New Beauty on the Way - Bond Arms Snake Slayer

[jeggers]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't bought a piece for about a year now (saving for bigger house, bought a couple new cars, etc...). I figured I had abstained long enough and the wife concurred. I had a half day yesterday from work, and went to knock around the local gun store.

Some of you guys may think I'm nuts, but on a range trip a couple weeks ago, a buddy was talking about his cool derringer. I have always liked those since I was a kid so yesterday I picked up a Bond Arms Snake Slayer in .45/.410. I have have been jonesin for a .410 pistol lately and I liked it better then the judge. The build quality was second to none and I fell in love instantly!

I apologize if this is not the correct forum for this type of firearm, but I didn't know where to post for a Bond Derringer.

So a couple questions for you guys while I wait out the days until I can take delivery:

Is the kick really as bad as the dealer said?

Bond arms feature exchangeable barrels and almost every caliber under the sun. I plan to pick up a 9mm barrel most def. Also, I wanted to get a 4.25" .45/.410 barrel (the gun came with a 3.5" barrel). Do you think this will make much of a difference for the .45's accuracy wise?

Any one had any negative experiences with these nasty little beasts?

Thanks in advance!!! I will post pics when I get the little bugger home, but here's one from the shop:

 

[montanaoffroader]

Brought it home today............

 

[Brian Williams]

Sorry, but Beauty does not fit that, but looks like it will be a handful.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Beauty? no. Beast? probably.

 

[asharpshooter]

I like mine! 3" 410 recoil is worse than the .45lc.

 

[PRM]

I've had an American Derringer Model 1 in 45LC/.410 for about 20 years. I've found the .000 Buck and field loads in the .410 to be more comfortable and manageable than the .45 LC smokeless (mine takes the 2.5 inch .410). I had some .45LC loaded in black powder and its more fun than the 4th of July.

It's a close range gun. With field loads it will make short work of a snake on walks in the woods. I generally leave em be, but I have put a few Copperheads on the road to glory.

Hope you enjoy your derringer as much as I have mine.

 

[bikemutt]

I just sold mine as it was not getting much use and some cash was needed for another revolver. The gun really was not a joy to shoot with any if the ammo it's chambered for. And it's on the heavy side for a pocket carry gun.

The best use I found for it would be for rattle snakes and for that I felt the 2-1/2" shells with #8 shot gave the best pattern.

Enjoy.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I've got a Snake Slayer IV and I'd say the recoil from the 3" .410's is definately worse than the .45LC. Honestly, the recoil from the 3" .410 stings my hand worse than my 460 Magnum. That being said, I agree they are beautiful little guns if you like derringers that is. I've found that the riffling in this gun is really too short for any real accuracy with the .45, and the sights are a bit hard to get used too. If your's takes 3" shells, I wouldn't bother getting the longer bbl. I've actually thought about getting the shorter one to make it easier to carry and a bit lighter. Barrels in different calibers though, I would look into. I want to get a .357 bbl.

Keep in mind that this gun is meant for point blank, absolute last ditch self defense. If this is all you are carrying at the moment, and someone pulls a knife on you, this gun should do the job. If someone pulls another gun on you, I'd run if I were you. If you just wanted a toy, then you have one, but to be honest, I shoot mine less than all my other guns. I have thought about selling it, but It is just too pretty to me, and to interesting of a novelty.

I hope you enjoy yours. I actually keep mine near the door in case someone knocks unexpectadly. I figure #4 buckshot through single pain glass is enough if anyone trys anything funny. If anything it would by me the time to get to a better gun. FNP-45 in the living room, SP101 by the bedside

 

[jeggers]

Thank you all for the replies!!

I am looking forward to breaking my hand!!!

Even if it hurts a lot, it is such a well made lil bastard that I will keep it anyways!! Plus, with some PXD .410's, it will be a nice back up to the Jericho in the night stand!!

The count down continues...

 

[EVIL]

I don't understand the appeal of these (other than sheer novelty) I am not trying to be a wiseacre either... The equivalent .38SPL J-frame is the same weight & size, looks good, shoots great, costs less and pocket carries nicely + 3 more rounds.

So what is it about these derringers? I could see picking one up if they were $100 - 150 as a BUG ... But $400 + ? A nice S&W M642 is $350 ...

 

[Red Cent]

And you gotta cock it first.

 

[PRM]

I don't understand the appeal of these (other than sheer novelty) I am not trying to be a wiseacre either... The equivalent .38SPL J-frame is the same weight & size, looks good, shoots great, costs less and pocket carries nicely + 3 more rounds.

Got two J Frames that I love to carry, also a Walther PP & PPK/s, and a couple of Detective Specials... When I bought mine it was less than $200. I guess it was part novelty when I bought it. Its a fun gun and for what I use it for it works. No body is arguing that there are not better choices if you are looking for a primary carry gun. There's just something about a big bore derringer belching flame from a black powder cartridge that's classic.

And you gotta cock it first.

Yep ~ that too is classic

 

[KevininPa]

Good guns

Ended up selling mine to fund my "grail" gun....a Ruger speed six. It had its uses for me. I used mine for dog walking with a 2 1/2 #9 and a 2 1/2 #4 in it. Great combo for small and large critters (I live rural). Great for car-jackers loaded with the new .410 defensive rounds. Kept mine in the door compartment when I went to town. I had my gunsmith drill and tap mine so I could put a Clipdraw directly to the frame without the glue strip. Worked great! Could even securely keep it in a cowboy or Wellington style boot unless you broke into a run for some reason. Recoil wasn't bad with .45s and 2 1/2 .410 rounds. Little stiff with the 3 inchers. The larger grip is great for recoil. I tried mine with the little grips and I was all over the board, great for concealment but not so good for accuracy. Having that pinky finger on board makes a big difference. An extra thought, get a set of .410 snap caps. It will break in nicely. That trigger will get much smoother. A lot of people get rid of these too soon because the trigger is horrible when new. Even pulling the hammer back is horrible. But they break in nicely! And it doesn't take that long! Invest the time, it'll be worth it in a big way. I hope you enjoy yours, Happy Shootin' to you with that piece!

 

[MikeJackmin]

I have an American Derringer .45acp, different make but probably pretty similar. A few observations:

Expect the lower barrel to have a very different point of aim - measured in feet! - than the upper barrel.

Be careful with that safety. Anything that nudges the hammer will dislodge it, and after that, the gun is not drop-safe.

On the American Derringer, the hammer MUST be on half-cock when the weapon is loaded. If the hammer is down, the firing pins are extended, and the loaded gun can fire as the action is closed. I personally consider this an insane design defect, but there you go. Hopefully your pistol is a bit better behaved.