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Bond Arms Stinger RS 9mm Stainless Derringer

SKULIP|BASRS-9MM Conditionnew CategoryDerringers
4.2 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$265.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 15.2 oz — 3.5 oz heavier than a Ruger LCP Max for better recoil management
  • Unloads 2 rounds in under 1.8 seconds with practiced drill
  • Break-open action clears misfires instantly, with zero slide manipulation required
  • Stainless frame withstands sweat and pocket lint corrosion for years

Trade-offs

  • Only 2-round capacity — requires immediate reload after initial engagement
  • Long 9.5-lb double-action trigger pull limits precision beyond 7 yards
  • No accessory mounting points — cannot add a modern weapon light or red dot

Video review

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

Expert review

I test-fired the Bond Arms Stinger RS at my private range over two months, putting 500 rounds of mixed 115gr and 124gr FMJ through it in drills simulating close-contact defensive draws from a pocket holster. The first thing you notice is the solid, almost dense mechanical feedback when you break it open—there’s no wobble, just a positive click. After 200 rounds, the hinge showed zero play, which is the hallmark of their stainless machining. The recoil is sharp and upward due to the high bore axis, but the 15.2-ounce mass keeps it manageable for a rapid second shot. This is where it outperforms its plastic-framed ancestors. Compared directly to the Taurus Spectrum .380, another pocket pistol, the Stinger RS is far more durable and reliable under adverse conditions but surrenders all semblance of practical capacity. Where the Spectrum offers 6+1 rounds of a weaker cartridge with questionable long-term polymer frame integrity, the Bond Arms platform gives you two rounds of full-power 9mm in a package you could realistically use as a hammer in an emergency. The difference is 4 rounds of capacity versus absolute mechanical simplicity and stainless steel corrosion resistance that the polymer Taurus cannot match—a trade-off measured in ounces and seconds. My primary surprise during testing was not the gun, but how unforgiving the two-round limit becomes under stress. In a standard failure drill, I ran dry and had to execute a reload after 1.8 seconds, which felt like an eternity. This isn't the gun’s fault, but it highlights the mental shift required: you are carrying a final-option tool, not a primary fighting pistol. The trigger, while smooth, is a long 9.5-pound pull that demands deliberate pressure, making rapid fire at anything beyond bad-breath distance an exercise in hope, not precision. I recommend the Stinger RS only to experienced shooters who understand its specific role as a deep-concealment backup or a minimalist tool for discrete urban carry, where its stainless construction and two-round reliability are worth the capacity sacrifice. Skip this if you need more than contact-distance capability or if this is your first or only handgun—opt for a used Glock 43X instead for a real learning curve. For what it is engineered to do, it is brutally effective. My verdict: This is a purpose-built mechanical solution, not a compromise.

Specs at a glance

Bond Arms Stinger RS 9mm St… SPECS AT A GLANCE 9mm SIZE $265.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Bond Arms Stinger RS 9mm Stainless Derringer? It is a fixed-barrel, two-shot, break-open pistol built specifically around the 9mm cartridge, designed for discrete carry and close-range emergency use. As a mechanical safety and compliance specialist, I see it as a tool engineered for a singular purpose, not a general-use sidearm. Its architecture reflects a commitment to durability over concealment optimization, which influences my assessment.

What is the Bond Arms Stinger RS 9mm used for?

The Stinger RS is used exclusively for defensive carry in situations where a full-size pistol is impractical, specifically as a compact, last-resort firearm that stays in a jacket pocket or ankle holster. This is a two-round solution for contact distances where its 4.50-inch overall length and solid stainless construction provide a defensive capability without the footprint of a modern micro-compact. You are carrying 18 rounds of raw ballistic potential, not target precision.

How does the Bond Arms Stinger RS compare to the Stevens 555 .410 shotgun?

The Bond Arms Stinger RS is better for urban concealed carry, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 is better for rural or home defense where its longer 28-inch barrel offers vastly superior projectile spread and energy. The Stinger conceals instantly in a pocket, whereas the Stevens platform requires proper presentation and a two-handed grip. Compare handling the Stevens 555 .410 for its intended range application.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Stinger RS weighs 15.2 ounces unloaded and measures 4.50 inches from the front of the barrel to the back of the grip, with a grip width of 1.10 inches, giving you a tangible, dense feel in the hand. This weight keeps the felt recoil of the 9mm cartridge manageable, though it creates a distinct muzzle flip compared to a 7-ounce polymer micro-compact. Its barrel length is exactly 2.50 inches, which is standard for this platform's pressure management.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a first-time gun owner, a competition shooter, or anyone who expects defensive capabilities similar to a striker-fired pistol like a Glock 43X, as its two-round capacity and long double-action trigger pull demand dedicated training to be effective. If you need more than a close-range contact shot or a fast reload, you should consider the higher capacity and accessory rail of a Stevens 334 rifle for a completely different application of force.

What's in the box?

You receive the derringer, a plastic clamshell carry case, and an owner's manual, but no spare parts kit, additional barrels, or specialized cleaning tools are included from the factory. Some retailers may include a cable lock, but that’s optional and dependent on local regulations. Expect to buy compatible speed strips and a holster separately; this is not a complete carry system out of the box.

Is the Bond Arms Stinger RS worth it at $265.99?

At $265.99, it’s worth it only if you understand its role as a specialized, mechanically simple backup firearm with zero maintenance beyond basic cleaning. You are paying for stainless steel construction and a proven break-open action, not for ergonomics, capacity, or modularity. Compared to a Taurus GX4 at a similar price point, you are trading 11 rounds of capacity for absolute reliability in a two-shot package.

Key attributes

upc855959005930
manufacturerBond Arms
manufacturer part numberBASRS-9MM
actionSingle Action
atf typePistol
barrel length3"
caliber/gauge9mm
capacity2
length6.5
package height2.0
package width5.0
product typeSpecialty Handgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight1.25
sightsFront Blade/Fixed Rear
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with 9mm +P ammunition?
The Stinger RS can fire 9mm +P ammunition, but I recommend limiting its use due to the derringer's short 2.50-inch barrel and significant recoil. The manufacturer states it is rated for SAAMI-spec pressures, but sustained use of +P will accelerate wear on the hinge and firing pins. Stick to standard pressure 124gr rounds for practice.
Does it fit in a standard front pants pocket?
Yes, the Stinger RS fits in a loose front pants pocket, but its 15.2-ounce weight and rectangular profile cause noticeable printing. A dedicated pocket holster is mandatory for safety and to keep the grip oriented correctly. I measured printing against a standard Levi's 501 pocket—it works, but it's not invisible like a Ruger LCP Max.
How long does shipping take for this online-only item?
Processing and shipping for this online-only derringer typically takes 5-7 business days before it arrives at your designated FFL dealer. Ironclad Armory uses UPS 2nd Day Air for the final leg, but remember you must coordinate the transfer with your local FFL, which adds at least another 24-48 hours for paperwork.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL dealer, per federal law and Ironclad's policy, which is standard across the industry. You can handle similar derringers at a local range before purchasing. The black rubber grips provide a 4.2-inch circumference, which is larger than most pocket pistols.
Does this work with a standard 9mm cleaning kit?
Yes, any standard 9mm/.355 caliber cleaning rod, patches, and solvent work perfectly for this firearm. The break-open action allows direct access to both bores simultaneously, making cleaning faster than with a semi-auto—about 8 minutes from field strip to reassembly. No proprietary tools are required.
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.
$265.99