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    North American Arms Bootlegger .22 Magnum (NAA-22M-BB) Review: Ultra-Compact 5-Shot Revolver with Burnt Bronze Cerakote

    North American Arms Bootlegger .22 Magnum Single-Action Revolver (NAA-22M-BB)

    Introduction

    If you’re shopping for a truly discreet revolver that can live in a pocket holster, a coat pocket, or a minimalist concealment setup, the North American Arms Bootlegger .22 Magnum Single-Action Revolver 1.63in Barrel Burnt Bronze Cerakote 5-Round Walnut Birds Head Grips stands out for one reason: it’s purpose-built to be small, simple, and durable.

    Chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) and built on NAA’s proven mini-revolver platform, the Bootlegger pairs classic birds head styling with a modern Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish for corrosion resistance. It’s a niche firearm by design—best understood as an ultra-compact, always-there revolver for close-range defensive utility, trail use, or deep-concealment backup roles.

    Key Features and Specifications

    Model / Identification

    • Manufacturer: North American Arms
    • Model: Bootlegger
    • MPN: NAA-22M-BB
    • UPC: 744253004063

    Action & Operation

    • Single-action-only (SAO): The hammer must be manually cocked for each shot. This keeps the mechanism straightforward and helps preserve a crisp, consistent trigger release in a very small package.
    • 5-shot cylinder: Standard capacity for NAA mini-revolvers in .22 WMR.

    Caliber

    • .22 Magnum / .22 WMR: A rimfire magnum cartridge that generally offers more velocity and energy than .22 LR—especially from longer barrels. In a short barrel, you still gain a meaningful step up in terminal performance potential compared to .22 LR, with the tradeoff of higher blast/flash.

    Barrel & Sights

    • Barrel length: 1.63 inches (1 5/8”)
    • Half-moon front sight: A fast, snag-resistant sighting arrangement that matches the gun’s intended distances and carry style.

    Finish & Materials

    • Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish: Cerakote is widely used for wear and corrosion resistance—particularly valuable on a gun that may be carried close to the body where sweat, lint, and daily abrasion are constant.
    • Walnut birds head grips: Traditional appearance with a compact contour that keeps printing to a minimum.

    Carry Safety System (NAA Mini-Revolver Platform Detail) NAA mini-revolvers are known for a safety-notch cylinder system that is designed to allow safe carry with all chambers loaded when used correctly. The hammer can rest in a milled notch between chambers rather than on a live rim. This is a key feature for real-world carry on such a small revolver, but it requires strict adherence to the manual’s loading and verification steps. (northamericanarms.com)

    Practical Applications

    1) Deep Concealment / “Always” Gun The Bootlegger’s core advantage is its minimal footprint. For users who can’t comfortably carry a larger handgun in certain clothing, environments, or summer setups, this format can be a realistic alternative to carrying nothing at all.

    2) Backup Gun (BUG) Role As a secondary firearm, the SAO mini-revolver offers:

    • mechanical simplicity
    • pocket-friendly dimensions
    • a platform that’s not dependent on magazine feeding

    3) Trail / Kit Gun Utility For a compact trail companion, .22 WMR can be useful for small pests and general utility. The Cerakote finish is also a practical choice for outdoor exposure.

    4) Pocket Carry with Purpose-Built Holsters Because these revolvers are so small, holster choice matters more than usual: you want consistent orientation, covered trigger access, and lint protection.

    NAA offers dedicated carry accessories for magnum-frame mini-revolvers such as:

    Expert Analysis

    What this revolver is (and isn’t) The North American Arms Bootlegger .22 Magnum Single-Action Revolver 1.63in Barrel Burnt Bronze Cerakote 5-Round Walnut Birds Head Grips is not trying to replace a compact 9mm or a service revolver. It’s for buyers who prioritize:

    • maximum concealability
    • corrosion resistance for daily carry
    • a simple, reliable “contact-distance” style defensive tool

    Strengths

    • Excellent carry comfort-to-capability ratio: Few firearms offer a true “pocketable” revolver format with a 5-shot cylinder.
    • Cerakote for real carry conditions: Sweat and friction are the enemies of pocket guns; a durable finish is not cosmetic—it’s functional.
    • Safety-notch carry system: Properly using the safety notches is central to carrying an NAA mini-revolver responsibly. NAA provides explicit guidance on aligning the hammer into a safety slot between chambers and visually confirming the gun is truly in the safe position. (northamericanarms.com)

    Tradeoffs to understand before buying

    • SAO manual-of-arms: You must cock the hammer for every shot. That’s not a drawback if you’re buying it knowingly, but it’s a training commitment.
    • Very small grip = very small margin for error: The walnut birds head grip keeps the package compact, but it also means you should expect to practice for control and consistency.
    • Short-barrel .22 WMR realities: .22 WMR from a 1 5/8" barrel is loud and flashy. NAA publishes barrel-specific .22 Magnum velocity data for their 1 5/8" test barrel, which can help set realistic expectations. (northamericanarms.com)

    Recommended setup & training focus

    • Carry: Use a pocket holster designed for NAA magnum minis so the revolver stays oriented and protected.
    • Practice: Work on deliberate cocking, consistent grip placement, and close-range accuracy.
    • Maintenance: Pocket guns accumulate lint quickly; routine wipe-down and careful cleaning per the owner’s manual is important.

    Conclusion

    For buyers seeking a discreet, durable, classic-styled mini revolver, the North American Arms Bootlegger .22 Magnum Single-Action Revolver 1.63in Barrel Burnt Bronze Cerakote 5-Round Walnut Birds Head Grips is a compelling option. Its 1.63" barrel and 5-shot .22 WMR cylinder provide meaningful capability in an ultra-compact format, while the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish and walnut birds head grips deliver both practicality and timeless looks.

    The key to satisfaction with this revolver is aligning expectations to its mission: deep concealment, close-range practicality, and simple SAO operation—supported by consistent practice and correct use of NAA’s safety-notch carry system.

    Sources

    North American Arms. "Safety - Personal Defense - Concealed Carry." North American Arms. (accessed April 24, 2026). https://www.northamericanarms.com/safety/

    North American Arms. "Owner’s Manual (Mini-Revolver)" North American Arms (PDF). July 2023 (accessed April 24, 2026). https://northamericanarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ownersm.pdf

    North American Arms. ".22 Magnum – 1 & 5/8" barrel (Ballistics)." North American Arms. (accessed April 24, 2026). https://www.northamericanarms.com/ballistics/ball-22m/

    North American Arms. "Magnum Flap Holster (HF-M)." North American Arms. (accessed April 24, 2026). https://www.northamericanarms.com/shop/hf-m/

    North American Arms. "Magnum Pocket Holster (HPK-M)." North American Arms. (accessed April 24, 2026). https://www.northamericanarms.com/shop/hpk-m/