The North American Arms 1860 The Earl is a SAO mini-revolver chambered in .22 WMR with a 3-inch barrel and rosewood boot grip. The stainless steel construction and period-influenced styling make it a distinctive piece in NAA's lineup, combining the .22 WMR cartridge with a frame sized for deep concealment. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: North American Arms 
• Model Name: 1860 The Earl 
• Caliber: .22 WMR (Magnum) 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.75 inches 
• Weight: 8.3 oz (approximately 0.5 lbs) 
• Sights: Stainless Post Sight 
• Grip Type: Rosewood Boot Grip 
• Finish: Stainless Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The stainless steel frame and barrel are NAA's standard construction across the mini-revolver line, giving the Earl corrosion resistance suited for daily carry. The 3-inch barrel is longer than NAA's standard 1-inch models, which helps with velocity and gives a slightly longer sight radius. 
 
The rosewood boot grip gives a better purchase than the smaller standard grip on shorter NAA revolvers. The hammer must be manually cocked for each shot, which is standard SAO operation and keeps the mechanism simple. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The Earl works as a deep concealment backup or last-resort carry piece. The .22 WMR cartridge has more velocity and energy than .22 LR, making it a reasonable choice for this size class. It also suits small game at close ranges and informal target work.

The NAA 1860 Earl attracts the same core audience as other NAA mini-revolvers: people who want the smallest possible carry piece and are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with it.

Size and weight are the primary reasons people buy this. At 8.3 oz and 6.75 inches, it disappears in a pocket where most other revolvers would print noticeably. This point is consistent across virtually all owner feedback.

The rosewood grip gets specific attention. Owners who've handled both the Earl and shorter-barreled NAA revolvers appreciate the improved purchase the boot grip provides. The longer 3-inch barrel also comes up as a plus for this model versus the 1-inch versions.

The .22 WMR caliber generates the usual debate about defensive adequacy. Some owners are comfortable with it for close-range use backed by good JHP ammunition; others carry it strictly as a last-resort backup behind a larger primary. The split is roughly predictable and more about individual preference than any specific flaw in the revolver.

SAO operation requires cocking the hammer before each shot, which is fine for deliberate shooting but slows things down in a stress scenario. This is inherent to the NAA platform rather than a defect.

Pricing relative to other mini-revolvers comes up; some find it reasonable for the quality and craftsmanship, others compare it to cheaper alternatives. NAA's build quality is generally considered consistent.