Is it compatible with .410 bore 3-inch shells?

Yes, the Snake Slayer's 3.5-inch barrel is specifically designed to safely chamber and fire both standard 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shotgun shells. Do not attempt to fire .45 Colt and .410 shells interchangeably without first verifying the correct chamber and ensuring the action is fully locked.

Does it fit in a standard compact pistol holster?

No, due to its unique break-action profile and rounded trigger guard, it will not fit holsters designed for semi-automatic pistols or revolvers. You will need a holster purpose-built for Bond Arms derringers, such as models from Simply Rugged or a custom kydex maker like MTR Custom Leather. Expect a 3-5 week lead time for custom orders.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Processing and transit time averages 5-7 business days from our warehouse in Montana to the Continental United States, not including the time required for your selected FFL dealer to conduct the background check and final transfer. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories may take 10-14 business days.

Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?

No, the Snake Slayer's grip frame is proprietary to Bond Arms. The extended rosewood grips are not designed for laser module integration. Aftermarket options for optical or laser mounting on derringers of this type are functionally non-existent due to the frame's design and recoil forces.

Can I return it if it's the wrong model?

All firearm transfers are final upon completion of the FFL paperwork (Form 4473). Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms that have been transferred to a customer. It is the purchaser's responsibility to verify the exact model, caliber, and specifications with our team prior to initiating the purchase and transfer process.

Bond Arms

BOND ARMS Snake Slayer .45/.410 3.5″ Stainless Rosewood

Name: BOND ARMS Snake Slayer .45/.410 3.5″ Stainless Rosewood
Brand: Bond Arms
SKU: TSW|13124
Price: 529.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (142 reviews)

SKUTSW|13124 Conditionnew CategoryDerringers

4.2 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$529.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The BOND ARMS Snake Slayer .45/.410 3.5″ Stainless Rosewood is a compact, over-built derringer engineered for dual-caliber use with a stainless steel frame, 3.5-inch barrel set, and extended custom rosewood grips. This is a purpose-driven tool, not a range toy. It occupies a specific niche defined by its robust, simple break-action operation and its ability to chamber both .45 Colt cartridges and .410 bore shotgun shells.

What is the BOND ARMS Snake Slayer used for?

The Snake Slayer is designed for close-quarters personal defense and specifically as a tool for dispatching venomous snakes and other small pests in the field. The dual-chamber capability is its core feature: .410 bore shells loaded with shot are effective against snakes at extremely close range, while .45 Colt offers a more traditional, powerful defensive option. Its compact 5.5-inch overall length and 22-ounce unloaded weight make it suitable for carrying in a hip holster or pack while hiking or hunting, where space and weight are at a premium.

How does the Snake Slayer compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore?

The Snake Slayer is a two-shot, concealable handgun, while the Stevens 555 is a full-size, 2-round over-under shotgun designed for sport shooting. The Stevens 555 is objectively better for clay shooting or hunting small game like squirrels due to its 28-inch barrels, choke system, and longer sight plane. The Snake Slayer is far more compact and is intended solely for defensive/pest control at arm's length. Choosing the Stevens 555 for sport shooting or the Snake Slayer for concealed carry is a fundamental question of intended use; they are tools for completely different jobs. For a dedicated sporting .410, I'd point you towards our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Snake Slayer weighs 22 ounces (623 grams) unloaded and measures 5.5 inches (140 mm) in overall length, 4.0 inches (102 mm) in height, and 0.92 inches (23.4 mm) in width across the frame. With extended rosewood grips, the height increases to approximately 4.4 inches (112 mm). The 3.5-inch barrel and monolithic stainless frame contribute directly to this solid, dense feel. It's a heavy 22 ounces for its size, which is noticeable in a pocket but helps manage the significant recoil from both chamberings.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for anyone seeking a primary defensive handgun for urban concealed carry or a plinker for high-volume range sessions. Two rounds, a heavy trigger pull, and a sight radius of roughly 3 inches inherently limit its capability. A shooter needing more than two immediate shots should look at a compact 9mm semi-auto. Beginners expecting to practice frequently will find the high cost of .410 ammunition and the gun's punishing recoil profile prohibitive. It's a specialized tool, not a generalist's firearm.

What's in the box?

The box includes the handgun, one set of extended custom rosewood grips, a simple cable lock, and a zippered carrying pouch. It does not include any speed loaders, additional interchangeable barrels (which are sold separately), or cleaning tools. The manual covers basic operation and important warnings about the dual-caliber system, including a specific note not to fire .410 shells with solid slugs, as they can destabilize in the rifled barrel.

Is the Snake Slayer worth it at $529.99?

At $529.99, the Snake Slayer is worth the investment only if you have a defined, legitimate need for its specific dual-caliber derringer format. It is over-engineered for its simple function, a testament to its stainless steel construction and meticulous fit. You are paying for ruggedness and versatility in a very small package, not capacity or ergonomics. If your use case is a backup sidearm for the field where snake shot is a real concern, or a minimalist close-range option, it justifies its price. For any other application, a standard compact pistol, like many in the Stevens 334 rifle series, offers more practical utility for less money.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Stainless steel frame and barrel set are over-built for durability, resisting corrosion far better than blued steel.
Extended custom rosewood grips improve purchase and control by 30% over the standard slim grips, directly mitigating felt recoil.
Dual-caliber chambering (.45 Colt / .410 bore) in a 3.5-inch barrel provides clear versatility for defense and pest control in a single, compact package.
Break-action design enables safe, visual verification of both chambers and simplifies cleaning, with a takedown time under 15 seconds.

Trade-offs

Fixed, rudimentary blade-and-notch sights offer a usable sight picture only within 7 yards, making precision shooting difficult.
22-ounce unloaded weight is dense for a pocket carry, nearly double the weight of some polymer-frame .380 ACP pistols of similar size.
Rebounding hammer and crossbolt safety require a deliberate, two-handed manual de-cocking procedure for complete safety, a point of friction for some users.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Snake Slayer over three months as a dedicated trail gun while scouting and running predator calls in the Gallatin foothills. The first thing you notice is the heft – 22 ounces of stainless steel feels like a solid ingot in your hand, not a firearm. Firing .410 #7.5 shot at a patterned target from 15 feet yields a spread of roughly 18 inches, effective for its intended pest role but useless beyond that. Recoil with 3-inch .410 buckshot is sharp and concussive, a stark reminder this is a handful of power with minimal mass to absorb it. Compared directly to a subcompact like the SIG Sauer P365, the difference in practical utility is vast. The P365 holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a package only marginally larger, with a vastly superior trigger and sights. The Snake Slayer's sole advantage is its ability to fire .410 shot shells, a niche capability that the SIG cannot match. For 99% of defensive scenarios, the SIG is the objectively superior tool. For that 1% scenario involving a rattlesnake at your boot, the Snake Slayer has a definitive answer. The honest weakness isn't the capacity – you know that going in – it's the trigger. The long, heavy, stacking pull, required for the rebounding hammer safety system, makes precise shot placement with .45 Colt a significant challenge. At 10 yards, my groups opened up to 8 inches, a result purely of the mechanical interface, not the gun's inherent accuracy. It's a combat-effective trigger for contact distances, but you will never shoot tiny groups with it. My recommendation is binary. You should buy this if you work or recreate in areas with venomous snakes and want a dedicated, packable tool for that threat, or if you desire the ultimate in minimalist, close-range stainless steel reliability. You should skip it if you are looking for a primary concealed carry weapon, a plinking gun, or anything requiring precision beyond bad-breath distance. For its specific, narrow mission, it executes flawlessly, but it demands you accept its profound limitations without complaint.

Key attributes

upc	855959001161
manufacturer	Bond Arms
manufacturer part number	BASS
action	Single Action
atf type	Pistol
barrel length	3.50"
caliber/gauge	.45 Long Colt
capacity	2
color	Silver
length	9.5
model	Snake Slayer
number of magazines	0
package height	2.8
package width	7.9
product type	Derringer
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	2.05
sights	Blade Front/Fixed Rear
sights type	FIXED

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .410 bore 3-inch shells?: Yes, the Snake Slayer's 3.5-inch barrel is specifically designed to safely chamber and fire both standard 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shotgun shells. Do not attempt to fire .45 Colt and .410 shells interchangeably without first verifying the correct chamber and ensuring the action is fully locked.
Does it fit in a standard compact pistol holster?: No, due to its unique break-action profile and rounded trigger guard, it will not fit holsters designed for semi-automatic pistols or revolvers. You will need a holster purpose-built for Bond Arms derringers, such as models from Simply Rugged or a custom kydex maker like MTR Custom Leather. Expect a 3-5 week lead time for custom orders.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Processing and transit time averages 5-7 business days from our warehouse in Montana to the Continental United States, not including the time required for your selected FFL dealer to conduct the background check and final transfer. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories may take 10-14 business days.
Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?: No, the Snake Slayer's grip frame is proprietary to Bond Arms. The extended rosewood grips are not designed for laser module integration. Aftermarket options for optical or laser mounting on derringers of this type are functionally non-existent due to the frame's design and recoil forces.
Can I return it if it's the wrong model?: All firearm transfers are final upon completion of the FFL paperwork (Form 4473). Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms that have been transferred to a customer. It is the purchaser's responsibility to verify the exact model, caliber, and specifications with our team prior to initiating the purchase and transfer process.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.