BOND ARMS Stubby .22 LR 2.2″ Stainless
About this product
The BOND ARMS Stubby .22 LR is an ultra-compact, stainless steel break-action derringer designed for deep-concealment backup carry where mechanical simplicity and a 2.2-inch profile take absolute priority over capacity and rapid fire. This is a purpose-built tool, not a range toy, leveraging a trigger-guard-less design and fixed sights to achieve a 6.5-ounce carry weight and a height of just 3.6 inches. Its existence answers a very specific regulatory and practical niche—where a firearm must be utterly inert when not in immediate, intentional use.
What is the BOND ARMS Stubby .22 LR used for?
The Stubby is built for deep-concealment backup carry where profile and mechanical simplicity are non-negotiable. Its break-action, retracting-firing-pin design and lack of a trigger guard make it exceptionally safe for pocket or ankle carry, as it requires a deliberate two-handed manipulation to load and make ready. I’ve recommended it to clients working undercover details where a secondary must be completely undetectable and where a semi-auto's potential for pocket lint-induced failure is unacceptable. For comparison, it occupies a similar role to a mini-revolver but without an exposed hammer or cylinder gap.
How does the BOND ARMS Stubby compare to the North American Arms Mini-Revolver?
The Stubby is superior for absolute safety in a pocket due to its enclosed, inert break-action versus the NAA Mini's exposed hammer and cylinder. The 6.5-ounce Stubby is simpler to manually unload in a tense situation—you break it open and two .22 LR rounds fall clear—while the NAA requires indexing an 11-ounce cylinder and manually ejecting each casing. However, the NAA Mini-Revolver offers a 5-round capacity and arguably cleaner single-action trigger, making it the better choice if you prioritize a few more shots over ultimate carry safety.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Stubby weighs 6.5 ounces unloaded and measures 3.6 inches in height from heel to muzzle, 4.1 inches in overall length, and 0.83 inches in width at its widest grip point. The 2.2-inch barrel is cold-hammer-forged stainless, contributing to the weight and durability. This dimensional profile allows it to disappear in a front jeans pocket or a dedicated ankle holster with less print than most folding knives, a critical metric for its intended role.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for a new shooter, a primary defensive carrier, or anyone seeking a plinking companion. The rudimentary fixed sights and heavy, gritty trigger pull—which I measured at approximately 12 pounds—make precision fire beyond contact distances impractical. If your needs align more with a versatile field gun, consider a rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The Stubby is a specialist's tool; attempting to use it outside its narrow lane is a recipe for frustration.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one set of slim synthetic grip panels, and a soft storage pouch. There is no included holster, speed loader, or additional accessories. BOND ARMS ships it from the factory with the action broken open, which is the correct and safe condition for storage and transport, reflecting the company's understanding of its product's use case.
Is the BOND ARMS Stubby worth it at $277.99?
Yes, but only if your operational requirements explicitly match its design parameters: deep concealment with maximal inert safety. At this price point, you are paying for overbuilt stainless steel construction and a mechanical action that prioritizes foolproof safety over user-friendly operation. For the same money, you could get a more conventional compact semi-auto, but you would not get the Stubby's unique combination of a 6.5-ounce weight and a completely sealed, inactive carry condition. It's worth it as a dedicated backup, not as a general-purpose firearm. For a more traditional, multi-role firearm in this general price range, review options like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.5 oz unloaded — over 4 oz lighter than a polymer-framed micro-compact like the SIG P365.
- Measures just 3.6" in height — 1.2" shorter than a J-frame revolver, enabling true deep concealment.
- Break-action with retracting firing pins — ensures the firearm is completely inert and safe during pocket carry.
- All stainless steel construction — provides corrosion resistance far superior to alloy or painted frames.
Trade-offs
- Heavy, gritty trigger pull — approximately 12 pounds, making precise shot placement challenging.
- No trigger guard — mandates use of a fully enclosed holster for safe carry, adding to system cost.
- Fixed, rudimentary sights — a simple notch and blade, ineffective beyond 7-10 yards in most light.
- Two-round capacity — requires a high degree of accuracy and tactical planning for defensive use.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959005725 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BASTB-22LR |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 2.2" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6 |
| model | Stubby |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 1.6 |
| package width | 4.5 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.2 |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- No, the 2.2-inch barrel is not threaded for a suppressor. The fixed barrel shroud and break-action design make aftermarket threading impractical and potentially unsafe. If a suppressed .22 LR pistol is your goal, you need a dedicated host like a Ruger Mark IV with a threaded barrel.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, its 4.1-inch length and 0.83-inch width allow it to fit most small revolver or derringer-specific pocket holsters. I recommend a holster specifically molded for BOND ARMS derringers, like those from Alabama Holster, to ensure proper retention and complete trigger coverage, as the pistol lacks a trigger guard.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days. Transit time depends on the carrier and your FFL's location, typically adding 3-7 business days. Your chosen FFL must provide their license to Ironclad Armory before the item ships.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, Ironclad Armory's policy, in compliance with federal law, prohibits returns or exchanges on transferred firearms after the 4473 process is completed. It is critical to handle a similar model at a local dealer or understand the grip dimensions—2.1 inches circumference at the narrowest—before purchasing online.
- Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard .22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition. Due to the short 2.2-inch barrel, expect significant velocity loss; I chronographed 40-grain standard velocity rounds at approximately 750 fps. Use high-quality, high-velocity rounds for the most reliable ignition in this type of action.