i have both bond arms derringers and naa mini revolvers. the former was first purchased in 410/45lc with a little crazy money and over time they multiplied as i added a couple of used b.a. derringer platforms and more barrels in several calibers. i’ve posted more details about my b.a. experiences elsewhere. i don’t want to total up what i have spent on them.
b.a. are crazy money niche pieces, i suggest getting a used gen2 model if you really want one. please avoid the cheaper, less finished, less reliable, non interchangeable (ime) rowdy/roughneck models. since b.a. derringers are built so stoutly, and carried more than shot, used ones are decent values and your unborn grandchildren can enjoy them. get a barrel in your favorite centerfire pistol ammo. 38 and 9mm are fun to shoot. get rubber replacement grips, large size for 4 caliber ammo, small is enough for other ammo. when i used to drive alot cross country during the obama era ammo drought i brought along a b.a. derringer as a second ccw with a couple of barrels to be able to scrounge ammo if need be. i ccw a trigger guard-less b.a. when woodswalking in gloved hands weather. if i slip and tumble a b.a. will come up fine. no nooks and crannies to attract dirt. no springs, or bits and pieces, to lose.
in summary a b.a. derringer wouldn’t be my first or fourth handgun. there are better ways to spend sensible money. instead of a b.a. i would buy a naa mini revolver and add cv revision, rubber or folding grips, if i needed a second, very deep, still lawful, ccw. if i wanted to receive or give a unique, for the ages, piece of americana, reliable, fully functional handgun as a special gift, it would be a b.a. derringer.