The saying that "good things come in small packages" is a cliché for a reason, and it holds true for North American Arms. NAA’s expansive family of micro-sized revolvers, including the new Recluse in .22 WMR, is proof. 

Quick Summary: If you’re looking for a simple, reliable design for deep concealment and close-range self-defense, the NAA Recluse revolver in .22 WMR could be the ticket.
 

Table of Contents

Meet the NAA Recluse
Specs
Field Notes
Reliability & Accuracy
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts

Meet the NAA Recluse

Marketed as a “modern concealed carrier’s dream,” the new-for-2026 Recluse packs a magnum punch in an ultra-compact package. It’s dubbed the “swing-out tactical mini-revolver” by its builder, and that’s exactly what you get with the Recluse. 

While many NAA minis are .22 LR numbers, this one ups the ante in its .22 WMR, or Magnum, chambering. At only 5.75 inches long overall, it’s shorter than most cell phones, and it’s barely over an inch wide. 
 

While one might expect rudimentary iron sights on such a piece, the Recluse comes topped with an XS Sights White Dot system. At only 8.8 ounces empty, this one has that “barely there” feel. Even in the spicier .22 WMR chambering, it’s all bark and no bite for the shooter in terms of perceived recoil. 

Durability is not a concern, as like NAA’s other stout little numbers, the Recluse is backed by a lifetime warranty. It also ships in its own locking steel case. Even better, these guns are built of stainless steel right here in the USA. 
 

My Impressions

We’re not new to NAA’s pint-sized wheel guns, having worked with several variants over the years. The new Recluse, though, is the first time handling what the company calls its “tactical profile,” which includes a significantly more substantial grip. 
 

The overmolded rubberized grip is untextured but has finger grooves, making it markedly easier for those with larger hands to handle compared to some of NAA’s tinier models. The Recluse falls into the company’s Black Widow family, itself an offshoot of the Pug, Mini-Master, and Black Widow contingent. 

Concealing the Recluse is not a problem, even for the smallest framed, best dressed carriers. But how is shooting the 2-inch barreled piece? That’s what we wanted to find out. 
 

Field Notes

We headed to the range with several types of .22 WMR ammunition, including CCI Maxi Mag Varmint 46-grain SHP, Hornady Critical Defense 45-grain FTX, and Hornady Varmint Express 30-grain V-Max. It takes some practice to quickly swing out and relatch the five-round magazine, though it loads easily and locks with authority. 
 

The trigger pull, as one might expect from what a semi-teardrop-shaped trigger, takes some getting used to. The pull is both shorter and stiffer than the norm on CCW firearms. 

While many will argue the chambering – or any rimfire – is impotent for self-defense, we’d rather not get hit with Hornady’s Critical Defense, no matter how long or short the launching platform’s barrel.
 

The grip on the Recluse is considerably larger than that of its stablemates, and as such, feels more controllable whether in larger or smaller hands. While we find it less than aesthetically pleasing as an oddly shaped chunk of rubber, it fits the hand fairly well for a small piece.
 

Reliability & Accuracy

It should go without saying, but our test Recluse ran with 100-percent reliability. Though the controls – as in hammer and trigger – are small, the serration lines allow for ample hold, crisp action, and smooth function. 
 

One cannot get too bent out of shape during an accuracy test on micro-compact revolver and its 2-inch barrel. Accuracy is no better or worse than one would expect, with 7-yard targets hitting center mass with decently easy repeatability. Backing off to 10+ yard ranges allows more room for pattern expansion, and anything beyond that would require significant practice. 

This is neither a target trigger nor a precision long-range revolver. The Recluse makes no great claims for either, instead excelling at exactly what it is: a swing-out mini revolver with a friendlier grip, among other improvements. 

Final Thoughts

With a swing-out cylinder, punchy .22 Magnum chambering, upgraded XS sights, and practical overmolded grip, North American Arms’ revamped Recluse revolver stands tall for its small stature. 

While its effective range is limited and it requires practice to handle well, it is easily concealed, affordable to fire, built in the USA, and backed by a serious warranty. That’s plenty to catch our attention, and pulling out the NAA Recluse, despite its barely-there size, always catches the eye of like-minded shooters and gun collectors alike.