Bond Arms

[Old_Grouch]

Do you think the 6" barrel offers any advantage(s) at all?

None that I can see for pistol calibers. The velocity would be higher but I don't really see that as any particular advantage. Possibly better pattering in .410 than with the 4.25". The pattern of a 2.5" .410 in a 4.25 inch barrel is quite a bit tighter than the same load in a 3" barrel (or 3" in a 3.5" barrel). I haven't seen any pattern tests done with a 6"

Call me "weird," but I really like how the 6" ones look -

Honestly, it was strictly the "cool factor" that made me want one. Who would't want a 6" barreled derringer?????
Would anyone think it weird that I considered having a mount for a red dot made for it?

Bond used to sell barrels direct, but apparently you now have to go through a dealer for them.

 

[Autodidactic]

Yes I have. lol. Read my post above. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/bond-arms.894368/page-2#post-12142664

Oh yes, they're quite rough. As I said, I wouldn't shoot a whole box in one session. I just wouldn't call them "painful", at least not for the first dozen or so rounds. (I suspect my answer may change a bit if I ever try the 10mm)
A couple of years ago I sold my 3" .357 barrel to a friend who is a CAS shooter and I bought the 6" barrel. (I have no idea why). I had expected it to be even more snorty due the the extra velocity of the longer barrel but the extra weight offsets it enough that I really don't notice a difference.

Fair enough. I basically only shoot .38 out of my .357/.38, although I've shot some .357 out of it. Of course, if it came down to it and it was my only option for self defense, I probably would load .357 in it.

I've been looking to get myself a Bond Arms derringer (.45/.410), and I've been debating barrel length. Do you think the 6" barrel offers any advantage(s) at all?
Call me "weird," but I really like how the 6" ones look - at least how they look in the pictures I've seen of them. It's just my luck, but I haven't seen a Bond Arms derringer of any caliber or barrel length in any gun store around here since I started looking for one 6 months ago or so. Nevertheless, I'm going to keep looking. I'll find one eventually.

They can be found online though, including replacement barrels. One thing I love about BA is if you have the frame, you can use all of their replacement barrels. I started with a 9 mm 2.5 inch Bond, then bought the 3 inch .357/.38 replacement barrel on Ebay. Delivered to my door.

As far as barrel length, I think it matters especially for the .410 shotgun. There are a lot of ballistics tests on youtube with the shorter barrels, and it seems that the velocity isn't very much out of the 3 inch style barrels. But, they likely would be much more sufficient out of a 6.

However, the 6 inch Bond Arms stops being a pocket derringer at that point.

 

[Autodidactic]

None that I can see for pistol calibers. The velocity would be higher but I don't really see that as any particular advantage. Possibly better pattering in .410 than with the 4.25". The pattern of a 2.5" .410 in a 4.25 inch barrel is quite a bit tighter than the same load in a 3" barrel (or 3" in a 3.5" barrel). I haven't seen any pattern tests done with a 6"
Honestly, it was strictly the "cool factor" that made me want one. Who would't want a 6" barreled derringer?????
Would anyone think it weird that I considered having a mount for a red dot made for it?

Bond used to sell barrels direct, but apparently you now have to go through a dealer for them.

For the pistol calibers at the ranges these derringers are good for, yeah, likely doesn't add much. I posted earlier in the thread tests with the 9 mm short barreled BA's. Look to be solid enough velocity for close range SD. The 115 grains were still getting 1000 FPS +.

 

[Old_Grouch]

Oh H E double hockey sticks! I just had to get wrapped up in this conversation and unfortunately I mentioned the 10mm. That's going to cost me money.
I have not had anything chambered in 10mm in over 30 years but now my mind is working. I have 2 frames (a Texas Defender and a Roughneck). .22, 9mm (3" and 2.5"), .357, .45 ACP, and .45/410 barrels. I will have, at some point, the Stinger in .380. How can I not have a 10mm?

 

[Autodidactic]

Oh H E double hockey sticks! I just had to get wrapped up in this conversation and unfortunately I mentioned the 10mm. That's going to cost me money.
I have not had anything chambered in 10mm in over 30 years but now my mind is working. I have 2 frames (a Texas Defender and a Roughneck). .22, 9mm (3" and 2.5"), .357, .45 ACP, and .45/410 barrels. I will have, at some point, the Stinger in .380. How can I not have a 10mm?

I just know you are feeling the xmas spirit and want to sell me the .22 barrel

 

[Old_Grouch]

I just know you are feeling the xmas spirit and want to sell me the .22 barrel

As they no longer offer one allow me to make an observation: Apparently you don't have to be asleep to dream.

 

[Autodidactic]

As they no longer offer one allow me to make an observation: Apparently you don't have to be asleep to dream.

A man can dream.

Did you know they auction used on EBay for literally $500?

 

[Old_Grouch]

Did you know they auction used on EBay for literally $500?

OMG. No, I had no idea.
I'll still be keeping mine.

 

[Autodidactic]

OMG. No, I had no idea.
I'll still be keeping mine.

It's why I haven't been able to find one (at a reasonable price). I want a quality .22 derringer, of which BA is the only one left. American Derringer may or may not be still making them, but are rare to find. Cobra/Davis are supposed to not be carry/drop safe, so not ideal. What would be perfect is a Bond Arms Stinger in .22, as the regular BA's are overbuilt for a .22. If not, I'll likely get a .380 barrel as my next one.

By the way, have you been to Bucksnort Outfitters? Someone posted it, and it actually does have the best selection of Bond Arms barrels. Dozens.

2.5 Inch Accessory Barrel - Polished (bucksnortoutfitters.com)

Bond Arms - 3 Inch Accessory Barrel - Polished (bucksnortoutfitters.com)

Bond Arms - 6 Inch Barrel - Polished (bucksnortoutfitters.com)

I think they also have them all in matte finish.

 

[high country]

I have never handled a 6" barrel, but have the .38/.357 barrel and .45 Colt (only) 4.25" barrel. I like that length, although I think 3.5" would probably be similar. With the extended grips and 4" barrel it just looks and feels right, and it almost exactly the same size as a j-frame.

For some reason the .38 barrel I have leads terribly, so isn't much use with my typical cast .38 loads. I do load some jacketed and coated bullets for it, but don't shoot it much. The .45 Colt barrel lives on there most of the time.

 

[WisBorn]

Man you guys love to spend my money

Now do I need a set of 6" barrels for my Bond Arms?
Do I need a set of 10 mm barrels?
THR enablers.....

 

[high country]

This thread makes me want to go put a few rounds through mine tomorrow... I figure a photo might help with the enabling.

 

[TTv2]

The only reason I could see having a 6 inch barrel on a Bond Derringer is to look like the gun from the cover of Akira volume 1

 

[Old_Grouch]

The only reason I could see having a 6 inch barrel on a Bond Derringer is to look like the gun from the cover of Akira volume 1

Oh, I've got an even better reason than that: Because I wanted one.

I still don't see what any derringer is going to do that another gun can't do better.

You're probably right about that. Just as a SxS or over/under shotgun can't do anything that a semi-auto or pump can't do better so why would anyone want double barrel? There's nothing that a half ton pickup can do that some other truck can't do better. There's nothing that a .22 LR can do that some other caliber can't do better. There's nothing a , oh well, you get the idea.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I have the Bond Arms Backup in the 9mm. It's really not a practical gun. But then the gun in my icon picture isn't practical either. Both are fun guns to shoot. Though I really don't like shooting factory loads in the Bond Arms, I only shoot my own loads specifically for it. It is easy to shoot, though I'm not all that accurate with it, not sure I could hit a snake, but could hit a raccoon with it. But it's just used for putting holes in paper.

 

[high country]

You're probably right about that. Just as a SxS or over/under shotgun can't do anything that a semi-auto or pump can't do better so why would anyone want double barrel? There's nothing that a half ton pickup can do that some other truck can't do better. There's nothing that a .22 LR can do that some other caliber can't do better. There's nothing a , oh well, you get the idea.

Well put Old Grouch. This comes up pretty much every time anyone talks about bond arms. I don't think anyone is saying they are better, and they are definitely a niche. Everyone had thier own reasons, but I would guess the fact they are nifty very well made product by a small American company with (in my experience) above average customer service ranks right up there. And the barrels are like Pringles, once you pop...

I ride a single speed mountain bike a lot too, just for the simplicity of it. Lots of folks scoff at that too.

 

[Old_Grouch]

(in my experience) above average customer service ranks right up there.

Several years ago I called them to see if I could get some spare parts just to have on hand. Springs, screws, barrel hinge screw, etc. The gentleman said he'd sell me some if I wanted but it would be wasted. He said they make the guns to be shot, and shot a lot. Not just by me but my kids and their kids too. Things rarely break or wear out. I said I'd at least like to have a spare barrel hinge screw in case I dropped one in the weeds somewhere. He said "Give me your address and I'll send you one. No charge". A few days later it showed up in the mail.

I ride a single speed mountain bike a lot too, just for the simplicity of it. Lots of folks scoff at that too.

Strange you should mention that. I'm retired now but I owned and operated a bicycle shop for nearly 20 years. I was never an avid rider but always had one bike that was "mine" (as opposed to inventory) The last one was the one I rode the longest. It was a steel frame, 29" wheel single speed.

 

[WisBorn]

I can't understand why anyone would throw any well made firearm under the bus. Bond Arms are extremely well made.
Firearm purchases are a very personal choice.

Now which barrels should I buy next??????

 

[Old_Grouch]

Now which barrels should I buy next??????

That's an easy answer. Any and all that you don't have.

 

[sgt127]

Since this thread started. I picked up an American Derringer in .38 Special.

I wanted a gun that was virtually rust proof and extremely light.

Frame and barrel are aluminum. Guts, stainless. With standard pressure .38, recoil is...sharp. But at about 8 ounces...that’s pretty impressive.

Whipped up a little pocket holster for it.

 

[TTv2]

You're probably right about that. Just as a SxS or over/under shotgun can't do anything that a semi-auto or pump can't do better so why would anyone want double barrel? There's nothing that a half ton pickup can do that some other truck can't do better. There's nothing that a .22 LR can do that some other caliber can't do better. There's nothing a , oh well, you get the idea.

With double barrel shotguns your second shot is faster than anything a pump can do and more reliable than a semi. A two pop derringer where you have to cock the hammer for every shot is an inferior pistol to a snub revolver. If they weren't most people would have been carrying them for the past 140 years.

You can buy whatever you like, but the fact remains that a derringer today is a poor pistol to use for anything else outside of entertainment.

 

[high country]

Strange you should mention that. I'm retired now but I owned and operated a bicycle shop for nearly 20 years. I was never an avid rider but always had one bike that was "mine" (as opposed to inventory) The last one was the one I rode the longest. It was a steel frame, 29" wheel single speed.

Very nice, steel is real, and the simplicity of a single speed just keeps me coming back for sure.

I can't understand why anyone would throw any well made firearm under the bus. Bond Arms are extremely well made.
Firearm purchases are a very personal choice.

Now which barrels should I buy next??????

The way I see it, it just makes adding a new cartridge to my reloading that much more expensive. Now I not only need brass and dies, but I will also inevitably end up ordering a barrel for the derringer... Although my next is likely a longer 9mm barrel. I have a 2.5" one, but it is just so short, doesn't feel right to me.

 

[Autodidactic]

Since this thread started. I picked up an American Derringer in .38 Special.

I wanted a gun that was virtually rust proof and extremely light.

Frame and barrel are aluminum. Guts, stainless. With standard pressure .38, recoil is...sharp. But at about 8 ounces...that’s pretty impressive.

Whipped up a little pocket holster for it.

View attachment 1046064

View attachment 1046065

i wouldn't mind a slightly smaller and lighter American Derringer, like that, but they aren't easy to find.

 

[sgt127]

i wouldn't mind a slightly smaller and lighter American Derringer, like that, but they aren't easy to find.

No. They aren’t. I had ( I remember now) a .44 Special Model 7. All aluminum. Should not have gotten rid of it.

But, the .38 Special is plenty.

They made all stainless. Alloy frame and stainless barrels. And, all alloy. And, I think they were only offered in .38 Special and .44 Special.

Edit...see above.

 

[Autodidactic]

Well put Old Grouch. This comes up pretty much every time anyone talks about bond arms. I don't think anyone is saying they are better, and they are definitely a niche. Everyone had thier own reasons, but I would guess the fact they are nifty very well made product by a small American company with (in my experience) above average customer service ranks right up there. And the barrels are like Pringles, once you pop...

I ride a single speed mountain bike a lot too, just for the simplicity of it. Lots of folks scoff at that too.

The barrels truly are like Pringles. It's taken me all my might not to buy more than the .357/.38 and 9 mm barrel. I didn't because I also made some other firearms purchases in the intervening months. I'm thinking the .380 one next, mainly because I don't really need atrocious recoil with a bigger bore out of a pocket pistol. I do think though about the .410/.45 LC one just for the pocket shotgun effect.

I'd buy a .22 Magnum one maybe. .22 LR aren't made anymore. I almost got the .327 barrel, which could be a sweet multiple caliber option. I just don't know if I'm ready to branch out to new calibers just for a Bond Arms barrel. I already have .380 ammo on hand for example.

Several years ago I called them to see if I could get some spare parts just to have on hand. Springs, screws, barrel hinge screw, etc. The gentleman said he'd sell me some if I wanted but it would be wasted. He said they make the guns to be shot, and shot a lot. Not just by me but my kids and their kids too. Things rarely break or wear out. I said I'd at least like to have a spare barrel hinge screw in case I dropped one in the weeds somewhere. He said "Give me your address and I'll send you one. No charge". A few days later it showed up in the mail.
Strange you should mention that. I'm retired now but I owned and operated a bicycle shop for nearly 20 years. I was never an avid rider but always had one bike that was "mine" (as opposed to inventory) The last one was the one I rode the longest. It was a steel frame, 29" wheel single speed.

The Bond Arms are built like tanks. I have little doubt if I clean it and take care of it, it will last a long while.

I can't understand why anyone would throw any well made firearm under the bus. Bond Arms are extremely well made.
Firearm purchases are a very personal choice.

Now which barrels should I buy next??????

Which ones do you have so far?