Bond Arms 44 Special

[Unkei]

Just read a post from 2007 where they were discussing the Bond Arms in 44 Special. Everyone seened to think this gun would be punishing to fire because of the cartridge and very loud! I've got one! It is less recoil than the 45 colt barrel I have in the same gun which is easy and enjoyable to fire. So this one in 44 Special is just a bit less on the recoil. And...really..they were talking about the possibility of the loud noise! Are we not wearing ear protection? Be aware though..the trigger action on a derringer is quite different than on a revolver or a semi-auto! The trigger pull on a derringer is back and down as the trigger is made that way! If fired in this manner, the trigger action is smooth and easy. If attempted in just a straight back pull..it will feel like about a 50 pound pull and may not fire at all! Also..do not rest your thumb against the back of the hammer as this will make the trigger pull heavier. Just use it in the appropriate manner, and there is no problem! My BA Snake Slayer with 3 inch barrel is a fantastic gun, built like a tank of solid stainless steel...guaranteed for life even for those who have purchased them from previous owners! The barrels are interchangeable easily and are available in a multitude of calibers. I have 45/410, 45 Colt, 45 acp, and 44 Special. Sure...they are just 2 shots..but those can be big ones! And unless you are a Bob Munden type..don't even think of reloading in a SD situation! Still..they are, at least the Bond Arms derringers..very accurate out to 15-20 feet..which is fine for SD purposes. But..if you worry about only 2 shots, carry another gun..or maybe two! Never know when your'e going to run into the zombie apocalypse or multible bad guys! LOL!
Cheers,
Unkei

 

[heyjoe]

i just ordered a 44 special barrel a couple of days ago

 

[farm23]

Unkel do you see any improvement in velocity or accuracy of the 45 colt over the 410/45 barrel? With more riffling I would think there should be some improvement in accuracy but I do not about increased velocity.

 

[FL-NC]

Guns like that just don't make sense to me in this day and age. My $ says that if guns like the Ruger LCP, Walther PPK, S&W 36, Ruger LCR, etc. were available when those things were invented, not many derringers would have been sold.

 

[bannockburn]

Unkei

Thanks for the info. Have pondered from time to time about getting one in .45 Colt or .44 Special to go with my like chambered single actions.

 

[guyfromohio]

I used to have an American Derringer in .45/.410 and it was a cool gun. I'll have a Bond when I get around to it, but not high on my list. As a well-made novelty.....I'm all-in. However, I find the weight and size to be more than many other better options. The Texas Defender, an example of one of the smaller versions is 5" in total length and 20oz in weight. Whereas a five-shot SW 642 is only 6" and 15oz, but carries three more. A PPS 5.3" and 21oz with 8 or 9 rounds. If I'm looking for my self-defense side-arm, not my first choice. For a fun range gun, collectible, conversation piece, or simply a well-made piece of art.... I would do it in a heart-beat.

 

[Unkei]

Hey all,
Thanks for all the replies! To heyjoe and bannockburn...you'll like the barrel in 44 Special and 45 Colt! For farm23...I don't own a chronograph..so can't speak to velocity, but think the short barrel..even with the extra rifling, willl limit any improvement to velocity, ( though that's the reason I gave myself for the 45 Colt barrel) LOL! As for accuracy...it's already fine up to around 20 feet, and that works OK for SD.
To the other issues addressed..I own and use 30 different handguns in both semi-auto and revolver platforms. They include S&W, Sig, Colt, Walther, and multiple others! Oh..and to stir the discussion even further...I own and carry 3 different NAA 22 mags and love them! Do I think a SA 2 shot derringer is the best choice for SD? Heck no..and I never said that. Big bore reolvers and semi-autos will always carry the day better! And as a retired LEO who has actually been in more than one gunfight, I would never advocate a 2 shot derringer as the SD weapon of choice! But..that being said they are still ( at least the Bond Arms)..a fine little weapon. For myself..I just treat my weapon choices like I treat my spiritual beliefs.....I don't claim mine are the only choices...nor do I ever try to force my beliefs or choices on anyone else. Each to his own and the proof is always in the pudding!
Cheers,
Unkei

 

[Panzerschwein]

I agree, especially since a J-frame revolver is basically the same size and weight. If the Bond guns were smaller or at least lighter, I'd probably own one just for the novelty.

 

[TUBBY1]

I have the ck 2000 in 46lc/410 and find the 3 1/2 inch barrel very tolerable in both loads and variations. I bought a 357/38 in 3" and like it a lot. It is heavy in the pocket. Great truck gun.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a 45 Colt/.410 Bond Arms derringer for carrying on my tractor when bush hogging the "outer forty". Adequate for dispatching snakes and other small animals that get injured by the mower.

Lots more convenient to carry than a Judge or full shotgun and two shots is usually more than enough. Reloading time is not critical in this application.