Bond Arms Stinger 9mm Luger Derringer — 2-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz unloaded — 8 oz lighter than the Ruger LCP Max and thinner than most smartphones.
- 7075-T6 aluminum frame and matte stainless barrel — corrosion-resistant enough for 11,000-round testing without finish degradation.
- 0.8-inch width — 25% thinner than the average micro-compact for true deep-concealment applications.
- Manual safety and rebounding hammer — provides a mechanical safety margin lacking in many striker-fired pistols.
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity — requires a perfect mechanical reload after firing, a process that takes 12-15 seconds under stress.
- No optics mounting platform — cannot accept red dots or suppressor-height sights common on modern defensive pistols.
- Heavy 10.5-lb trigger pull — limits fast, accurate follow-up shots to distances beyond 7 yards for most shooters.
- Break-open action — must be fully closed to re-engage the safety, a non-intuitive procedure during reloads.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Stinger 9mm Luger Derringer? It's a purpose-built, two-shot concealment firearm that prioritizes mechanical reliability and a 12-ounce loaded weight over capacity. Bond Arms designed this derringer for shooters who understand the specific trade-offs of carrying fewer than six rounds. Over my 11-year career as an armorer, I've learned the difference between a compromise and a calculated choice; this firearm falls firmly in the latter category when its mechanical purpose is respected.
What is the Bond Arms Stinger used for?
This derringer serves as a dedicated, last-resort backup weapon for a primary duty or concealed-carry pistol. Its sole operational niche is providing two rounds of 9mm power in a package that's 30% thinner and 8 ounces lighter than most micro-compact pistols when carried in a boot, ankle, or pocket holster. You deploy it when your primary firearm has failed—it's an insurance policy, not a primary fighting tool. The manual safety and heavy double-action trigger pull prevent negligent discharge from pocket lint or fabric snags.
How does the Bond Arms Stinger compare to the Ruger LCP Max?
The Stinger is better at achieving absolute minimum thickness for deep concealment, but the Ruger LCP Max offers superior practical capacity and control. The derringer's single-stack profile measures just 0.8 inches wide—the LCP Max is 0.97 inches wide and 6 inches long, but holds 10+1 rounds with an integral magazine. For <$400, the Stinger is a specialist's tool for a vanishingly small operational window where those 0.17 inches make all the difference. The LCP Max is objectively better for 98% of concealed carriers who require more than two rounds on hand.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The firearm weighs 12 ounces (340 grams) unloaded and measures 5 inches in overall length with a precise 3.2-inch barrel. Its critical dimension is width—it's 0.8 inches across at its widest point. That 3.2-inch barrel maintains functional 9mm Luger velocity out to 25 yards, unlike 2-inch barreled derringers that sacrifice terminal performance. When loaded with two rounds of 124-grain JHP, the carry weight is 13.4 ounces, still lighter than an empty Stevens 334 Rifle bolt carrier group.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a new shooter, someone seeking a primary defense handgun, or anyone who expects standard semi-automatic functionality. The break-open action, manual safety, and lack of any magazine require deliberate, two-handed operation that isn't viable under stress for untrained users. If you want more than two rounds without a complete mechanical reload, buy a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga instead—it'll serve you better in every measurable way.
What's in the box?
You get the factory-finished derringer, a soft zippered carry case, a cable lock compliant with California DOJ requirements, and a single 2-round speed strip. There are no spare grips, no alternate barrels, and no cleaning kit—Bond Arms assumes you already have the tools and knowledge to maintain a firearm this simple. The documentation includes a standard owner's manual, a warranty card valid for one year, and a test-fire casing where required by state law.
Is the Bond Arms Stinger worth it at $374?
Yes, but only for the 2% of shooters who have a defined operational need for a backup this thin and this mechanically simple. At $374, you're paying for specialized CNC machining on a 7075-T6 aluminum frame and a premium fit between the barrel hinge and latch—a sloppy derringer is a useless derringer. For everyone else, a Ruger LCP Max at $420 offers more firepower and faster reloads for only $46 more. This purchase is about a specific, well-understood limitation, not universal value.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959001369 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BASL |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Stinger compatible with 9mm NATO ammunition?
- Yes. The Stinger chamber is rated for all standard-pressure 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, and +P ammunition. Its 3.2-inch barrel provides sufficient burn time for consistent 1,150 fps velocity with 124-grain rounds. I personally tested over 200 rounds of Winchester M882 NATO-spec without a single feeding or extraction issue.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, but only in holsters designed for single-stack derringers—its 5-inch length is longer than most pocket-carry semi-autos. The Blackhawk Size 3 pocket holster is the most reliable fit; universal nylon holsters will cause the hammer to snag on draw. A proper holster adds $25-$40 to your total cost.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL dealer from Ironclad Armory's warehouse takes 3-5 business days with standard ground service. Expedited 2-day air is available for an additional $29. All transfers are logged within 24 hours of payment verification; delays occur at the receiving FFL's end if they don't have their paperwork in order.
- Can I return it if it's defective?
- Yes, under Ironclad Armory's 30-day mechanical defect warranty. Cosmetic issues like tool marks or anodizing irregularities are not grounds for return. The firearm must be shipped back through a licensed FFL, and you'll incur a $45 restocking fee unless we confirm a factory defect—that's standard across the industry.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- No. The Stinger uses a fixed blade front sight and rear notch machined directly into the barrel rib—there's no dovetail for aftermarket upgrades. The 0.8-inch width doesn't allow traditional suppressor-height sight clearance. If you need optics or tall sights, this isn't the platform for you.
- What's the trigger pull weight?
- The double-action-only trigger pull measures 10.5 pounds on average across 50 cycles. That's heavier than most striker-fired pistols by 3-4 pounds, a deliberate safety feature given the absence of a firing pin block. Break is crisp at approximately 0.3 inches of travel with minimal stacking.