VIDEO: The NAA Pug in .22 Mag Packs 5 Shots Into a 1-Inch Barrel

In a world gone double-stack striker-fired, carry optics and more, sometimes its good to take a step back. Take in the simpler ways to accomplish a goal. In the world of concealed carry pistols, the NAA Pug fills a unique niche.

Shooting the NAA Pug

We recently got some much-needed time reacquainting ourselves with North American Arms and its unique array of self-defense guns. At the 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous we put some rounds downrange, again reaffirming the Pug’s rightful place as a viable defensive option.

When it comes to concealability, these guns arguably stand unrivaled. The Pug serves as a five-shot, single-action revolver. It weighs around 6.5 ounces unloaded. Its 1-inch barrel fires either .22 Magnum or .22 LR, depending on the cylinder installed. The interchangeability delivers a cool practice/carry combo.

“We make a lot of mini-revolvers. So, this one is really popular,” said Sadie Sweat, North American Arms. “It’s got a .22 Magnum cylinder in it, with the option of a .22 LR cylinder as well.”

Using the guns, you pull down a spring-loaded mechanism, then pull out the cylinder pin. Place the revolver in half-cock, allowing the cylinder to rotate out, facilitating loading/unloading of the pistol.

These guns come with this really slick cobble rubber grip. And that’s really nice, just for the size of our gun, it gives you something really nice to hold onto when you’re shooting it.

The NAA Pug looks like something straight out of the late 1800s, and in some ways it is. But for those worrying about the safety aspect, NAA has got you covered with modern upgrades.

“There’s notches between the rounds,” Sweat said. “So to use our safety you’d rest the hammer down in these notches instead of on a round, so it makes it safe to carry as well.”

The NAA Pug, with both .22 Magnum and .22 LR cylinders, retails for $380. For even more information, please visit northamericanarms.com.

NAA Pug Specs

• Caliber: .22 Magnum
• Capacity: 5
• Overall Length: 4.56 inches
• Overall Height: 2.81 inches
• Width: 1.06 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Barrel Length: 1 inches
• Sights: XS Tritium Dot
• Action: Single Action
• Grips: Slip-on Rubber Pebbled
• MSRP: $380 (with .22 LR conversion cylinder)