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Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer Pistol Review
LITTLE GUN, BIG BANG
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What Is The Snake Slayer Derringer?
The Bond Arms Snake Slayer derringer pistol is a double barrel stainless steel derringer that shoots large caliber 410 shot shells or 45 Long Colt ammunition. It has a 3.5" barrel that is interchangeable with other barrels of different calibers. It is a "break open" action pistol that holds two rounds of ammo. It weights 22 oz., has fixed sights, extended custom Rosewood grips and a removable trigger guard. As of August 6, 2011 the Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer Pistol cost about $410.
 Loading The Derringer |
 45 Long Colt Ammo |
 Right Side |
 Two Firing Pins |
 Break Open Action |
 Top View |
 Firing |
Left View |
 Open Action |
 Right Handed Shooting |
 Bottom View |
 Loading 45 Colt |
 Right Handed Shooting |
 View From The Top |
 Right Side -Action Open |
 Left Side -Action Open |
 Ejector |
 Double Barrel |
 45 Long Colt |
 Shooting |
 2 Firing Pins |
 Action Open Button |
 Muzzle |
 Action Open Button |
First Impressions Of The Bond Snake Slayer Derringer
Last week my friend bought one of these small derringers. Yesterday he brought it to the range and he shot it for the first time. When I first picked up the gun I was surprised at how heavy it was. I never held a derringer before and I always had the impression that derringers were small lightweight pocket guns. This one was small, but definitely not light weight. It was a small solid chunk of stainless steel. It appeared to be of very high quality and felt very solid and well made (in the USA). This looked like a gun that will last a lifetime and won't break down.
Shooting The Snake Slayer Derringer
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When my friend first told me he bought a derringer that shoots 45 Long Colt and 410 shells I though to myself (man, that's got to hurt when you shoot it). Such a large caliber in such a small gun. Turns out, I was wrong. The recoil wasn't bad at all. Probably because of the heavy weight and design of the grip and frame. Shooting a .357 magnum out of a S&W 60-15 revolver had far greater recoil than shooting 45 Long Colt from the Snake Slayer.
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When it was my turn to shoot it I noticed that the grip was a little different from what I was used to shooting. My hand sat higher on the grip and (for me) it felt a bit awkward. My friend and another shooter of the gun (the range master) had no problem with it. Loading this little gun with 45 Long Colt ammunition was a little bit intimidating. I am used to shooting (and reloading) 9mm Luger ammo and this 45 Long Colt is gigantic in comparison. It also made a much larger hole in the target (of course).
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Shooting it, turned out to be no problem. The recoil was not bad but unfortunately I was unable to hit the target. My friend has no such problem and shot on target each time (well almost). I later concluded that this gun might not be for those with nerve damage in their hand (like I do) or possibly those with arthritis. People with normal hands should do OK.
What Type of Ammo Does The Snake Slayer Shoot?
The derringer is chambered for .410 and 45 Long Colt ammunition. It will accept all the extra interchangeable Bond barrels giving it the capacity to shoot other calibers. Bond inter-changable barrels include:
| 22LR | 22 Mag | .40 S&W |
| .44 Special | .45 ACP | .45 Colt / .410 |
| .45 GAP | 327 Federal Magnum | 357/38 Special |
| 44/.40 | 9mm | 10mm |
My friend bought his Snake Slayer with the .45 Long Colt/410 Shot Shell barrel. He later tested various types of ammo in it to determine which was best for him. Test results and shot patterns can be seen at Shot Patterns: Bond Derringer Shooting 410 Shot Shell & 45 Long Colt Ammunition.
Bond Snake Slayer Ammo & Shot Patterns (410/45 Colt Barrel)
 Winchester 410 PDXI |
 Winchester 410 Buckshot 3 Pellet |
 Remington 410 Buckshot 4 Pellet |
45 Long Colt Ammunition |
 1. Winchester 410 PDXI Shot Shell Pattern; 2 Shots Fired; Distance: 10 ft. |
 2. Winchester 410 Buckshot 3 Pellet Shot Shell Pattern; 2 Shots Fired; Distance: 10 ft. |
 3. Remington 410 Buckshot 4 Pellet Shot Shell Pattern; 2 Shots Fired; Distance: 10 ft. |
 4. 45 Long Colt Pattern 10 Feet Distance |
Snake Slayer Derringer Review Conclusion
This derringer is a great little gun that packs a big wallop. It appears to be a good weapon to defend against snake and I would assume that it would do a comparable job against human attackers for self defense. The quality and workmanship of the gun looks to be excellent.
Questions that I asked my friend about his Snake Slayer Derringer.
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Why Buy A Derringer?
Response: I wanted a small size large caliber weapon. -
Why By A Derringer With Such A Large Caliber?
Response: I wanted a large caliber to be effective in a close range defensive situation. -
How Much Recoil Does a 45 Colt Derringer Have?
Response: The recoil is not much more than a 9mm and is more comfortable to fire than my pocket 380 Taurus TCP. -
How Do You Plan To Carry It?
Response: I plan to carry it as a car weapon using a cross draw holster -
Do You Plan To Purchase Other Caliber Barrels?
Response: I do not plan on purchasing any other barrels at this time. The 45 Colt & 410 caliber is what I was looking for.
Snake Slayer Specifications
The Snake Slayer has the 3.5" dual caliber .410/45LC barrel chambered for the 3" shot shell, comes with a removable trigger guard and will accept any of the barrels offered.
| Type - Derringer Action - Break Open Caliber - 410/45 Long Colt with 3″ chambers Barrel Length - 3.5" Capacity - 2 rd Safety - Crossbolt Grips - Extended Custom Rosewood Sights - Fixed Weight - 22 oz. Barrels - Interchangeable Barrels Automatic Extractor (EXCEPT FOR 9mm,40S&W,10mm and .45 ACP) Rebounding Hammer Retracting Firing Pins Spring-Loaded Cammed Locking Lever Trigger guard Stainless Steel with Satin Polish Finish |
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BOND ARMS
BOND ARMS, INC. is located in Granbury, TX. They manufacture and sell guns throughout the U.S. and Canada. Six models of derringers are available with 14 interchangeable barrels (Bond Arms Barrels). The barrels are made of the highest quality heavy duty stainless steel which will fit on any of their guns. Interchangeable grips are also available. Bond Arms offers a Lifetime Warranty. Bond Arms guns are not available in California or Massachusetts.
Feedback Messages
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Love Shooting The Snake Slayer Derringer
March 20, 2012
I purchased new snake slayer couple weeks ago i love shooting it 3ince
magnums triple o buck i have RA but manage recoil and trigger
Karl
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Mixing Calibers With The Snake Slayer Derringer
February 02, 2012
Is it possible to mix the calibers on the snake slayer at the same time?
Example: 410 below and sd above: or 22mag and 410 on same weapon. Is the
snake slayer available in Belgium?
Nick
Response - Nick,
I am pretty sure the answer is "NO" (except for when the barrel is rated
for two calibers like 357/38 Special and .45 Colt / .410).
If you have the .45 Colt / .410 barrel I believe you can place a .45
Colt in the top and .410 in the bottom or vice versa. Likewise with the
357/38 Special.
Each double barrel is only for the one caliber(s). To change to other
calibers you have to change barrels.
Both upper and lower barrels are identical. The entire barrel
subassembly must be removed and replaced with a different size, i.e.
38/357 or 22, or 45 ACP etc. to switch calibers.
I don’t know if the Snake Slayer is available in Belgium. You will have
to contact Bond Arms Customer Service for the answer.
Tanner
Follow-up Email
Thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate your effort.
Nick
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