BOND ARMS Grizzly Derringer .45 Colt/.410 3-inch Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction throughout—zero corrosion concerns in humid or coastal environments
- Weighs 20 ounces—5 ounces lighter than comparable all-metal derringers like the American Derringer M-1
- Accepts 3-inch .410 bore shells—delivers 5-6 pellet patterns at 7 yards for improved hit probability
- Extended rosewood grips—add 0.5 inches of purchase over standard panels for recoil control
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity only—requires immediate reload under sustained threat scenarios
- Fixed sights limit precision—no adjustment for windage or elevation without aftermarket modification
- Significant recoil with .45 Colt—generates 12-14 ft-lbs of felt energy, challenging for shooters under 150 lbs
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the BOND ARMS Grizzly Derringer .45 Colt/.410 3-inch Stainless? It is a compact over-and-under double-barrel handgun with break-action operation, chambered for both .45 Colt cartridges and 3-inch .410 bore shotshells. Built entirely from stainless steel with extended rosewood grips, it delivers close-range stopping power in a package that weighs 20 ounces unloaded. The Grizzly ships with a Rough Series leather holster and represents a modern take on the classic derringer design favored for deep concealment and backup carry scenarios.
What is the Bond Arms Grizzly Derringer used for?
The Grizzly is designed for personal defense and close-quarters engagement where a full-size handgun is impractical. It chambers both .45 Colt for precise single-projectile threats and 3-inch .410 bore shells containing multiple pellets up close. With a 3-inch barrel length and fixed sights, this weapon is effective within 7-10 yards, making it suitable for emergency backup carry or as a ranch gun for dispatching vermin.
How does the Bond Arms Grizzly compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Grizzly outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore in concealability but lags in range and ammunition flexibility. The Stevens 555 features a 28-inch barrel and weighs 6.2 pounds, delivering tighter patterns at 25-30 yards versus the Grizzly's 3-inch barrel and 20-ounce weight optimized for immediate close-range deployment. While the Stevens is superior for clay shooting and hunting small game, the Grizzly excels as a last-resort defensive tool that fits in a jacket pocket or ankle holster. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun if you need traditional shotgun performance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Bond Arms Grizzly weighs 20 ounces unloaded and measures 4.75 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel height of 2.25 inches. The extended rosewood grips add 1.25 inches of width, creating a compact profile that fits in most standard-sized pistol pockets. At this weight and size, it remains manageable for quick presentation but requires practiced grip technique to control .45 Colt recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
This derringer is not suitable for novice shooters or those seeking a primary defensive firearm with high capacity. The two-round limit per reload and significant recoil impulse demand advanced handling skills to maintain accuracy under stress. If you require more than immediate backup capability or prefer a softer-shooting platform, consider a compact semi-auto like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester for greater versatility.
What's in the box?
The Grizzly package includes the derringer itself, one Rough Series leather holster sized for the 3-inch barrel configuration, and a manufacturer's manual outlining maintenance and barrel interchange procedures. Unlike some competitors, it does not include additional choke tubes or a cleaning kit, so factor in another $25-40 for basic bore maintenance supplies.
Is the Bond Arms Grizzly worth it at $352.99?
At $352.99, the Grizzly represents fair value for a niche firearm with premium materials and machining. The stainless steel construction ensures corrosion resistance in all conditions, while the barrel-swapping capability (using standard Bond Arms fittings) adds long-term versatility. Compared to polymer-frame alternatives in the $250-300 range, the Grizzly's all-metal build justifies the premium for shooters who prioritize durability over absolute minimum weight.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959002892 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BAGR-45/410 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore | .45 Colt |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 8.7000 |
| model | Grizzly |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 5.3 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 1.85 |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with other Bond Arms barrels?
- Yes, the Grizzly uses the standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system. You can swap in any barrel configured for the Bond Arms frame pattern, including 9mm, .357 Magnum, or longer .410 bore options. The swap takes about 2 minutes with the included tool and requires no fitting or gunsmithing.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- The Grizzly requires a holster designed specifically for derringer profiles due to its 4.75-inch length and 2.25-inch barrel height. The included Rough Series leather holster is form-fitted for this model, but aftermarket options from vendors like DeSantis or Galco will need explicit Grizzly compatibility listing.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to FFL dealers typically takes 3-5 business days after order verification and background check completion. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx 2Day for all firearm shipments, with tracking provided within 24 hours of label creation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling a similar derringer at a local dealer before purchasing—the extended rosewood grips measure 1.25 inches wide, which suits medium to large hands better than compact polymer alternatives.
- Does this work with .410 bore 2.5-inch shells?
- Yes, the chamber accepts both 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shotshells interchangeably. However, pattern density suffers with shorter shells, reducing effective range by approximately 3-4 yards compared to full 3-inch loads.