The North American Arms 1860 Sheriff is a five-shot .22 LR single-action mini-revolver with a 2.5-inch barrel, stainless steel frame, and rosewood boot grip. At 7.7 oz and 6.31 inches overall it fits in a pocket or holster with no bulk, and the stainless frame handles varying conditions without routine bluing maintenance. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: North American Arms (NAA) 
• Model Name: 1860 Sheriff 
• Caliber: .22 LR 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.31 inches 
• Weight: 0.5 lbs (7.7 oz) 
• Sights: Stainless Post Front 
• Grip Material: Rosewood Boot 
• Frame Finish Material: Stainless Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

The stainless steel frame and cylinder need no bluing upkeep. Wipe it down and it is ready. The rosewood boot grip adds a quality look while fitting the hand for the short-range work this gun is designed for. Single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot, which slows the rate of fire but keeps the mechanism simple and reliable. The post front sight works for close-range aiming at the distances where a .22 LR mini-revolver is practical. 
 

Target Audience 

Concealed carry users who want an ultra-compact backup, collectors drawn to mini-revolver aesthetics, and recreational shooters looking for a low-recoil fun gun with a classic look. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Sport Shooting: Light weight and mild .22 LR recoil make extended plinking sessions comfortable. 
2. Small Game Hunting: Five rounds of .22 LR handles squirrels and rabbits at close range. 
3. Concealed Carry Backup: The 7.7 oz weight and 6.31-inch length fit in places nothing else will.

NAA 1860 Sheriff owners consistently appreciate the compact size and the rosewood grip aesthetics. The stainless finish gets positive comments for low maintenance, and the overall build quality for a small revolver in this price range is generally well-regarded. For plinking and as a collector piece it draws consistent enthusiasm.

The practical limitations of .22 LR from a 2.5-inch barrel come up in any serious defensive discussion. The caliber is not a first choice for stopping power, and most owners acknowledge that openly. Accuracy at distances beyond close range is also harder to achieve with the short sight radius. Those conversations tend to land on the same conclusion: the 1860 Sheriff is a niche gun that does its specific job well, but buyers should have realistic expectations about what it is and is not suited for.

The construction feels very solid, yet the little revolver remains comfortable to carry. What matters most to me is how manageable the single-action operation is with arthritic hands. I can cock and fire it, then load and unload it, without the difficulties I experience with some other handguns. The option of using .22 WMR for carry and .22 rimfire for practice adds welcome flexibility, and the practice setup is simply fun to use. Its combination of compact carry comfort, sturdy build, and accessible operation suits my needs unusually well. My son was impressed by it too, which says something about its appeal beyond my specific hand limitations.