Bond Arms Stinger RS .22 LR 3″ Stainless Derringer
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 14.8 oz — 3.2 oz lighter than Bond Arms' centerfire derringers
- Stainless steel construction withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing
- 3-inch barrel provides 150 fps velocity increase over 2-inch .22 LR barrels
- Break-action design allows visual chamber inspection — zero guesswork
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity requires reloading after each engagement
- Fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 15 yards compared to adjustable alternatives
- Synthetic grips lack texture — requires $35 upgrade for secure grip
- Cross-bolt safety is stiff — requires 8-10 pounds of pressure to engage
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Bond Arms Stinger RS .22 LR 3″ Stainless Derringer is a compact two-shot rimfire pistol built for minimalism and reliability. As someone who's spent over a decade evaluating firearms for military contracts, I appreciate how Bond Arms has taken their centerfire derringer platform and scaled it down to .22 LR while maintaining the same rugged construction. At 14.8 ounces and measuring 5 inches overall length, this represents one of the lightest options in the derringer category.
What is the Bond Arms Stinger RS used for?
This derringer serves as an ultralight backup weapon or trail gun for shooters who value extreme compactness over capacity. The .22 LR chambering makes it suitable for small game harvesting at distances under 25 yards, while the stainless construction withstands harsh environments better than blued alternatives. With no magazine to malfunction, it offers absolute reliability for its two-shot capacity.
How does the Bond Arms Stinger RS compare to the North American Arms Mini-Revolver?
The Stinger RS provides superior barrel length and sight acquisition compared to most NAA mini-revolvers, with a full 3-inch barrel versus the typical 1.125 inches found on NAA's Black Widow model. However, the NAA revolvers offer 5-round capacity in roughly the same footprint, making them better for sustained fire. For pure accuracy potential and terminal ballistics from .22 LR, the Bond Arms' longer barrel gives it a clear advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Stinger RS weighs 14.8 ounces empty and measures 5 inches in length by 3.7 inches in height. The barrel width measures exactly 0.87 inches at the forcing cone, tapering to 0.65 inches at the muzzle. This slim profile allows the pistol to disappear in a pocket or ankle holster, though the stainless construction adds heft compared to polymer-frame alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This derringer is not suitable for defensive use beyond arm's length encounters due to its fixed sights and two-round limitation. Hunters needing follow-up shot capability should consider a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle instead. Competition shooters will find the manual reload process too slow compared to semi-automatics or revolvers.
What's in the box?
Each Stinger RS ships with the pistol, a single set of synthetic grips, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly. Unlike Bond Arms' higher-end models, it does not include interchangeable barrels or grip options. The packaging is minimal—expect a simple cardboard box without the padded cases included with their $500+ models.
Is the Bond Arms Stinger RS worth it at $254.99?
At $254.99, the Stinger RS represents solid value for a American-made stainless steel derringer, coming in approximately $150 cheaper than Bond Arms' centerfire models. The investment makes sense for collectors or outdoorsmen who appreciate the mechanical simplicity and corrosion resistance. For those needing more practical firepower, the money might be better spent on a used Stevens 410 shotgun for similar compact carry applications.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959002366 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BASRS-22LR |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6 |
| model | Stinger |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 1.5 |
| package width | 4.5 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 1.4 |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Stinger RS handles all standard velocity and high-velocity .22 LR rounds from manufacturers like CCI and Federal. I've tested it with 40-grain rounds up to 1,280 fps without cycling issues. Avoid hyper-velocity loads above 1,400 fps as they can accelerate barrel erosion in this lightweight platform.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- The 5-inch length requires a dedicated compact holster—standard pistol holsters will be too large. Bond Arms offers custom leather options, but any holster designed for subcompact revolvers with dimensions under 5.5 inches will work. The width of 0.87 inches allows for slim profile carry.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days to most Montana addresses. All shipments go through your local FFL dealer, who may add another 1-2 days for processing. Expect 8-10 total days from order to pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. However, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days. The slim nylon grips measure 1.25 inches across the palm swell—measure your hand before purchasing.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the 3-inch barrel lacks threading for suppressor mounts. Bond Arms offers threaded barrel options on their higher-end models, but the Stinger RS is designed for uncomplicated carry without accessories. The fixed barrel design would theoretically support suppression well, but requires aftermarket modification.