Bond Arms Stinger: Thoughts?

[Autodidactic]

Hi folks,

FYI, while I do explore some of the characteristics of the Stinger below, including potential for carry, this is not a carry thread. I have quality, service caliber, semi-auto and revolver firearms. This is not about a comparison of the Stinger to ideal carry options. I want to know what people's thoughts are on the new model, and if they have any experience. Thanks.

Just went to a gun show today. Mostly went just to look around. I ended up buying a shotgun scabbard, some ammo, a magazine, and some Altamont grips for my Beretta Tomcat.

However, something I had yet to behold in person until today was the new Bond Arms Stinger, a new derringer series I think in .380 ACP or 9mm. The frame is aluminum rather than steel like other BA's. I held one today and it was sweet. They are much thinner than the normative Bond Arms, and much lighter.

Review: Bond Arms Stinger Derringer | An Official Journal Of The NRA (americanrifleman.org)


I've been looking for a quality derringer that is lighter and smaller than normal Bond Arms. I have a Roughneck with 9mm and .357/38 barrels. It's pretty sweet, but heavy and thick. I think these are good for heavier calibers.

There are the Bearman/Davis derringers, but those are said to be junk, not reliable, and not drop safe. American Derringer used to make a smaller, quality one, but they don't seem to be making much anymore and I don't see them in stores. Gunbroker they show up sometimes.View attachment 1064038

 

[Demi-human]

A smaller, even lighter weight 9mm derringer?

Ouch.

How much was it?

 

[Autodidactic]

A smaller, even lighter weight 9mm derringer?

Ouch.

How much was it?

Well, the normal Bond Arms 9mm isn't bad in the recoil department because it's all steel. It weighs as much as many 9mm handguns.

However, the article I posted said with the weight reduction, the 9mm Stinger stings. I'd probably get the .380 version; more manageable.

It was $399 at the gun show. Apparently, MSRP is $379. They are hard to find right now, so maybe prices will go down to MSRP at some point.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Bond Arms Snake Slayer (45 Colt/.410 bore) with some smaller cartridge barrels. It is a well made firearm and very concealable but the trigger is less than reasonable.

It is good for what is called a “belly gun” in my opinion.

I will not get rid of mine but keep in mind the gun’s limitations and you will do fine. You won’t win any bullseye competitions with a Bond derringer.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Listen to Demi-human; a light 9mm derringer is apt to be an ugly handful. If you really must have a derringer, get the .380.
But really, OP, you'd be better served with a G42; light, and you can actually hit things with it.
Moon

 

[Autodidactic]

Listen to Demi-human; a light 9mm derringer is apt to be an ugly handful. If you really must have a derringer, get the .380.
But really, OP, you'd be better served with a G42; light, and you can actually hit things with it.
Moon

I am considering the .380 not 9mm. My mention of 9mm is the fact that this new model comes in those two calibers. I already have the regular Bond Arms 9mm, but it weighs substantially more than these Stingers.

I have a .380 Bodyguard. I'd like one day a Glock 42. The thing is, once one gets to Glock 42, Shield .380, Bersa Thunder sizes, they are much more shootable but are as big as many 9mm sub compacts.

 

[WestKentucky]

When they make it in 32acp or 32 long I’m in. Until then, i will want one and be frustrated that nobody cares about the 32 family.

 

[Autodidactic]

When they make it in 32acp or 32 long I’m in. Until then, i will want one and be frustrated that nobody cares about the 32 family.

I would be all over one in .32 ACP. There is the regular BA .327, but I've read .32 acp doesn't shoot well out of it.

 

[Blkhrt13]

I want one. I’m going for a 9. I’m good with some slap. I want it for a low profile backup.

 

[Demi-human]

Well, I’ve always wanted one. A 357.
Completely impractical and impracticable. A gun purely for the fun of it, like many of my others.

But it would be my only 357, and I have several other nines it could befriend if it were one also.
So a nine derringer is pretty neat to me.


Pics and a report if you get one, @Autodidactic!

 

[CDW4ME]

Thoughts?
Given the options presented, 380 Bodyguard primary, Tomcat as a "back-up" / 2nd gun - derringer pass. (Includes in a "good area")

 

[Autodidactic]

This thread isn't about carry options really, but instead about Bond Arms Stinger models.

 

[Autodidactic]

Well, I’ve always wanted one. A 357.
Completely impractical and impracticable. A gun purely for the fun of it, like many of my others.

But it would be my only 357, and I have several other nines it could befriend if it were one also.
So a nine derringer is pretty neat to me.


Pics and a report if you get one, @Autodidactic!

Yeah, they are relatively impractical, or less useful than many carry options. But, they present the same use derringers presented in the 1800's, only with more power and probably more reliability.

I have only carried mine a few times though due to weight, and having better options. The .357/.38 barrel is cool for the BA. .357 is brutal though to shoot out of the smaller barrels (3 inch for example), so I mainly shoot .38. The benefit of the 9mm as you said is matching it to other 9mm's.

 

[Demi-human]

But, they present the same use derringers presented in the 1800's, only with more power and probably more reliability.

And the continued use or derringers in general throughout the trap line running sect.
If you have ever tried to end something that was in a trap you know that high velocity magnum speed cartridges make more of a mess on yourself. (Splat!) So a light 38 is “cleaner” than a 357 magnum. Whether a 35 caliber hole is worse for the pelt than a 22 is a different debate.

As well, i think I’d be nice to have snake shot. I have found three rattle snakes in my yard. In Michigan! And I know that this, (ahem!) isn’t a carry thread, but I’d rather have two snake shots in this than taking one chamber from my revolver. (I do even have one revolver, an air weight Jframe!)

So I’d still like one, even if it was in 9mm. The fun of hand loading cut down rifle brass to make 9mm shot loads is a siren in itself to me. A derringer is the perfect vehicle for such a project.

I know they have families to feed like we do, but four is at least one too many bills for me. When the time comes for looking hopefully a used one will come up for me.
I hope good luck falls with you in you search too!

 

[Autodidactic]

And the continued use or derringers in general throughout the trap line running sect.
If you have ever tried to end something that was in a trap you know that high velocity magnum speed cartridges make more of a mess on yourself. (Splat!) So a light 38 is “cleaner” than a 357 magnum. Whether a 35 caliber hole is worse for the pelt than a 22 is a different debate.

As well, i think I’d be nice to have snake shot. I have found three rattle snakes in my yard. In Michigan! And I know that this, (ahem!) isn’t a carry thread, but I’d rather have two snake shots in this than taking one chamber from my revolver. (I do even have one revolver, an air weight Jframe!)

So I’d still like one, even if it was in 9mm. The fun of hand loading cut down rifle brass to make 9mm shot loads is a siren in itself to me. A derringer is the perfect vehicle for such a project.

I know they have families to feed like we do, but four is at least one too many bills for me. When the time comes for looking hopefully a used one will come up for me.
I hope good luck falls with you in you search too!

I can imagine them being good trap guns, or snake guns. A lot of people cite snake gun as their reason for getting one. I started with a 9mm Roughneck, and then bought the alternate .357/.38 barrel. I'd suggest the latter for your use, and versatility. Also, standard pressure .38 is a bit less snappy than 9mm in the BA, but someone can step up to .38 +P to match, or .357. Then you have the .357/.38 shot shells.

Something that is forgotten by many detractors of modern derringers is that the category of derringers has a long and interesting history. I'm a history nerd, so for me I always wanted a derringer. It doesn't need to be the best carry gun for me to have one in my collection.

 

[.455_Hunter]

My Bond Mini in .45 Colt is about the most size efficient platform you can get it that caliber. And yes, it lets you know when it goes off.

 

[Autodidactic]

My Bond Mini in .45 Colt is about the most size efficient platform you can get it that caliber. And yes, it lets you know when it goes off.

I keep almost buying a .45 LC/.410 barrel. One argument for going bigger in the derringer is you only get two shots, might as well be more powerful. My hesitation is .357 magnum is brutal in my BA.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I keep almost buying a .45 LC/.410 barrel. One argument for going bigger in the derringer is you only get two shots, might as well be more powerful. My hesitation is .357 magnum is brutal in my BA.

My Bond make a nice BUG when carrying .45 Colt carbine and revolver primaries.

 

[The Night Rider]

This thread isn't about carry options really, but instead about Bond Arms Stinger models.

I mean, you brought up carrying it in your opening post.

I could see one of these being much easier to carry due to weight and breadth.

I can't think of any use I would have for one of them but you do you Boo

 

[Autodidactic]

I mean, you brought up carrying it in your opening post.



I can't think of any use I would have for one of them but you do you Boo

Not sure what motivates people to be condescending on here.

 

[Autodidactic]

My Bond make a nice BUG when carrying .45 Colt carbine and revolver primaries.

Nice, yeah. I'd love to pair my .357/38 one with a same caliber revolver and lever gun. Set of three. Then, one day, hand the set down to my son.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Okay, 9mm Derringer...have a 940 and a 640, and .38s in the 640 are bunches nicer to shoot than 9s in the 940...what does help, is going to 147s in 9mm...those recoil more like a .38. OP, if you go the 9 route, think about trying heavier bullets.
Had both a High Standard derringer in .22 mag, and the stainless variety in .38, made by somebody else. The .38 worked, but it was heavy, and really not that much smaller than a J-frame. The High Standard was fun, but bulky for two shots...of .22 mag.
Understand the charm of Derringers, but liked the traditional old-western ones that had far less excess metal(for low pressure rimfire cartridges). It would seem to me that modern metallurgy would let Bond, or someone, make a trim Derringer in a useful caliber.
As regards snakeshot, really prefer two chambers in a J-gun, or even the two top rounds in a 365 (the blue capsules run just fine). If you really want to roll your own .38s, the capsules are available for loading. When I was reloading 20 Ga, I had shot to spare.
Can understand the desire for a bargain; haven't always been so gun fortunate as now.
Moon

 

[Reinz]

Is it safe to assume that barrels from the steel framed models will NOT interchange with the Stinger?

I saw no mention of this is the article attached by the OP.

I’m pretty vested in barrels.

 

[Autodidactic]

Is it safe to assume that barrels from the steel framed models will NOT interchange with the Stinger?

I saw no mention of this is the article attached by the OP.

I’m pretty vested in barrels.


View attachment 1064275

I think I read they don't, and considering the frame is much thinner on the Stinger I don't think they are.

Awesome collection of barrels.

 

[TTv2]

When they make it in 32acp or 32 long I’m in. Until then, i will want one and be frustrated that nobody cares about the 32 family.

Given it's a smaller caliber, I would be down for a .32 Mag derringer, but only if it was a 4 barrel type pepperbox. Years back a company was going to make something like that and I guess could never make it work or make a profit selling it at $300. It'd be a thick derringer, but still thinner than the cylinder on a revolver.

Bond is one of the few companies I could see making such a gun, just it would cost $500 because it's Bond.