Bond Arms have been made in Granbury, Texas since 1995 and are known for their outstanding fit and finish on all guns they build. Looking to expand your concealed carry options? Perhaps looking for a perfect handgun that’s both streamlined and lightweight that will carry easily in a pocket? Several new choices are now in the line up with Bond Arms.
But before we get there let me first say I have been fortunate to try a number of Bond Arms double-barrel handguns, also known as a derringer over the last several years. Without any hesitation I can report they are tough and quality built. If I am carrying a derringer in my pocket, it is a Bond Arms.
Continually looking for new and innovative ideas, Bond Arms have recently released several new offerings that are sure to please.
Let’s take a glance at three different models new to the market from Bond Arms.
Bond Arms .44 Cyclops
Bond Arms has only recently introduced the new Bond Arms Cyclops .44 Magnum. A single shot Derringer style pistol that is a new variation of the standard two-barrel derringer style Bond Arms is known for.
The Bond Arms 44 Mag Cyclops
The Cyclops name is a reference to a Greek mythological creature known for having a single eye. As mentioned, the majority of Bond Arms derringer-style pistols have two barrels. The Cyclops product line which only has one barrel, gives way to the model’s name. There is logic in Bond Arms engineering the Cyclops product family with only one barrel. It allows the chamber to be reinforced and adds extra weight for larger, straight wall cartridges it was designed to shoot.
The Bond Arms Cyclops has a break open action to load and extract fired casings, and its single action hammer must be manually cocked each time prior to shooting. The Cyclops provides a cross-bolt safety that can be locked down in either the fire or safe position, to either render the gun safe for storage or to keep the shooter from bumping the pistol into the safe position accidentally. The pistol can be carried with the safety off because the hammer rests in a half-cock position.
On the range with the .44 Cyclops, as one would expect, if shooting .44 magnum ammo the little gun is snappy. However, switching to .44 special ammo recoil was minimal. In both cases I was able to keep five rounds in a 6-inch circle at 7 yards with no problem…the distances at which this gun is intended to see use.
I experienced zero problems while shooting the Cyclops with at least 25 rounds fired between .44 magnum and .44 special ammo.
Wondering if there are other calibers available in the Cyclops family? Yes, there is. A 45-70 model that preceded the .44mag, and now a .50AE Thumper! And in case you are curious, yes, I have shot the 45-70, and no I have yet to get the chance to try out the .50AE.
Bond Arms .44 Cyclops Specs and Features:
- Caliber: .44 Mag.
- Barrel Length:4.25 inches
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety
- Retracting firing pins
- Rebounding hammer
- Grip Material: B6 Resin
- Grip Size: Extended
- Sights: Fixed
- Length: 6.75 inches
- Height: 4.37 inches
- Weight: 28 ounces.
- Ammo Capacity: One round
- Action: Single action
- Trigger Pull Weight: 7lb
- Trigger Guard: Yes
- MSRP $650
Bond Arms Honey B
Bond Arms new Honey B is the latest addition to the Stinger Rough series that provides grip enhancement via the new B6 grips. The Stinger series of compact derringers has been widely popular offering everything from the everyday fun of 22LR all the way up to defensive cartridges including the 9mm and .38 special.
The new variant of the Stinger series is definitely more comfortable to shoot and even sports a more modern and defensive appeal with the new B6 grips. Bond Arms is selling this newest addition to the Stinger family starting at an MSRP of around $320 with caliber options being .22LR, .380, 9mm. and .38 Special.
The Honey Bee .22LR
Many of the Bond Arms derringers offer a removable trigger guard, the Stingers however (Honey B included) provide a fixed guard because of the frame construction. The over/under barrels are stainless steel and offer fixed sights on the top barrel, while the new extended grips are made of B6 resin. The barrels and therefore caliber, are changeable with any in the Stinger RS series, which is certainly a big bonus.
On the range with the little Honey B in 22LR I consistently kept rounds in a 6-inch circle from 7 yards and found that making hits on steel at 15 yards and beyond completely doable. The hand filling palm swell and pinky cut to lock it into the hand make the Honey B a fun gun to shoot and easy to carry in a pant or vest pocket.
Bond Arms Honey B and Specs and Features:
- Calibers: 22LR, 22 Mag, .380, 9mm, and 38 Special
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 5.5 inches
- Weight: 17.5 oz
- Trigger pull weight: 7lb
- B6 resin grip material
- Extended grip size
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety
- Retracting firing pins
- Rebounding hammer
- Fixed sights
- 2 shot capacity
- Single action
- Trigger Guard: Yes
- MSRP $320
Bond Arms Stinger Fireball
The new Stinger Fireball from Bond comes standard the new B6 resin grips with diamond texturing and offers features the same hand-filling palm swell and pinky cut as does the Honey B. Additionally, the extended grip of the Stinger Fireball provides for secure and positive retention during any firing sequence.
The Fireball pistol is functionally identical to its Stinger counterparts, keeping the same dimensions. The black hard-coat anodized finish frame provides the classic two-tone aesthetic appeal of the Stinger series. The gun is built on a 7075 anodized aluminum frame making the Stinger Fireball is one of Bond Arms’ lightest derringers at 14.4 ounces.
The Stinger Fireball .22 MAG
Even though the frame features an aluminum construction, Bond Arms uses stainless steel in the release lever, cross-bolt safety, rebounding hammer, trigger, and retracting firing pin to ensure durability. The Fireball features a 7-pound trigger pull to fire the hot .22 Mag round. A manual ejector on the side of the barrel easily removes spent brass.
The new Stinger Fireball features a 3-inch barrel chambered in .22Mag for an overall length of 5.5 inches. Likewise, the frame’s narrow 0.55-inch slim profile makes this gun a breeze to carry concealed. Additionally, the Fireball is interchangeable with other barrels in the Stinger series, including .38 Special, 9mm or .380. However, the Stinger Fireball is not compatible with Stinger RS accessory barrels.
On the range with the Bond Fireball .22Mag I had no problem keeping rounds in a 6-inch circle from 7 yards and found that making hits on steel at 15 to 20 yards easily done.
Bond Arms Stinger Fireball and Specs and Features:
- Caliber: .22 Mag
- Barrel Length: 3”
- Grip Material: B6 Resin
- Grip Size: Extended
- Sights: Fixed
- Length: 5.5
- Weight: 14.4oz
- Ammo Capacity: 2
- Single Action
- Rebounding hammer
- Retracting firing pins
- Cross-bolt safety
- Trigger Pull Weight: 7lb
- Trigger Guard: Yes
- MSRP $389
To clarify Bond Arms uses a rebounding and locking hammer and a cross bolt safety. Once fired, the hammer pulls away from the firing pin and locks in that position. All this adds to enhanced safety of Bond Arms Derringers.
Bond Arms has come through yet again with innovative ideas for their new and varied derringer handguns. By the way, Bond Arms is not just about handguns anymore. Be looking for their new Lever B coming soon to a retailer near you!
To Locate a Dealer Near You visit www.lipseys.com/dealerfinder
About the Author:
TERRY NELSON – is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement with police and sheriff agencies, including SWAT and sniper roles, and has served as a state game warden. Nelson also served seven years with New Mexico State Guard. A lifelong hunter, guide, tracker and firearms enthusiast, Terry is sought for training in multiple disciplines by both civilian and police-serving agencies and companies. Nelson also holds a Basic Tac Med instructor certification from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.