Anyone gave a Bond Arms derringer?

[Ron3]

HAVE, not give, sorry.


Looks like it might be fun and a neat gift idea.

I watched a few videos but they don't really explain how the gun should be carried and what safety features it has. (Transfer bar? Firing pin return springs?)

I know they have a cross bolt safety. Is that how these are carried? Hammer at the half-cock with a cross bolt safety engaged? Because that sounds like a slow, two-handed operation to draw and fire.

Also, I see barrel sets must be sent to an FFL. The barrels are the reciever or what?

[kerplode]

I have a Texas Defender. It came with a 3" 45/410 barrel and I've since added 3" 9mm and 3" 38/357.

It's a neat little gun and it's well made. That being said, I don't really find it all that practical for much besides the occasional range trip and as an curiosity for my collection.

The thing is all points and sharp edges and the grip is stubby and sort of awkward. With 45LC or the 410's you're pretty much guaranteed a gash on the thumb before the end of the session. 9mm and 38spl are more reasonable, though. 22 would be pretty fun and given the weight of the thing, it'd have no recoil.

It's also pretty big and heavy for what it is...A slow to employ, single action, two shot belly gun. The trigger pull is also weird. Heavy and you sort of have to press it down and back instead of just straight back.

The safety features are the aforementioned cross-bolt and rebounding hammer. It rebounds off the firing pin and catches in a sort of half-cock. IIRC, there is also an interlock between the barrel latch and the hammer so you can't open the barrels if the hammer is cocked. AFAIK, it's safe to carry with the barrels loaded and the hammer in the rebound position. I'd probably also engage the cross bolt if I carried it for real. And yeah, it is a really slow, two handed draw and fire operation.

Barrels shipping to an FFL is a Bond Arm policy. They are not serial numbered or anything. I ordered my alternate barrels from Taylor and Company, and they shipped them direct to my door.

As a defensive weapon or a BUG, I think they're a silly gimmick. A J-frame is a far superior defensive weapon.

But like I said, they're kinda fun to play with and they're really well made.

[gsd2053]

I have no need for such a thing.

https://blog.roninsgrips.com/the-bon...han-i-assumed/

[kerplode]

I sort of put it in the same category as an NAA mini revolver or one of those Altor pistols.

Interesting examples of engineering and manufacturing that are fun at the range but have seriously questionable utility as defensive weapons

edited to add:
That stupid Altor is one of the few firearms outside of full-auto that made me giggle as I was firing it. It's so stupid, but somehow it's really a lot of fun...

[titsonritz]

I have a Texas Defender. It came with a 3" 45/410 barrel

A buddy has one of these, I've shot it more than he has, the big puss. Personally, I always preferred the American Derringer rendition, dad use to have one in .38, I thought that it was a perfect match for the gun, I'd like to get one.

[SteyrAUG]

The only modern production Derringers that weren't complete junk were American Derringers, which are many years out of production and I strongly caution against the .44 mag version. I fired the .357 mag and damn that was a palm punch. But .38 specials were not too bad out of it.

[Ron3]

Thanks for the info.

I thought part of the @$450 for one of these meant it had smooth edges, a decent trigger, and was fast into action.

At least it seems to have reliability and durability.

A bad trigger really ruins a gun.

I had a pretty semi RPD that ran fine. But it had a trigger like the worst Taurus double-action revolver. Long. Long reset. Probably 12 lbs or more. On a belt-fed. Didnt have that rifle long.

I could see the Bond Arms for a non-enthusiest who thinks one shot from an almighty .45 Colt or .410 rifled cannon will solve any human or animal problem and with a second shot available it's "more than enough". (And that's not always wrong!) And they don't want a .410 revolver because too big & heavy.

Or just as a toy / conversation piece or for Cowboy Action Shooting derringer stages.

Anyway, I see the auto cartridges have no extractor so you need a pencil or a finger nail or something.

I'd probably buy one in .45 / .410 and get an extra .44 spec barrel set because I can load .44 Russian for medium-light to medium-heavy recoil.

I also noticed they make 6 inch barrels and that could be fun in .357 mag and .30 Carbine. Yes, they can make you a .30 Carbine barrel set.

But if the trigger sucks...meh. Maybe someone does trigger work on them?

I wonder how many Desert Eagle owners also own a Bond Arms derringer?

[teufelhund1918]

I have a Defender in .45/410 and shoot it often. It's a hoot to plink with, but in reality, not all that practical. Outside of a couple yards, not at all accurate. Not a fan of the cross bolt safety either.

[kerplode]

Maybe someone does trigger work on them?

SASS-specialist gunsmiths work on them. There a guy in VT called Cowboy Gun Works that lists complete action jobs for Bonds among his services. He wants $299, though, which to me seems like a lot to invest unless you're actually planning to use it in competition.

I wonder how many Desert Eagle owners also own a Bond Arms derringer?

Desert Eagles are completely impractical, but I definitely want one. So one of these days, you can count me amongst this group. :-)

I own, shoot, and enjoy stuff a lot of people here would roll their eyes at. I have a lot of practical stuff, sure, but I also appreciate firearms for their design, materials, and engineering. So if I think something is interesting in that regard, I'll check it out. As a result, I have an Altor hanging next to my HKs and Glocks, and a goofy Savage 42 next to my BCM ARs. It's all good.

[LoboTBL]

Lest ye all think me full of it.... .45/410 & .44MAG

IMG_1413.jpg

Yes, they are both impractical. Yes, they are both fun to shoot.