Description
Picture this: you’re packing for a weekend of primitive camping, or maybe you’re a history buff wanting to feel the same loading process as a frontiersman. You need something incredibly compact, simple, and that won’t break the bank for occasional plinking or as a conversation piece. That’s where the NAA Companion Mini Cap And Ball Revolver Kit .22 Caliber 1.125″ Barrel Stainless Steel 5 Shot carves its niche. It’s a modern-made, miniature replica of a 19th-century percussion revolver, offering a hands-on black powder experience at a scale and price that’s hard to match.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your typical centerfire handgun. The NAA Companion is a tiny, five-shot, single-action cap and ball revolver chambered in .22 caliber. It comes as a complete kit, meaning you get the revolver, a loading tool, and a capper to get you started. With its 1.125-inch barrel and all-stainless steel construction, it’s built for durability and extreme portability. At a price of $292.24, it sits in a unique category, far cheaper than most modern cartridge-firing revolvers but offering a very different kind of shooting fun. This kit is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Key Features & Practical Trade-Offs
Let’s talk value and what you’re actually getting. The core appeal is the stainless steel build. It resists rust from black powder fouling better than blued steel, a practical choice for a gun designed to get dirty. The entire revolver is just 4.75 inches long and weighs a mere 4.8 ounces—you can literally hide it in your palm. That incredible compactness is the main selling point, but it comes with clear trade-offs. The tiny size and rudimentary sights make precision at any distance a real challenge. This is a 10-foot fun gun, not a target pistol.
The kit aspect is a huge part of the bang-for-buck proposition. Instead of buying the revolver and then hunting down compatible accessories, North American Arms includes the essentials. You get the loading lever/ramrod combo and a capper designed for the diminutive #10 percussion caps it uses. It’s a system that fits out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to start loading and shooting. Just add black powder (or a substitute), .22 caliber round balls, and percussion caps. The process is slow, methodical, and half the appeal for the right shooter.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Caliber Black Powder |
| Capacity | 5 Shots |
| Barrel Length | 1.125 Inches |
| Overall Length | 4.75 Inches |
| Weight | 4.8 oz |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Action | Single-Action Percussion |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unmatched size and concealability. Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant. Complete kit offers immediate functionality. Unique, historical shooting experience. Price point is low for a stainless steel firearm. Simple mechanics with no complex parts.
Cons: Very short sight radius and rudimentary sights limit accuracy. Slow, messy loading process compared to cartridge guns. Not suitable for defensive use. Muzzle velocity and energy are very low. Can be finicky with cap fitment.
Who Is This For?
This mini-revolver is for a specific buyer. It’s perfect for the budget-conscious history enthusiast who wants a tactile link to the past without investing in a full-sized replica. It’s for the backpacker or survivalist who values an ultra-lightweight, simple tool for occasional small game harvesting in a primitive scenario—though its effectiveness is debated. Collectors of unique firearms and those who enjoy the ritual of black powder loading will also appreciate it. It is decidedly not for someone seeking a modern, practical firearm for defense or regular range training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this considered a firearm, and do I need an FFL transfer?
A: Yes. Despite being a black powder cap-and-ball design, the NAA Companion is classified as a firearm and requires an FFL transfer for purchase, just like any modern handgun.
Q: What accessories do I need to buy separately to shoot it?
A: You’ll need to purchase black powder or a black powder substitute (like Pyrodex P), .22 caliber round balls (typically .222″ diameter), #10 percussion caps, and a powder measure. Cleaning supplies for black powder are also essential.
Q: How does it compare to a modern .22 LR mini-revolver, like an NAA Black Widow?
A: The companion is cheaper and offers a classic experience, but it’s much slower to load and less practical. A Black Widow uses .22 LR cartridges, offering faster reloads, better weather resistance, and slightly more power. You’re trading convenience and performance for lower cost and historical novelty.
If the idea of owning a piece of pocket-sized history with a very practical price tag appeals to you, the NAA Companion kit represents a distinct and affordable entry into black powder shooting. Explore the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.