Bond Arms 44-40 derringer?

[PTK]

Does anyone own one of the Bond Arms derringers in 44-40? If so, how's the kick compared to a lightweight .357 mag?

I'm trying to decide if buying an extra set of barrels for my derringer is worth it.

[PTK]

Well, I ordered the barrels (only $140) and I'll post a report here once I get to shoot them.

[Snowdog]

Yes, absolutely post your findings. It should make for an interesting read!

[xjchief]

I was just eyeballing one yesterday. Expensive little buggers aren't they...

[PTK]

Expensive little buggers aren't they...

$320 plus tax is hardly expensive when you consider that the next up is American Derringers for ~$700...

[PTK]

The new barrel arrived today, I'll post a range report Saturday night or Sunday AM.

First impressions - the replacement barrel was shipped quickly (just ordered it Monday!) and packaged well. No dents/dings/etc. It was supplied with an Allen L-wrench to remove the hinge pin and old barrels, and install the new barrels. Installation literally took 30 seconds, and the new barrels fit just as nicely as the old barrels did.

Loaded factory "UltraMax" 44-40 drop into the chambers nicely, and the barrels close without an issue. The gun seems an ounce or so lighter, probably due to less steel in the barrels themselves.

I've attached a few pictures as well.

[CBS220]

A neat chambering, but a little unusual.

May I ask why you picked .44-40 over other possibles? Just a fondness for the cartridge?

[PTK]

Out of this short barrel, .44-40 out performs all other offerings save for .357 Maximum which is hard to find brass for.

[CBS220]

Ah, gotcha then.

I bet .357 Max isn't too fun to shoot out of that thing, anyway!

[PTK]

It's not supposed to be super fun to shoot. If it HURTS to shoot, think what it does on the other end! :D

Here are some numbers... out of this barrel length, .44-40 gets 670 ft-lbs at the muzzle with proper handloads and a 200gr bullet moving at about ~1200 FPS. From what I understand, this loading KICKS HARD. From others that have chonographed .357 mag loads out of this, they're getting about 40 ft-lbs at the muzzle with a 158gr bullet at ~1075 FPS.

[PTK]

Accuracy is decent enough at short ranges, but BOY is that 44-40 loud! Recoil wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, but still quite stout. You definitely know that something big and mean comes out of the muzzle.

All in all, if anyone is interested in getting a .44-40 barrel but you've been holding off, go for it. I consider it $140 well spent.