Bond Arms: Century 2000 vs Cowboy Defender

[Panzerschwein]

Well hey gang! I am looking to get my first Bond Arms derringer. I've been wanting a derringer for years, but have not been very impressed with the quality of the cheap version out there like the Cobras and others. I have heard that Bond Arms makes superb quality firearms that will actually hold up to field use and shooting. I intend to use this gun mainly as a fun novelty, for plinking, but also as a possible snake gun when out roaming the creek and woods nearby.

So, looking at the Bond Arms models, I decided I wanted to start with the classic .410/.45 Colt options. After some research on all the different ones I've come to want one of two:

The Century 2000:

Or the Cowboy Defender:

The Century 2000 has a 3.5" barrel and a triggerguard. The Cowboy Defender has a slightly shorter 3" barrel and no trigger guard. Guys, I'm having a hell of a time deciding between these two derringers. I like how the Century 2000 has a bit more barrel but I think the trigger guard is sort of pointless for this type of firearm, and I appreciate the classic looks of the Cowboy Defender, but understand it's 3" barrel doesn't leave as much room for the rounds to build up velocity.

So if you guys had to picks just one of these little well made big bore derringers, what would it be? Please don't post things like "get a J-frame instead". This isn't about that, just these two guns only please.

Thanks all!

 

[Acera]

I like the trigger guard on them. Don't have one, but have family that does and have shot his a number of times. Good guns, well made.



.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks for the input!

 

[Swing]

Good call steering clear of the Davis and Cobra derringers. They are unmitigated crap.

 

[danez71]

The 2000 gets my vote.

Theyre big and heavy so might as well go for the extra length and I think 3" shell are ok im that one

IMO, there's no draw back to the trigger gaurd and I'd prefer it anyways.

 

[bannockburn]

Cooldill

I think the trigger guard is a good idea with a spur trigger design but I do like the more classic look of the Cowboy Defender.

Your call.

 

[Mr Woody]

I have one without the trigger guard. If I were to do it over I would pick one with the trigger guard. Should make hanging onto the thing a bit easier.

 

[Stubert]

Don't forget American derringer, Take a look at them also. My wife has a .38, I used to have the .45/.410 They are very high quality.

 

[heyjoe]

i would choose the cowboy defender. i dont think that 1/2 " of extra barrel is going to really matter for up close self defense or for plinking. The trigger guard is just extra weight that serves no purpose in a single action with the safety it has on it. i have the 2.5" barrel 357 and 45 colt as well as some 3" barrels in 45 colt as well as other calibers. Nice guns you will have fun with them.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Don't forget American derringer, Take a look at them also. My wife has a .38, I used to have the .45/.410 They are very high quality.

Well frankly they are so obscure and their website is so out of date that I don't exactly feel drawn to them at all.

The Bonds appear to be excellent, with a fantastic website and YouTube channel and many, many fans. With so little info on the American Derringers I think I'll have to pass. That company does not seem like it's making much of an effort to promote or detail their wares.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Guys I just learned that you can remove the triggerguard on the Century 2000 and other Bond guns with the trigger guard.

Any truth to this? If so, I might possibly be leaning toward the Century 2000.

 

[Boarhunter]

Like I tell my child bride when she can't decide which dress (or purse, or pair of shoes, etc.) to buy:

Get 'em both!

BOARHUNTER

 

[sgt127]

I've got an American Derringer in .45 Colt/.410. And, I've owned several more.

I would get another one or the Cowboy version of the Bond.

It's a Derringer. Possibly one of the more useless designs on the current market. Get one that at least looks like what we think of when we envision a dusty saloon from the 1800's.

I'll bet you can find a used American Derringer at a gun show or Gunbroker for a very good price.

 

[danez71]

Guys I just learned that you can remove the triggerguard on the Century 2000 and other Bond guns with the trigger guard.

Any truth to this? If so, I might possibly be leaning toward the Century 2000.

Now that you mention that, I do believe I remember reading that years ago... maybe when they 1st came out with it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Now that you mention that, I do believe I remember reading that years ago... maybe when they 1st came out with it.

Yes, and I'm thinking the Century 2000 would give me the choice between choosing the triggerguard or not. Interesting...

 

[HB]

I've never shot one larger than a 22 but I'd imagine the trigger guard would rap your first knuckle pretty well

 

[wbbh]

I chose the Cowboy Defender just because it does not have a front trigger guard. I had a Bond Arms Snake Charmer in .45/.410, "had" because the front of the trigger guard whacked the front of my trigger finger every time I shot hot .410 defense or Fiocchi shot shells, the latter were the hardest kicking of all rounds I tried.

 

[Joezilla]

I picked up a Rustic Ranger a couple of years ago. It has the 4.25" barrel and shoots 45lc/.410. I also bought a 3.5" 38/357 barrel and a 3" 9mm barrel. I normally only carry it when we are driving on a trip somewhere. The BAD holster is a crossdraw rig so if we are ever accosted in a carjacking incident, the Bond Ranger will be a snap to get to and fire. I nearly always carry it with the 4.25" barrel installed and loaded with 00 buckshot.

I just ordered the extended rubber grips for it. That should make shooting the 410 shot shells much more enjoyable.

Joe

 

[barnett]

I own the Snake Slayer. That's exactly what I use it for. I carry it in my pocket when I'm at the farm, loaded with .410 shells with 7.5 shot.
In the last 2 summers I have killed 4 copperheads and a rattler. The .410 shells seem to be more effective that .38 special shot shells that I have used.
It is a well made gun, that will probably last 5 lifetimes.
I would not buy one for defensive purposes, but for snakes and fun, absolutely yes.

 

[farm23]

Yes you can remove the trigger guard on any Bond Arms so go with the 2000

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks so much, yall.

I've run in to a bit of a pay issue at work so can't buy a gun this month (don't you just love electronic records?) but once that is squared away and I'm back payed I'll be buying the Century 2000. I did not know the trigger guards were removable so this way I'll get to try it both ways. Also the longer 3.5" barrel will properly chamber 3" .410 loads and provide better velocities with 2 1/2" .410 loads as well but the overall size will be hardly larger over the Cowbody Defender especially since the grip size is small on both models.

I've heard nothing but great things on these derringers, unlike pretty much every other derringer being made today. I know they're heavy, I know it's only two shots, but by God do I ever want one!!

 

[TUBBY1]

You won't be sorry. Ck2000 great weapon. Solid

 

[Rodentman]

Yes the trigger guard is removable. I strongly suggest the larger rubber grips. The replaceable barrels are nice. I've fired a lot of 45 ACP and the recoil is far less than you'd expect.

I have the .327 Fed Mag bbl and that's not tough either. I DON'T have the 10mm bbl. Not sure about wanting that. You know I am nuts, but maybe not that nuts. Well, the bbl that's on the gun in the 2nd photo is .357 mag. Haven't fired that one yet.

 

[Brewdog]

I bought the Century 2000 model with the 3.5" barrel. Both were available (3" Tex Def and 3.5" Cent 2000), but I prefer the longer barrel. After shooting it a few times, i ordered the rubber grips as shown in the photo. The wood grips look great but the rubber grips work best for me. This is a very well made handgun. I shot a 410 shotshell using Federal 2.5" - 000 buckshot at a heavy 1/2" plywood target and all four of the .36 caliber pellets blew threw the plywood at from 20 feet with a 4" group for all four pellets. Don't under-estimate the power this gun can deliver with 2.5" shells.

The driving holster is also a great compliment to the Bond Arms handgun too. Easy on and easy off.

I did fire some 3"- 410 shells through it. Those hurt my hand for a while.
The 3" shells are to much for me until I get the extended rubber grip, then I will try them again. The hammer pull is heavy, but after getting used to it, not a problem at all. It's just new to me.

Keep the Lord Jesus first in your life!

 

[jmorris]

My Texas defender is the shorter barreled version with the trigger guard.