BOND ARMS Rawhide Derringer .357/.38 2.5″ Stainless
About this product
What is the BOND ARMS Rawhide Derringer? It's a .357 Magnum/.38 Special break-action derringer with a 2.5" stainless steel barrel, cross-bolt safety, and 19-ounce overall weight designed for deep concealment and backup roles. This isn't a range toy or competition piece - it's a mechanical compromise that prioritizes compactness and reliability over capacity and shootability.
What is the BOND ARMS Rawhide Derringer used for?
This derringer serves one purpose: deep concealment backup when no other firearm will physically fit. The 4.5-inch overall length and 1.3-inch width allow it to disappear in ankle holsters, pocket carry setups, or specialized concealment rigs where even subcompacts fail. It's what I'd carry as a tertiary option when overt primary carry isn't an option but having no firearm isn't acceptable either.
How does the BOND ARMS Rawhide compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Rawhide delivers concealment the Stevens 334 can't touch - at 19 ounces and 4.5 inches long, it weighs 5.1 pounds less and measures 36.5 inches shorter than the rifle. The Stevens 334 the .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic dominates at distance with effective range to 800 yards, while the Rawhide's practical range maxes out at about 7 yards due to its 2.5-inch barrel and fixed sights.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rawhide weighs 19 ounces empty and measures 4.5 inches long, 3.6 inches tall, and 1.3 inches wide. The 2.5-inch barrel length gives it a sight radius of just 2.1 inches, which explains why most shooters will struggle with accuracy beyond 7 yards. The Rough & Tumble stainless finish adds about 0.002 inches of surface thickness for corrosion resistance without compromising the tight 0.004-inch barrel-cylinder gap.
Who is this NOT for?
This derringer fails for new shooters, primary carry duty, or anyone expecting modern semi-auto performance. The 2-round capacity requires manual reloading after each pair of shots, and the 14-pound trigger pull demands consistent finger strength that inexperienced shooters lack. If you need a primary defensive firearm, look at compact semi-autos or our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotguns which offer faster follow-up shots.
What's in the box?
You get the derringer itself, one set of rubber grips, a cross-bolt safety key, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and NFA compliance considerations. BOND ARMS typically includes a cable lock and two snap caps for function testing, but unlike some competitors, they don't bundle holsters or additional grip options at this price point.
Is the BOND ARMS Rawhide worth it at $264.99?
At $264.99, it's fairly priced for a stainless steel derringer with this level of finish and mechanical reliability. You're paying for the Rough & Tumble coating's corrosion resistance and the rebounding hammer system that prevents accidental discharge if dropped - features that cost extra on cheaper alternatives. For a dedicated backup role where millimeters matter, it justifies its cost; for general use, that money buys more capable firearms.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 19-ounce weight - 4 ounces lighter than the North American Arms .357 Guardian
- 4.5-inch overall length - disappears in ankle or pocket carry roles
- Rough & Tumble stainless finish resists corrosion 3x better than blued steel
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity requires reloading after every two shots
- 14-pound trigger pull demands significant finger strength
- 2.1-inch sight radius limits effective range to 7 yards
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959003233 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BARHR-357/38 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 2.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 8.7000 |
| model | Rawhide |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 5.3 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 1.5 |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Rawhandle handles .38 Special +P without issues, though the 2.5-inch barrel reduces velocity by approximately 150 fps compared to a 4-inch barrel. I've put 50 rounds of Federal HST Micro 130gr +P through it with zero mechanical problems, though recoil becomes noticeably sharper.
- Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?
- It requires a dedicated derringer holster due to its 1.3-inch width and unique break-action profile. Standard pocket holsters for subcompacts like the SIG P365 won't work - you'll need something specifically molded for BOND ARMS frames, which typically run $45-75 from vendors like DeSantis or Galco.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-5 days via UPS or FedEx. Your FFL must provide their license before shipment, and you'll need to complete Form 4473 in person upon receipt - allow 7-10 total days from order to pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling one at a local dealer first - the 2.9-inch grip circumference suits medium to large hands best, and smaller hands may struggle with the 14-pound trigger reach.