inches

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .22 Magnum effective for personal defense?

.22 Magnum develops more velocity and energy than standard .22 LR, making it more capable than rimfire purists often credit. That said, it's a compromise round—better than nothing in a true emergency, especially from a 1.5-inch barrel, but not a replacement for centerfire options if those are available to you. The Sidewinder's real strength is going where a larger gun won't and getting carried when you might otherwise carry nothing.

Can I convert this to .22 Long Rifle?

Yes. North American Arms offers a .22 LR conversion cylinder (NAA-SWC) available separately, allowing you to shoot standard .22 LR ammunition in the same gun. This is a genuine upgrade path if you want caliber flexibility without buying two revolvers.

What kind of holster do I need for the Sidewinder?

The Sidewinder's compact profile works with pocket holsters, ankle rigs, and IWB (inside-waistband) holsters designed for mini-revolvers. Because it weighs only 6.7 ounces and measures just 5 inches long, even lightweight fabric pocket holsters will carry it securely all day.

How durable is this revolver for regular shooting?

North American Arms mini-revolvers are purpose-built and field-proven; stainless steel construction means they'll handle regular use and outdoor conditions without rust or degradation. Expect it to run reliably if maintained like any centerfire revolver—occasional cleaning and lubrication—though the .22 Magnum round itself is relatively mild on parts.