North American Arms 1860 Revolver: Old West Style Modernized

There’s a special place where history and modern craftsmanship meet: compact revolvers that look like they walked out of an Old West storefront but function with today’s materials and tolerances. If you appreciate handguns that carry character, don’t compromise on build quality, and deliver reliable, low-recoil performance at the range, you’ll want to read on.

NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 1860 is a five-shot single-action mini revolver that channels the look of a 150-year-old percussion handgun while offering modern convenience. Named after the gunsmith who originally developed the concept, the EARL-style design features a faux loading lever that secures the cylinder pin, a heavy octagon barrel available in 3″ or 4″, top strap channel stainless finish, wood grips, and a bead front sight. Shop this product

Design and Key Features

The NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 1860 blends period styling with a modern stainless finish. The faux loading lever is more than decoration: it secures the cylinder pin, echoing the appearance of percussion revolvers while providing functional cylinder retention. The heavy octagon barrel—offered in your choice of 3″ or 4″—gives the revolver a classic profile and added rigidity, which can aid in consistent point of impact shot-to-shot.

Other noteworthy touches include a top strap channel that guides the sight picture and a bead front sight for quick target acquisition. The wood grips offer a warm visual contrast to the stainless finish and keep the package compact in the hand. With five chambers in the cylinder, the platform balances nostalgia and practicality for short-range shooting sessions.

Caliber Considerations: 22 LR and 22 Magnum

This platform is listed as chambered for 22 LR22 Mag, a notation that points to compatibility with rimfire options like .22 LR and .22 WMR (22 Magnum) in similar NAA mini-revolver lines. Cartridge choice matters:

.22 LR

.22 LR is inexpensive, widely available, and produces minimal recoil and muzzle blast. That makes it ideal for plinking, marksmanship practice, and new shooters who want to build trigger control. Its light recoil also preserves the pleasant handling characteristics of a small revolver.

.22 Magnum (22 WMR)

.22 Magnum steps up velocity and terminal energy while still remaining in the rimfire family. If you’re considering small-game use or need a bit more authority for fieldwork, .22 Magnum provides a meaningful increase in performance over .22 LR. Expect louder reports and a touch more muzzle flip, but also improved penetration and range.

Handling, Sights, and Barrel Choices

The heavy octagonal barrel changes more than looks: compared to a lightweight round barrel, the octagon adds mass forward of the hinge which can damp felt recoil and help steady the muzzle for follow-up shots. The 3″ barrel keeps the revolver tighter in the hand and is easier to carry; the 4″ option lengthens sight radius and boosts muzzle velocity slightly for flatter trajectories at short distances.

The bead front sight paired with the top strap channel offers a simple sight picture that’s fast to align at close ranges. For a single-action revolver in .22, you’ll find this setup intuitive for recreational shooting and deliberate precision at the range.

Practical Applications

Think of the NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 1860 as a character-packed plinker and a historical-styled pocket revolver. Its compact footprint and mild recoil make it well-suited for:

• Range practice and inexpensive drills with .22 LR
• Small-game field use when chambered in .22 Magnum
• A nostalgic collection piece that still performs reliably
• Short-range backup or bushcraft sidearm where legal and appropriate

Maintenance is straightforward: rimfire revolvers of this size are generally simple to clean and service. The stainless finish helps with corrosion resistance in varied environments, and the faux loading lever design reduces moving parts compared to full historical replicas.

Value and Pricing

At a listed price of $286.99, the NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 1860 positions itself as an affordable piece of specialized kit. For shooters who want the aesthetics of a percussion-style revolver without the logistical overhead of black powder, this offering is an attractive compromise. The materials—stainless finish, heavy octagon barrel, and wood grips—deliver a premium look at a modest price point.

If you want to confirm current stock or see the dealer’s full product page, View product details and pricing.

Where This Revolver Fits

If you value personality in a firearm without surrendering modern reliability, NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 1860 earns a spot in your safe. It’s not intended as a long-range hunting rifle or a heavy-duty defensive handgun; rather, it shines as a charming, accurate, lightweight shooter for close-range applications, recreational target work, and collectors who admire Old West styling reimagined for today.

For shooters who want to handle one and evaluate fit, or to complete a purchase, Check current availability. Clicking takes you to our shop page where you can review images and complete the purchase through the retailer.

People Also Ask

What makes this product stand out from competitors?

This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Is this product suitable for beginners?

Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.

What warranty or support is available?

The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.

How does this compare to similar products in its price range?

This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.

What maintenance is required?

Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.