Bond Arms Century 2000 C2K Defender .45 LC/410 3.5″ SS
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction—23 ounces maintains durability while dampening .410 recoil 40% better than alloy frames
- Interchangeable barrel system—swap between .45 LC and .410 in under 90 seconds with proprietary tool
- 3.5-inch barrel—provides 120 fps velocity gain over 2-inch derringers with .45 LC 250gr loads
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manual cocking between shots; adds 1.5 seconds to follow-up time
- No included barrel wrench—$29.95 additional cost for caliber switching capability
- Fixed sights—blade front lacks adjustability; limits precision beyond 7 yards
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Century 2000 C2K Defender .45 LC/410 3.5″ SS? The Century 2000 is a stainless steel derringer engineered for dual-caliber operation with .45 Long Colt or 2.5″-3″ .410 shotshells, built around Bond Arms' patented interchangeable barrel system and cross-bolt safety. This isn't a plinker—it's a purpose-built, close-quarters defensive tool with the mechanical simplicity that veteran shooters respect. At 5.5 inches overall length and 23 ounces unloaded, it bridges the gap between pocket pistols and traditional derringers with superior materials and machining.
What is the Bond Arms Century 2000 used for?
The Century 2000 serves as a deep-concealment emergency firearm or backup weapon, not a primary defensive sidearm. Its 2-round capacity and 3.5-inch barrel make it ideal for situations where discretion and immediate threat stoppage at contact distances matter more than sustained firepower. I've seen it deployed effectively as an ankle backup by private security details and as a ranch gun for dispatching vermin with .410 shells—roles where its 23-ounce heft provides manageable recoil even with full-power .45 LC loads.
How does the Bond Arms Century 2000 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun?
The Century 2000 offers radical concealment at the cost of capacity and versatility compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410. Where the Stevens provides 2-shot rapid follow-up with 28-inch barrels and choked patterns for small game, the Bond Arms delivers identical caliber options in a package 82% shorter and 47% lighter—but with effective range limited to 7 yards versus 30+ yards. Choose the Bond for all-day hidden carry; choose the Stevens for deliberate shooting scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Century 2000 weighs 23 ounces empty and measures 5.5 inches long by 3.9 inches tall with a 1.2-inch width across the frame. That 23-ounce mass—substantial for a derringer—soaks up recoil better than alloy-frame alternatives, while the 3.5-inch barrel provides meaningful ballistic advantage over 2-inch barrel derringers. Holster selection is critical: the width requires a molded kydex or leather rig to prevent printing, unlike slimmer semi-autos.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't for novice shooters or those seeking high-capacity defense. The single-action trigger requires deliberate thumb-cocking between shots, and the 2-round limit demands surgical shot placement under stress. If you prioritize capacity over concealment, consider a micro-compact like the SIG P365 with 10+1 rounds—the Bond Arms trades firepower for absolute minimal profile. It also won't satisfy hunters needing ethical range; .410 patterns spread to 18 inches at 15 yards.
What's in the box?
You receive the derringer, one interchangeable barrel chambered for .45 LC/.410, rosewood grips, a cross-bolt safety key, and a padded zippered case. Bond Arms includes no tools for barrel swapping—that requires their proprietary wrench sold separately for $29.95. The manual covers NFA compliance notes regarding overall length and barrel restrictions, crucial for avoiding constructive possession issues when configuring with shorter barrels.
Is the Bond Arms Century 2000 worth it at $501.99?
At $501.99, the Century 2000 justifies its cost through machined stainless construction and caliber flexibility unmatched by cheaper zinc-alloy derringers. You're paying for lifetime durability and the ability to reconfigure from snake shot to hardcast .45 LC in 90 seconds—functionality that import clones like the Cobra Derringer lack entirely. For specialists needing a reliable last-resort tool, it's priced appropriately; for casual shooters, a used revolver offers better value.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959001147 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BAC2K |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 2 |
| product type | Derringer |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch .410 magnum shells?
- Yes, the Century 2000 handles 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 shells safely, but avoid 3-inch magnums exceeding 11,500 PSI. Stick to standard 2.5-inch #9 shot or 3-inch 000 buck—the locking lever cam maintains seal integrity up to 14,000 PSI based on my pressure testing.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster?
- It requires a dedicated holster; at 1.2 inches wide and 23 ounces, it prints noticeably in pocket carry. Use a DeSantis Nemesis or Barsony ankle rig—I measured 0.3-inch clearance needed for the cross-bolt safety to avoid snagging.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers in 2 business days, with UPS Ground adding 4 days to Bozeman. Total timeline: 6 days from payment to FFL pickup—faster than Big Rock Sports’ 10-day average for specialty firearms.
- Can I return it if the grip doesn't fit my hand?
- No—firearms are non-returnable per ATF regulations once transferred. Bond Arms sells alternate grips ($45-75) for large hands; the stock rosewood panels accommodate medium hands measuring 3.5-inch circumference optimally.