The North American Arms Wasp 22LR Revolver, 1.13 in Barrel is a purpose-built single-action five-shooter for those who refuse to be unarmed. At just over half a pound and barely bigger than a pocket knife, this stainless steel mini-revolver disappears on a belt, in a jacket, or as a deep-cover backup. The .22 LR chambering gives you manageable recoil and affordable practice, while the vent-rib barrel and enhanced cylinder offer a slight edge in sight picture and reliability over older NAA models. This is a get-off-me gun, a trail companion, and a range toy that pulls triple duty without weighing you down.
| Manufacturer | North American Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Wasp |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and barrel (matte finish) |
| Compatibility | Standard .22 LR ammunition; fits NAA pocket holsters and grips |
| Finish | Matte stainless with black pebbled rubber grips |
| Weight | Approx. 5.6 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Vent-Rib Stainless Barrel (1.13 in) — Why it matters: The vented rib reduces heat mirage and gives you a flat reference plane for faster index shooting at bad-breath distances.
- Five-Shot Cylinder with Enhanced Styling — Why it matters: You get one more round than many micro-revolvers, and the fluted, stylized cylinder shaves weight without sacrificing strength.
- Matte Stainless Frame — Why it matters: Non-reflective finish won’t give away your position in low light, and the stainless construction shrugs off sweat, rain, and pocket lint.
- Black Pebbled Rubber Grips — Why it matters: These grips lock your hand into a consistent hold, reducing the chance of slippage during rapid fire or when drawing from a sweaty pocket.
- Single-Action Trigger — Why it matters: A deliberate, crisp trigger pull (approx. 4-5 lb) forces you to make each shot count, and the manual thumb safety adds an extra layer of carry security.
Who It’s For
This revolver fits the concealed carrier who wants a last-ditch backup when a primary pistol is impractical—think joggers, hikers, or anyone wearing gym shorts. It also appeals to collectors of minimalist firearms and shooters who train new users on a simple, single-action platform. If you need a gun that lives in a pocket holster for months without rust or fuss, the Wasp is your ticket.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Extremely lightweight and flat—carries like a pocket knife.
- Pro: .22 LR is cheap to shoot, so you can actually afford to practice.
- Pro: Stainless construction resists corrosion from sweat and humidity.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot—slower than a double-action revolver or semi-auto.
- Con: The 1.13-inch barrel limits muzzle velocity and accuracy beyond 10 yards.
Comparison
| Feature | NAA Wasp .22 LR | Ruger LCR .22 LR | S&W Model 43C .22 LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-action only | Double-action only | Double-action/single-action |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds |
| Weight | 5.6 oz | 13.5 oz | 11.9 oz |
| Barrel Length | 1.13 in | 1.875 in | 1.875 in |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel | Polymer/aluminum | Aluminum alloy |
| Price Range | $286 (budget-friendly) | $550–$650 | $600–$700 |
| Best For | Deep concealment, backup carry | Primary pocket revolver | Duty-grade .22 revolver |
FAQ
Is the North American Arms Wasp safe to carry with a round under the hammer?
Yes—the Wasp features a manual thumb safety that blocks the hammer from contacting the firing pin. You can safely carry with all five chambers loaded as long as the safety is engaged. Always verify the safety is on before holstering.
Can I use .22 Short or .22 Long in this revolver?
Per North American Arms specs, the Wasp is designed for .22 LR only. Using shorter cartridges can cause misalignment and unreliable ignition. Stick with standard-velocity or high-velocity .22 LR for best performance.
What holster fits the NAA Wasp 1.13-inch barrel?
Most NAA pocket holsters designed for the Mini Revolver series fit the Wasp. Look for models specifically molded for the 1.13-inch barrel and the rubber grip profile. Leather or kydex pocket holsters from NAA or DeSantis are common choices.
How accurate is the Wasp at self-defense distances?
At 5 to 7 yards—the typical bad-breath distance—you can keep rounds in a 4- to 6-inch group with practice. The short sight radius and small grip make precision beyond 10 yards challenging, but for its intended role, it is adequate.
Does the Wasp have a transfer bar safety?
No. The Wasp uses a manual hammer block safety, not a transfer bar. You must manually engage the safety to prevent accidental discharge. This is standard for NAA single-action revolvers and requires user awareness during carry.
Why Carry the NAA Wasp?
More than 1.5 million NAA mini revolvers have been sold since the 1970s, making them one of the most trusted names in ultra-compact firearms. The Wasp builds on that legacy with a modern vent-rib barrel and improved ergonomics. If you need a gun that fits in a coin pocket and still delivers five shots on demand, this is it.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1–2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
✔ Secure checkout
Explore more options in our Revolvers collection, or check out Concealed Carry gear and Firearms for your primary setup.
Last updated: April 2026
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