Bond Arms Texas Defender .357 Magnum

[scalper]

I am really curious about Bond Arm's Texas Defender in .357 Magnum. What is this thing like to shoot? Is it at all practical? I would consider myself a bit of a novelty pistol collector and really enjoy the idea of interchangeable barrels and larger caliber derringers, however I have no way to evaluate one, since, I must order one if I want it.

Could this also function as a backup CCW piece?

Believe me, I am not afraid of recoil, but I do like a gun at least a little enjoyable to shoot. So any tips on these let me know.

If you have the .410/.45 LC, let me know as well.

Also, do these guns keep their resale value as well? The look like they are well made

 

[James T Thomas]

We are here!

Sir:

I have reviewed you post here for the past few days and without a reply.

That's unusual for THR.

Use the search function; above, and you will find much about the Bond derringers, 357 and others. Also comments about their recoil.

Jim

 

[owlhoot]

Scalper, if you must have a derringer then the Bond is the best currently available.

In .357 the recoil is decidedly unpleasant for all save the masochistic

The Bond is rather large and heavy. It is slow to cock using the shooting hand. Much faster if you use the thumb of the support hand. The trigger pull is not conducive to good shooting. It is slow to reload. I can't think of any practical use to which the gun may be put. It is a novelty, however, and if that is what you want, go for it.

There are about 157 better choices for a backup CCW piece.

I bought one a few years ago for cowboy action side matches. It is the best choice for that particular application. But I was glad to sell mine for less than half of what I paid. If you aren't cowboy shooting, your money would be better spent on loose women and bad whisky.

 

[Jim March]

I shot a 357 derringer once. American Derringer DA model.

All I have to say is: OWWWW!

Never again.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've got the Bond in 45ACP.
I haven't shot the .357 but I would guess it's much like the 45 with +P loads.
Not something you want to do a lot.

But with the .357 you can shoot 38 Special for practice and shoot .357 once in a while.

Even though with practice the gun can be right accurate I wouldn't carry it for defense because of it being only two shots.

 

[PTK]

I'll be shooting my .44-40 and my .38/.357 today at the range - I'll be report back.

That said, at most it'll be a backup gun - NOT the primary piece.