BOND ARMS Snake Slayer IV — .45 LC / .410, 4.25 in
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV? It's a stainless steel over/under derringer chambered for both .45 Long Colt and .410 bore shotshells, featuring a 4.25-inch barrel and a break-action design with automatic extractors. This configuration bridges the gap between a traditional handgun and a miniature shotgun, offering versatility in a compact, 24-ounce package. Built on Bond Arms' interchangeable platform, it serves a specific defensive niche rather than general-purpose shooting.
What is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV used for?
This derringer is primarily a dedicated tool for close-range defense against venomous snakes and other small threats in outdoor environments where a larger firearm would be impractical. Its .410 bore capability with shotshells provides a wide, forgiving pattern at distances under 10 feet, making target contact nearly guaranteed. The .45 Long Colt chambering offers a hard-hitting, single-projectile option for larger varmints or two-legged threats, though its two-round capacity demands precise shot placement.
How does the Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore?
The Snake Slayer IV is fundamentally different: it's a 24-ounce, two-shot pistol designed for belt carry, while the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 is a 5.5-pound, multi-shot shotgun built for sport shooting and small game hunting. The Stevens is objectively better for hunting or clay sports due to its 28-inch barrel, improved swing, and multi-round capacity. The Bond Arms wins only on concealability and immediacy of access, trading all practical accuracy beyond 7 yards for that advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 24 ounces (680 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 6.5 inches and a height of 4.1 inches with the extended rosewood grips. The 4.25-inch barrel length is critical for .410 performance, as shorter barrels drastically reduce velocity and pattern density. This specific size strikes a balance between ballistic utility and the compact form factor required for a belt-holster carry system, though it remains noticeably thicker than a single-barrel derringer due to its over/under configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a suitable primary firearm for home defense, general carry, or recreational shooting. Anyone seeking more than two rounds before reloading, any practical accuracy beyond 15 yards, or a platform for frequent high-volume practice should look at a compact revolver or semi-automatic. The steep learning curve for managing its substantial recoil in a small frame and the manual dexterity required for the break-action under stress make it a poor choice for novice shooters or those without dedicated training time.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one set of extended rosewood grips, a crossbolt safety key, and a basic soft case. Notably absent are any caliber-specific snap caps for dry-fire practice, which I consider essential for mastering the unique break-action manipulation and hammer operation. Bond Arms also does not include their optional accessory rail or a dedicated holster, both of which are separate purchases that add functionality and secure carry options for this specific frame.
Is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV worth it at $567.99?
At this price, it is worth it only if your need aligns precisely with its narrow capability profile—specifically, as a lightweight, specialized tool for snake defense during hiking, fishing, or ranch work where a long gun is inappropriate. For that user, the stainless construction, caliber versatility, and robust build justify the cost. For anyone considering it as a novelty, a backup gun, or a general-purpose firearm, the money is better spent on a used Stevens 334 rifle or a quality revolver that offers greater utility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction withstands moisture and hard use—critical for a field gun.
- Accepts two distinct calibers (.45 LC & .410) in one 24-oz frame for scenario-based loading.
- 4.25-inch barrel optimizes .410 pattern spread and velocity better than 3-inch models.
- Interchangeable barrel system allows conversion to 9mm or .357 Magnum with a $220 barrel purchase.
Trade-offs
- Manual crossbolt safety is stiff and requires deliberate thumb movement to disengage—not ideal under duress.
- Substantial recoil impulse from full-power .45 LC loads makes follow-up shots slow; practice is mandatory.
- Rosewood grips, while attractive, offer minimal texture for control with sweaty or gloved hands.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959001567 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BASS4 - 45/410 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10 |
| model | Snake Slayer |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Derringer |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch .410 shells?
- No, the Snake Slayer IV chamber is designed for 2.5-inch .410 bore shotshells only. Attempting to fire a 3-inch shell will prevent the action from closing fully and is a dangerous obstruction. Standard 2.5-inch shells, including those with #9 shot for snakes or 000 buck for defense, function within the design parameters.
- Does it fit a standard small-frame holster?
- No, its blocky, over/under profile requires a holster specifically molded for Bond Arms derringers. Universal nylon or leather pouches will not provide adequate retention. I recommend a hard-shell Kydex holster from a maker like Simply Rugged, which typically ships in 10-14 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Ironclad Armory's policy for Online Only items allows returns for un-fired, new-in-box merchandise within 30 days, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Once the firearm has been transferred to you via an FFL and especially if it has been fired, it is considered used and is generally not eligible for return, barring a manufacturing defect.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- Yes, but indirectly. The standard extended rosewood grips can be replaced with Bond Arms' proprietary accessory grip panels. Crimson Trace and other makers produce laser models that attach to these panels. Expect to spend an additional $150-$220 for a laser-equipped grip set, and factor in zeroing time at the range.