North American Arms Wasp 22 WMR Snub Nose Revolver: Your Discreet and Dependable Companion

When searching for a highly concealable and reliable firearm for personal protection, the North American Arms (NAA) Wasp mini-revolver stands out as a top contender. Designed with discretion and functionality in mind, this compact .22 Magnum firearm offers a unique blend of portability, power, and practical features, making it an excellent choice for a variety of users seeking peace of mind.

Are you in the market for a backup gun that won't weigh you down? Do you need a lightweight option for discreet carry in a pocket or ankle holster? The NAA Wasp, chambered in the versatile .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire), addresses these exact needs, providing a potent yet manageable solution for personal defense. It's an ideal choice for experienced firearm owners looking for a deep-concealment option, as well as for those who prioritize a lightweight and accessible protective tool.

What Makes the North American Arms Wasp a Top Choice for Concealed Carry?

The NAA Wasp isn't just another mini-revolver; it’s a meticulously crafted instrument built for reliability and ease of carry. Its design focuses on simplicity and effectiveness, crucial attributes for a self-defense tool.

Key Design Elements and Features:

• Compact Dimensions for Ultimate Concealment: Measuring a mere 4.63 inches in overall length and weighing only 6.20 ounces, the Wasp is truly a "pocket gun." This minuscule footprint ensures it can be carried comfortably and discreetly in almost any situation, from a front pocket to a purse, without causing discomfort or drawing unwanted attention. Its small frame size is specifically engineered for maximum concealment.
• Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The entire firearm, including the frame, barrel, and cylinder, is crafted from high-quality stainless steel. This material choice provides exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and a sleek, non-reflective finish. Stainless steel also contributes to the longevity of the firearm, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular carry and occasional use without significant wear. This robust construction is a hallmark of North American Arms, reinforcing its reputation for producing dependable mini-revolvers.
• 1.13-inch Vent Rib Barrel: Despite its extremely short barrel, the Wasp features a distinctive vent rib. While not primarily for heat dissipation on a firearm of this size, the vent rib serves to enhance the sight picture, reduce glare, and give the barrel a more substantial and aesthetically pleasing profile. The 1.13-inch barrel length strikes a balance between compactness and projectile velocity for the .22 WMR cartridge.
• 5-Shot Capacity in .22 WMR: With a 5-round capacity, the Wasp offers sufficient defensive capability for close-quarters engagements. The .22 WMR caliber is a significant step up from the standard .22 LR, offering increased muzzle velocity and energy, making it a more viable option for self-defense. This caliber can also utilize .22 Magnum shotshells, expanding its utility for specific pest control or close-range applications.
• Black Pebbled Texture Rubber Grip: The grip is a critical component for control, especially on a small firearm. The Wasp features a black pebble-textured rubber grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold, even with its diminutive size. This texture helps prevent slippage, ensuring a firm grasp during drawing and firing, which is essential for accurate shot placement under stress.
• Fixed Bead Front Sight: Simplicity is key for a defensive firearm, and the fixed bead front sight aligns perfectly with this philosophy. It's durable, snag-free, and offers a straightforward aiming point for quick target acquisition in a self-defense scenario.

Advanced Safety Features:

One of the most critical aspects of any firearm is its safety mechanism. The North American Arms Wasp incorporates a well-regarded safety feature that sets it apart:

• Half-Way Notch Cylinder System: This innovative design allows the hammer to rest safely and securely in a "half-way" notch on the cylinder, positioned between live or empty chambers. This means the hammer is not resting directly on a loaded primer, significantly reducing the chance of an accidental discharge if the firearm is dropped or bumped. It's a simple yet highly effective passive safety feature that provides peace of mind for the carrier. This mechanism requires the user to manually cock the exposed hammer for each shot, as it operates in a Single Action Only (SAO) mode, further enhancing control and intentionality of firing.

Exploring the Power of the .22 WMR Cartridge

The choice of the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) caliber is a deliberate and advantageous one for the NAA Wasp. Often underestimated, the .22 WMR offers a compelling balance for a mini-revolver:

• Increased Velocity and Energy: Compared to the ubiquitous .22 LR, the .22 WMR boasts significantly higher muzzle velocities and kinetic energy. This translates to better penetration and more effective terminal ballistics, making it a more credible self-defense round, especially from a short barrel.
• Low Recoil: Despite its "magnum" designation, the .22 WMR still produces relatively mild recoil, particularly in a heavier stainless steel firearm like the Wasp. This low recoil makes the firearm very manageable for all shooters, including those sensitive to heavier recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and more comfortable practice sessions.
• Versatile Ammunition Options: The market offers a wide array of .22 WMR ammunition, from various bullet weights and designs optimized for self-defense (such as jacketed hollow points) to full metal jacket rounds for practice. The Wasp's design ensures compatibility with all popular .22 Magnum ammunition types.

Who is the NAA Wasp For? Real-World Applications

The North American Arms Wasp is a specialized tool, perfectly suited for specific use cases:

• Deep Concealment for Everyday Carry (EDC): This is where the Wasp truly shines. Its tiny size makes it ideal for discreet carry when larger firearms are impractical or when maximum concealment is paramount. It fits comfortably in a pocket holster, an ankle holster, or even a specialized wallet holster.
• Backup Gun (BUG): Many law enforcement professionals and armed citizens carry a smaller secondary firearm as a backup. The Wasp's reliability and compact nature make it an excellent choice for this role, providing an "always there" option.
• Personal Defense: While not a primary duty weapon, for individuals seeking a minimalist and extremely concealable option for self-defense, the Wasp provides a viable deterrent and defensive capability in close-range encounters.
• Outdoor and Wilderness Companion: Its light weight and resistance to corrosion make it a good companion for hiking, camping, or fishing. It can serve as a small, easy-to-carry firearm for dispatching small pests or as a last-resort defensive tool against dangerous wildlife in an emergency.
• Collector's Item: Beyond its practical utility, the North American Arms mini-revolvers, including the Wasp, have a devoted following among collectors due to their unique design, craftsmanship, and historical significance as modern interpretations of classic pocket pistols.

Why Choose North American Arms? Trust and Reliability

North American Arms has built a strong reputation over decades for producing high-quality, reliable, and innovative mini-revolvers. Their commitment to craftsmanship and user safety is evident in every product, including the Wasp. When you choose an NAA firearm, you're investing in a product from a manufacturer known for:

• Proven Design: The fundamental design of NAA mini-revolvers has been refined over many years, proving its reliability and effectiveness.
• Quality Materials: Consistent use of high-grade stainless steel ensures longevity and performance.
• Focus on Safety: Features like the half-way notch cylinder demonstrate a deep understanding of user safety in a compact firearm.
• Dedicated Niche: NAA specializes in mini-revolvers, allowing them to perfect their craft and offer unmatched expertise in this specific category.

For those looking to acquire this exceptional piece of engineering, the North American Arms 22MSTW Wasp Snub Nose 22 WMR is readily available at reputable firearm retailers. For a reliable purchase and expert assistance, consider exploring the inventory at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality firearms and accessories.

Important Considerations for Owning a Mini-Revolver

While the NAA Wasp offers significant advantages, potential owners should be aware of certain aspects:

• Practice is Key: Due to its small size and short sight radius, proficiency with the Wasp requires regular practice. Mastering the single-action trigger pull and accurate aiming with the bead front sight will maximize its effectiveness.
• Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different brands and types of .22 WMR ammunition to find what performs best and most reliably in your specific Wasp.
• Holster Selection: Invest in a high-quality holster designed specifically for the NAA mini-revolvers to ensure safe and secure carry, as well as easy access when needed.

In summary, the North American Arms Wasp 22 WMR mini-revolver represents the pinnacle of discreet personal defense. Its stainless steel construction, secure grip, innovative safety features, and the potent .22 WMR cartridge combine to create a highly effective and easily concealable firearm. Whether for primary concealed carry, a reliable backup, or simply as a testament to efficient firearm design, the NAA Wasp is a testament to purposeful engineering, ready to serve those who prioritize portability and preparedness.

Product Specifications: North American Arms Wasp 22MSTW

Feature	Specification	Detail
Brand	North American Arms	Renowned Manufacturer
Model	Wasp	Snub Nose Mini-Revolver
Caliber	22 WMR	.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
Capacity	5 Rounds	Fixed Cylinder, 5-Shot
Barrel Length	1.13 inches	Vent Rib Barrel
Overall Length	4.63 inches	Compact for Deep Concealment
Weight	6.20 ounces	Extremely Lightweight
Frame Material	Stainless Steel	Durable & Corrosion Resistant
Frame Finish	Stainless	Overall Polished Finish
Grip Type	Rubber	Black Pebbled Texture
Sights	Bead Front	Fixed, Simple Aiming
Action Type	SAO	Single Action Only
Hammer Style	Exposed	Manual Cocking Required
Safety System	Half-Way Notch	Secure Hammer Rest Position
SKU	70876	Manufacturer's Stock Keeping Unit
UPC	744253002328	Universal Product Code
MPN	22MSTW	Manufacturer Part Number