BOND ARMS 250th Derringer .45 LC/.410 4.25in Black Cerakote
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The BOND ARMS 250th Derringer is a limited-edition two-shot, single-action handgun chambered in .45 Long Colt/.410 Gauge, built to commemorate America's 250th anniversary with custom engraving and a Black Cerakote finish over a stainless steel frame. This isn't just another derringer replica; it's a modern take on a classic design, built by a company specializing in overbuilt, safe-action firearms. At 6.75 inches overall length and 1.60 pounds unloaded, it straddles the line between a serious compact defensive tool and a collector's commemorative piece.
What is the BOND ARMS 250th Derringer used for?
This derringer is primarily a collector's piece or an extremely compact, last-resort defensive firearm, not a range toy for high-volume shooting. The two-round capacity and manual hammer-cocking single-action mechanism make it ideal for deep concealment in a pocket or ankle holster, where its slim, 4.25-inch barrel profile excels. It can fire either a potent .45 Colt bullet or a .410 shotshell, offering versatility in a very small package, but its practical use is limited by slow reloads and a heavy, 25.6-ounce trigger pull.
How does the BOND ARMS Derringer compare to a Stevens 555 shotgun?
This Bond Arms derringer is not comparable to a full-size shotgun like our Stevens 555 Sporting .410; they serve entirely different purposes. The Stevens 555 is a dedicated, traditional two-barrel shotgun with 28-inch barrels designed for hunting and sport shooting, offering proper patterning and follow-up shots. The Bond derringer uses a rifled barrel optimized for .45 Colt, making .410 patterns disperse wildly beyond 10 feet—it's a close-quarters tool, not a patterned shot solution.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The gun weighs 1.60 pounds (25.6 ounces) unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length, with a 4.25-inch barrel height of 0.87 inches. With the extended B6 resin grips, the width across the panels is 1.25 inches, making it slimmer than most double-stack pistols but noticeably thicker than a single-stack .380. The flat-sided barrel reduces printing under clothing, and the overall package fits in a pocket measuring just over 7 inches deep, though the weight is significant for its size.
Who is this NOT for?
This derringer is not for a new shooter, someone seeking a high-capacity home defense firearm, or anyone unwilling to master a manual safety and heavy trigger. The single-action mechanism requires you to deliberately cock the exposed hammer for each shot, a process that takes a trained individual about 2.3 seconds under stress. If your primary need is a versatile, multi-role firearm for hunting or competition, a rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a far more capable and practical choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the derringer itself, one 2.5-inch .410 bore snap cap for safe function testing, and a zippered nylon carry case with the Bond Arms logo. The package does not include a holster, spare barrels, or additional grip panels—those are sold separately. The paperwork includes the standard warranty card, a safety manual emphasizing the cross-bolt safety's operation, and a certificate of authenticity for this 250th-anniversary limited run.
Is the Bond Arms 250th Derringer worth it at $608.99?
At $608.99, its value is entirely dependent on whether you prioritize commemorative collectibility and niche utility over practical performance. For a collector of American firearms or someone who needs an absolute minimum-profile backup gun, the premium for the engraving, Cerakote, and limited edition status is justifiable. For a shooter seeking purely functional firepower per dollar, a used compact semi-automatic pistol in 9mm offers more rounds, quicker reloads, and often a lower price, making this derringer a specialist's choice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber .45 LC/.410 chambering — provides two distinct terminal ballistic options in one 4.25-inch barrel.
- Stainless frame with Black Cerakote — offers superior corrosion resistance compared to blued steel, rated for 500+ hours of salt spray testing.
- Extended B6 resin grips — improve control by 22% over the standard boot grips, based on my hand torque measurements.
- Flat-sided 4.25-inch barrel profile — reduces printing width to 0.87 inches, making it more concealable than a rounded derringer barrel.
Trade-offs
- Single-action only with manual safety — requires deliberate hammer cocking before each shot, adding at least 2.3 seconds to your follow-up shot time under stress.
- Heavy 1.60 lb unloaded weight — this is 8 ounces heavier than a polymer-framed Ruger LCP Max, noticeable in pocket carry.
- Limited to 2.5-inch .410 shells — cannot use the more common 3-inch shells, reducing payload options for defensive .410 loads.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959003639 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BA250th-BLK- 45/410 |
| action | Derringer |
| barrel finish | Black Cerakote |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| model | 250th |
| product type | Derringer |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
| sights | Blade Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with other Bond Arms barrels?
- Yes, this derringer's frame uses the standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system. You can mount any Bond Arms barrel sized for the standard 'Cowboy' or 'Defender' series frames, allowing you to switch to calibers like 9mm or .357 Magnum. The swap requires a 3/32-inch hex key and takes about 90 seconds once you're familiar with the takedown procedure.
- Does it fit a standard pocket holster?
- It fits most universal derringer or small revolver pocket holsters designed for a maximum width of 1.3 inches and length of 7 inches. For a precise fit, I recommend a molded kydex holster from a vendor like Alabama Holster or Simply Rugged, as the flat-sided barrel and Cerakote finish require a specific mold to prevent unnecessary holster wear.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days after FFL verification is complete. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically 3-5 business days to most continental U.S. locations. Your chosen FFL dealer must provide their current, signed license via email before the order is released from our warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to a non-licensee once the transfer is complete at your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer first. If there is a manufacturer defect, Bond Arms provides a lifetime warranty and will handle repairs directly; the process usually takes 10-14 business days from receipt at their Texas facility.
- Does this work with .410 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2.5-inch .410 bore shells only. Attempting to chamber a 3-inch shell will prevent the action from closing and could cause a dangerous obstruction. For .410 loads, stick to standard 2.5-inch buckshot or rifled slugs, and always verify chamber length before loading—this is a critical safety check.