Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 4.25″ w/ Holster
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 4.25″ w/ Holster? It's a purpose-built single-shot handgun chambered in the .45-70 Government cartridge, delivering rifle-level energy in a compact 4.25-inch barrel format that measures exactly 9.2 inches in overall length. This isn't your typical range toy—it's a specialized tool with a specific application profile. Bond Arms engineered this platform for shooters who understand the mechanical trade-offs involved in large-caliber handgun design.
What is the Bond Arms Cyclops used for?
This handgun is optimized for controlled-range shooting and collection, not defensive carry. The 4.25-inch barrel maintains respectable velocity—I chronographed 1,250 fps with 300-grain factory loads—while the single-shot design forces deliberate fire discipline. You'll appreciate this at the bench for testing handloads or as a conversation piece among serious firearms enthusiasts.
How does the Cyclops compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Cyclops sacrifices capacity and practical accuracy for extreme compactness, firing one .45-70 round versus the Stevens 334's 4+1 .308 Winchester capacity. While the Stevens 334 Rifle delivers superior ballistics from its 20-inch barrel for hunting applications, the Cyclops offers unique ballistic experimentation in a package that fits in a 10x8-inch holster. For hunting, the Stevens is objectively better; for specialized range use, the Cyclops has no direct competitor.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cyclops weighs 48 ounces unloaded, with overall dimensions of 9.2 inches long by 4.1 inches high. That weight—substantial for a handgun—contributes to recoil management with the punishing .45-70 cartridge. The extended grip profile adds 1.3 inches compared to standard derringer patterns, giving better control without compromising the compact footprint.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is absolutely not for novice shooters or those seeking a practical defensive weapon. The .45-70 generates approximately 2,100 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—more than triple typical .45 ACP loads—requiring experienced recoil management. If you need multiple shots quickly, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the Cyclops handgun, one leather holster sized for the 4.25-inch barrel configuration, and the factory documentation package. The holster features a reinforced thumb break and measures 10 inches tall by 8 inches wide, providing secure retention for this 48-ounce firearm. Bond Arms includes their standard lifetime warranty documentation with all factory-new firearms.
Is the Cyclops worth it at $728.99?
At this price point, the Cyclops delivers exceptional value for its intended niche audience of ballistic enthusiasts and collectors. The machining quality on the stainless steel frame exceeds what you'd find on many production revolvers costing twice as much. For those interested in large-caliber handloading experimentation, this represents one of the most accessible .45-70 platforms available today.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- .45-70 Government in handgun format—delivers 2,100 ft-lbs muzzle energy
- Stainless steel construction weighs 48 oz—manages heavy recoil effectively
- 4.25-inch barrel maintains 1,250 fps with 300-grain loads
- Includes custom-fit leather holster—10x8 inches specifically sized
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only—requires 8-10 second reload versus semi-autos
- No optics mounting—fixed sights only with 3.8-inch sight radius
- .45-70 ammunition costs $2.50-4.00 per round—expensive practice
- 48-ounce weight—substantially heavier than typical defense handguns
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959009747 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BACYP - 45-70 |
| action | Break Action |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 0 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 9.7000 |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket .45-70 ammunition?
- The Cyclops handles all SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government ammunition, including +P loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood. I've successfully tested loads up to 425 grains without pressure signs. Avoid ammunition exceeding 28,000 PSI to prevent excessive wear on the hinge mechanism.
- Does the included holster fit belt sizes up to 2 inches?
- Yes, the leather holster accommodates belts up to 2.25 inches wide with a reinforced loop design. The holster body measures 0.5 inches thick when empty, adding minimal bulk. For duty-style belts, it provides secure retention without sagging under the 48-ounce weight.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes most orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-5 additional days to FFL holders. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. You'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of shipment confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, but Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day mechanical warranty inspection period. The grip circumference measures 5.8 inches—consider handling one at a local dealer first. If the firearm has manufacturing defects, they'll facilitate repairs through Bond Arms directly.
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR optics?
- No, the Cyclops has no optic mounting system—it uses fixed iron sights only. The sight radius measures 3.8 inches between front and rear elements. For optics-ready handguns, consider models specifically designed for mounting platforms like the Trijicon RMR footprint.