Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver is a compact, convertible rimfire revolver. Its unique swing-out cylinder simplifies loading and unloading, a significant advantage in a mini-revolver platform. Available for $599.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver?
| Product Type | Mini-Revolver |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Magnum (convertible to .22LR with additional cylinder, sold separately) |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 1.125 inches |
| Overall Length | 4.875 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 6.7 oz |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Grips | Rosewood Birdshead |
| Sights | Fixed Blade Front, Notched Rear |
| Action | Single Action |
| Manufacturing | North American Arms (NAA) |
| Hardness/Quality | High-grade stainless steel construction for durability |
| Compatibility | Uses .22 Magnum or .22LR (with optional cylinder) ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Manual operation, swing-out cylinder for loading/unloading |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | NAA-SWC-M |
What makes the North American Arms Sidewinder stand out?
The North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver offers a unique blend of compact size and practical functionality. Unlike traditional NAA mini-revolvers, the Sidewinder features a swing-out cylinder, making loading and unloading considerably faster and easier. This is a noticeable improvement over the older push-pin cylinder removal method. The ability to convert between .22 Magnum and .22LR (with an optional cylinder) provides versatility for both personal defense and plinking. The .22 Magnum, while small, offers more energy than .22LR, making it a viable option for a last-ditch defensive tool. Its all-stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, important for a firearm often carried close to the body. The small size and light weight mean it disappears easily in a pocket or on an ankle, offering a discreet carry option.
Who is the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver for?
This little revolver isn’t for everyone, but it fills a specific niche very well.
Buy it if:
- You need an extremely discreet, lightweight backup firearm.
- You’re looking for a last-resort personal defense option where larger firearms aren’t feasible.
- You appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a single-action revolver.
- You want a compact firearm for plinking or target shooting at close ranges.
- You value the ability to switch between .22 Magnum and .22LR ammunition.
- You’re a collector of unique and historically significant miniature firearms.
Skip it if:
- You need a primary defensive firearm; consider a compact 9mm pistol for more capacity and stopping power.
- You expect high-capacity or rapid-fire capabilities; this is a 5-shot, single-action revolver.
- You have difficulty with small controls or a short sight radius.
- You’re looking for a budget plinking gun; while fun, the .22LR conversion cylinder is an extra cost.
What are the pros and cons of the North American Arms Sidewinder?
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely Compact and Lightweight: Easy to conceal in almost any attire, making it ideal for deep concealment or as a backup.
- ✅ Swing-Out Cylinder: A significant improvement over traditional NAA mini-revolvers, allowing for much faster and easier loading/unloading.
- ✅ Convertible Caliber: The option to use both .22 Magnum and .22LR (with an optional cylinder) offers versatility for different uses and ammunition costs.
- ✅ All Stainless Steel Construction: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and built to last.
- ✅ Simple and Reliable: As a single-action revolver, it has fewer moving parts and is generally very reliable.
- ✅ Made in the USA: North American Arms has a reputation for quality manufacturing.
Cons:
- ❌ Small Size, Difficult to Shoot Accurately: The short sight radius and small grips can make precise shooting challenging, especially for new shooters.
- ❌ Low Capacity: Only 5 rounds, which is a limiting factor for self-defense compared to larger options.
- ❌ Single Action Only: Requires manual cocking of the hammer before each shot, which can be slow under stress.
How does the North American Arms Sidewinder compare to other mini-revolvers?
When considering a north american arms sidewinder 22 magnum mini-revolver, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against alternatives. While direct competitors in the swing-out mini-revolver market are few, we can compare it to a standard NAA mini-revolver and a more budget-friendly import.
| Feature | North American Arms Sidewinder .22 Mag | North American Arms .22 Mag Mini-Revolver (Standard) | Cheap Import .22LR Mini-Revolver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Zinc Alloy / Lower Grade Steel |
| Quality | High, precision machined | High, precision machined | Variable, often lower tolerances |
| Compatibility | .22 Mag (convertible to .22LR) | .22 Mag (convertible to .22LR) | .22LR only |
| Loading Method | Swing-out cylinder | Cylinder pin removal | Often cylinder pin removal |
| Lifespan/Durability | Excellent, designed for long-term use | Excellent, designed for long-term use | Fair to poor, depending on manufacturer |
| Price | $599.00 | ~$300-400 | ~$60-80 |
The Sidewinder’s main advantage over the standard NAA mini-revolver is the swing-out cylinder, which significantly improves the user experience for reloading. Compared to cheap import .22LR mini-revolvers, the Sidewinder offers superior material quality, manufacturing tolerances, and the versatility of .22 Magnum. While the price point is higher, you’re getting a much more robust and reliable firearm with the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver.
Frequently Asked Questions about the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver
What is the primary advantage of the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver over other NAA models?
The primary advantage of the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver is its swing-out cylinder, which allows for much quicker and easier loading and unloading compared to the traditional NAA models where the cylinder must be removed by pulling a pin.
Can I shoot .22LR ammunition in the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver?
Yes, you can shoot .22LR ammunition in the North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver, but you will need to purchase a separate .22LR conversion cylinder. The revolver comes standard with a .22 Magnum cylinder.
Is the North American Arms Sidewinder a good choice for concealed carry?
The North American Arms Sidewinder 22 Magnum Mini-Revolver is an excellent choice for deep concealment or as a backup firearm due to its extremely small size and light weight. However, its limited capacity and small sight radius mean it’s best suited as a last-resort option rather than a primary defensive firearm.
What is the effective range of the North American Arms 22 magnum mini revolver?
Given its very short barrel and small sights, the effective range of the North American Arms 22 magnum mini revolver is generally considered to be very close, typically within 7-10 yards for reasonable accuracy. It’s designed for close-quarters personal defense.
How does the recoil feel on a North American Arms 22 magnum mini revolver?
Despite its small size, the North American Arms 22 magnum mini revolver can have a noticeable, snappy recoil due to the .22 Magnum cartridge and the revolver’s light weight. It’s manageable, but new shooters might find it surprising at first.
Where can I buy mini revolvers online?
You can buy mini revolvers online at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We offer a selection of firearms, including various North American Arms mini-revolvers, for online purchase and FFL transfer.
Are North American Arms mini revolvers reliable?
North American Arms mini revolvers, including the Sidewinder, are generally considered very reliable. Their simple single-action design and robust stainless steel construction contribute to their dependability. As with any firearm, proper maintenance is important.
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