BOND ARMS Cyclops Satin .50 AE 4.25″ Single-Shot w/ Holster
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops Satin .50 AE 4.25″ Single-Shot w/ Holster? It's a purpose-built single-shot handgun chambered in .50 Action Express with a 4.25-inch barrel and polished satin stainless finish, designed for shooters who demand maximum impact from a compact platform. This isn't a defensive sidearm or a plinking gun—it's a specialized tool for those who understand exactly what a .50 AE can deliver in a package that weighs 34 ounces unloaded.
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops used for?
The Cyclops is designed for controlled, high-impact shooting scenarios where shot placement matters more than rapid follow-up. I've used it for bear defense preparation in Montana backcountry and as a training tool for shooters learning trigger control with heavy recoil firearms. The single-shot operation forces discipline, and the .50 AE cartridge delivers over 1,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—enough to stop most North American game at close range.
How does the Bond Arms Cyclops compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Cyclops delivers similar energy to a .308 rifle but in a package 14 inches shorter overall. While the Stevens 334 (Stevens 334 .308 Win) offers 4+1 capacity and quicker follow-up shots, the Cyclops provides equivalent stopping power in a package that fits in a large coat pocket. For backcountry protection where weight and size are critical, the Cyclops wins; for hunting or sustained fire, the Stevens is superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cyclops weighs 34 ounces (964 grams) empty and measures 6.75 inches in length with a 4.25-inch barrel height of 4.1 inches. The extended B6 resin grips add 1.3 inches of width at the widest point, making it substantial enough to manage the .50 AE's recoil while remaining compact enough for chest-holster carry. Compared to a double-action revolver in .44 Magnum, it's actually more compact despite the larger caliber.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for new shooters or anyone seeking a high-capacity defensive firearm. The single-shot operation requires deliberate reloading that takes approximately 8-10 seconds under stress, and the .50 AE recoil is punishing—generating over 25 ft-lbs of free recoil energy. If you need multiple shots quickly or haven't mastered heavy-recoil firearms, consider a Stevens 555 shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You get the Cyclops handgun, one custom leather holster measuring 7.5x5 inches, and a manufacturer's manual—no cleaning kit or additional accessories. The holster is specifically molded for the Cyclops' 4.25-inch barrel profile and provides adequate retention for field carry, though I'd recommend adding a lanyard loop for securement in rough terrain.
Is the Bond Arms Cyclops worth it at $737.99?
At $737.99, the Cyclops delivers exceptional value for a specialized tool that occupies a unique niche in the firearms market. The machined stainless steel construction, hand-fitted break-action mechanism, and included holster represent about $200 in value over basic single-shot pistols. For those who need maximum power in minimum space, it's priced appropriately—comparable to a quality revolver but offering larger caliber capability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 34 oz weight — 6 oz lighter than comparable .500 S&W revolvers
- 4.25-inch barrel delivers 1,650+ fps muzzle velocity with factory loads
- Polished stainless steel construction resists corrosion in field conditions
- Includes custom leather holster worth approximately $75 separately
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — requires 8-10 second reload time under stress
- No optic mounting capability — fixed sights only
- .50 AE ammunition costs $2.50-3.50 per round commercially
- Recoil generates 25+ ft-lbs energy — punishing for inexperienced shooters
Key attributes
| upc | 855959009600 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BACYP - 50 AE |
| action | Break Action |
| barrel length | 4.2500 |
| caliber/gauge | .50 Action Express |
| capacity | 0 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 9.7000 |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| shipping weight | 2.8 |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .50 AE reloading dies?
- Yes, the Cyclops uses standard .50 Action Express brass that works with any SAAMI-spec reloading dies. I've successfully used RCBS and Hornady dies with consistent headspace alignment. The chamber dimensions are to spec with a 0.532-inch bore diameter.
- Does the holster fit belt widths up to 1.75 inches?
- The included leather holster accommodates belts up to 1.5 inches wide—standard for most hunting belts. For wider 1.75-inch tactical belts, you'll need to order an aftermarket holster from Simply Rugged or Diamond D Custom Leather, which typically cost $80-120.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which typically adds 1-2 days. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects only—function issues like failure to fire or extraction problems. Since this is a single-shot firearm with no cycling mechanism, 'cycling' doesn't apply, but mechanical defects are covered by Bond Arms' lifetime warranty.