Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 Gov’t 4.25″ Stainless Single-Shot
Pros & cons
What works
- Chambered in .45-70 Gov't – delivers rifle-caliber ballistics from a 6.75-inch pistol platform
- Constructed from 416 stainless steel – provides maximum corrosion resistance for long-term durability
- Break-action hinge pin is 0.3125" forged steel – designed to withstand repeated firing stresses
Trade-offs
- Limited to single-shot use – requires a full manual reload cycle after each 2-3 second firing sequence
- Fixed sights only with no optics mounting solution – restricts precision aiming to sub-100 yard engagements
- Generates over 40 ft-lbs of recoil energy – requires significant hand strength and proper technique to manage
- No included carrying case or holster – adds $50-100 for a custom Kydex solution
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 Gov’t 4.25″ Stainless Single-Shot? It is a break-action, single-shot specialty pistol chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge, constructed from stainless steel as a purpose-built tool for delivering a full-power rifle cartridge from an extremely compact handgun platform. It is not a target pistol, a concealed carry firearm, or a survival piece designed for repetition. It is a mechanical delivery system for one precisely placed large-bore projectile. Its primary function is to exist in a regulatory category—a pistol—while delivering terminal ballistics typically associated with short-barreled rifles.
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 used for?
The Cyclops is specifically intended for two roles: as a mechanical novelty and performance demonstrator for experienced shooters, and as a dedicated sub-100-yard hunting or finishing tool where local regulations permit its use as a handgun. It allows a hunter who has already shouldered a heavier, longer rifle all day to carry this 6.75-inch overall package as a final, potent backup shot. Its application niche is narrow; this is not a recreational plinking firearm.
How does the Bond Arms Cyclops compare to a Thompson/Center Encore Pistol?
The Cyclops is far more compact and purposefully limited than a modular contender-style pistol. Where a Thompson/Center Encore Pistol with a .45-70 barrel might have a 15-inch barrel and an overall length pushing 20 inches, the Cyclops crams its concept into under 7 inches, giving up over 600 feet per second in muzzle velocity for that size reduction. The T/C is a versatile, multi-caliber platform; the Cyclops is a single, simple, and brutally direct instrument with zero modularity.
For shooters looking for a more conventional but versatile break-action firearm for hunting, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a highly serviceable and far more practical option for most hunting scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cyclops weighs 46 ounces (approximately 2.9 pounds) and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with its 4.25-inch barrel. The break-action pivot is a forged steel hinge pin measuring 0.3125 inches in diameter, secured by a ball detent. Its B6 resin grip panels create a grip width of 1.4 inches, making it fill the hand adequately for the expected 38 to 42 foot-pounds of recoil energy generated by factory .45-70 loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for anyone seeking a first or only handgun, nor for shooters sensitive to significant recoil. It is not for those who conflate ‘compact’ with ‘concealable.’ The .45-70 Government cartridge, even from this short barrel, produces punishing recoil. This pistol is also categorically unsuited for the rapid-fire roles often associated with popular polymer-frame semi-autos.
What's in the box?
The pistol ships with one polymer display case, the pistol itself, and a manual. There is no holster, no cleaning kit, no lock beyond what may be required by state law, and no factory-installed optics rail. You receive the mechanical unit and its essential documentation. You must supply the ammunition and the high-torque screwdriver required to disassemble the barrel from the frame for deep cleaning.
Is the Bond Arms Cyclops worth it at $521.99?
At $521.99, the Cyclops is priced for the specific shooter who desires this exact mechanical expression of power-to-size ratio and understands the tax and compliance implications. You are not paying for versatility, capacity, or modern ergonomics; you are paying for precision-machined 416 stainless steel in a highly specialized configuration that avoids NFA classification. For that individual, it is justifiable. For the general shooter seeking a .45-70, a Stevens 334 rifle for the same price delivers vastly more utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959009655 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BACY-45-70 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 8.6000 |
| model | Cyclops |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 5.3 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45-70 rifle ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government ammunition. However, you must exercise caution with high-pressure modern loads (like Buffalo Bore +P) due to the short barrel length and intense pressure curve. I recommend standard 405-grain soft point loads from Federal or Remington for initial function testing.
- Does this firearm require an FFL transfer?
- Absolutely. As a Title I firearm (pistol), it must be shipped to a licensed FFL holder in your state for the mandatory NICS background check before you take possession. Ironclad Armory ships within 2 business days of cleared payment to your chosen FFL.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on the Cyclops?
- No, the current production model does not feature a machined or drilled receiver for an optics mount. You are limited to the integral fixed front and rear sights. The design assumes precise aiming will be done at very close range, where a red dot offers minimal advantage given the pistol's ballistic profile.
- How long is the warranty?
- Bond Arms provides a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. Claims must be processed by contacting Bond Arms directly, not through Ironclad Armory. Proof of purchase from an authorized dealer is required for all warranty service.