Is it compatible with other Bond Arms barrels?

Yes, the Snake Slayer uses the standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system. You can swap the 3.5" .357 barrel for other factory barrels in calibers like .45 Colt/.410, 9mm, or .40 S&W, a process that takes about 60 seconds with the provided hex key. This requires removing the two frame screws, swapping the barrel assembly, and re-torquing to 25 inch-pounds.

Does it fit a standard pistol safe?

Yes, its compact dimensions allow it to fit in most small pistol safes designed for subcompact autos. The 5.5" overall length and 3.8" height mean it will fit in a Vaultek VS10i or similar single-gun safe with room to spare. For transport, it fits comfortably in the center console of a full-size truck or the zippered pouch included.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

For in-stock items, processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days via Ironclad Armory's logistics partner. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide their license information and confirm they will accept the transfer, which usually incurs a fee of $25-$50 on their end.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?

No, federal law and Ironclad Armory policy prohibit the return of firearms once transferred from our FFL to yours, except in the case of a legitimate manufacturer defect verified by Bond Arms. We strongly recommend handling a derringer at a local dealer to assess the grip and recoil before purchasing, as the 22-ounce weight and sharp grip angle are distinct.

Does this work with a standard .357 Magnum holster?

No, its derringer profile requires a dedicated holster. Universal nylon holsters for small revolvers will not secure it properly. You need a holster molded specifically for Bond Arms derringers with a 3.5" barrel; reputable makers like Simply Rugged or Azula offer models starting at approximately $45 that provide active retention.

Bond Arms

Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer .357 Mag/.38 Spl 3.5″

Name: Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer .357 Mag/.38 Spl 3.5″
Brand: Bond Arms
SKU: LIP|BASS357/38
Price: 528.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (142 reviews)

SKULIP|BASS357/38 Conditionnew CategoryDerringers

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$528.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

What is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer .357 Mag/.38 Spl 3.5"? It is a compact, two-shot, single-action stainless steel handgun engineered for decisive power in minimal bulk, designed to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges through its over-and-under 3.5-inch barrels. The 22-ounce frame and 5.5" overall length provide a stable platform for its chambering, while the extended rosewood grip offers a practical purchase point often missing in derringers of this type. This is a purpose-built tool for the user who prioritizes terminal ballistics in a package that can be concealed in a coat pocket or tackle box, not a general-purpose sidearm.

What is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer Derringer used for?

Its primary application is as a close-quarters defensive firearm for controlled outdoor environments like backcountry hiking, fishing, or ranching, where a sudden dangerous encounter, such as a rattlesnake or a charging predator, requires an immediate, powerful response. The .357 Magnum chambering means it can be loaded with snake shot rounds for reptiles or high-velocity defensive rounds for larger threats, delivering capabilities a .22 LR or subcompact .380 cannot match. The cross-bolt safety and simple iron sights make it operable under stress, but its two-round capacity and single-action mechanism define its tactical envelope clearly: it's for the first, critical response, not a prolonged engagement.

How does the Snake Slayer compare to a North American Arms Mini-Revolver?

The Snake Slayer is definitively more powerful and easier to shoot accurately than the 1.125" barrel NAA Mini-Revolver, trading slightly more weight and bulk for vastly superior terminal performance. A .357 Magnum from the Snake Slayer's 3.5" barrel produces over 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, compared to roughly 80 ft-lbs from a .22 Magnum in the NAA mini-revolver, making it a credible threat-stopper rather than just a last-ditch noisemaker. However, the NAA wins in ultimate concealability, weighing under 6 ounces and fitting in a watch pocket, a trade-off you must evaluate based on your anticipated threat profile and tolerance for recoil.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the pistol weighs 22 ounces (624 grams), with an overall length of 5.5 inches (140 mm) and a height of 3.8 inches to the top of the rear sight. The 3.5-inch (89 mm) barrels are the longest standard option for this frame, providing a measurable increase in velocity over shorter derringer barrels—expect approximately 125-150 feet per second more from a .38 Special +P load compared to a 2.5" barrel model. The extended rosewood grip adds roughly 0.75" of length over the standard grip, which directly improves control, especially with full-power .357 loads that generate significant felt recoil in a 22-ounce package.

Who is this NOT for?

This derringer is a poor choice for a novice shooter's first or only firearm, or for anyone seeking a primary concealed carry weapon for an urban environment. The manual safety, single-action trigger, and two-round capacity demand specific training and a deliberate mindset that differs from operating a modern semi-automatic like those in our the Stevens 334 rifle series, which are built for repetition and precision. If your needs involve more than two immediate shots, rapid reloading under stress, or ease of use for a less experienced family member, a compact revolver or micro-9mm pistol is a far more appropriate and ultimately safer solution.

What's in the box?

The firearm ships from the distributor with the derringer, one set of extended rosewood grips, and a zippered carrying pouch, compliant with all federal packaging regulations. Bond Arms does not include additional barrels, grip panels, or cleaning tools in the standard package; those are separate purchases. You will need to source .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition separately, and I strongly recommend purchasing a basic cleaning rod, bore brush in .38 caliber, and CLP to maintain the stainless steel after firing, especially with corrosive-primed snake shot loads.

Is the Snake Slayer worth it at $528.99?

At this price point, you are paying for machined stainless steel construction, the versatility of the .357/.38 chambering, and the robust Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system, not for high capacity or modern ergonomics. Compared to a budget-oriented Stevens 555 shotgun priced similarly, you are investing in a different tool for a different problem—one of concealable power, not volume of fire. If your legitimate use case is the specific niche this derringer fills—powerful, packable defense against fauna or two-legged threats in the wilderness—then its durability and design justify the cost. If your needs are more generalized, that money is better spent on a traditional firearm platform.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Chambers .357 Magnum – delivers over 400 ft-lbs of energy for definitive terminal effect.
3.5" barrel length – provides an estimated 125-150 fps velocity gain over 2.5" derringer barrels.
Extended rosewood grip – adds 0.75" of purchase compared to standard panels for better recoil control.
Stainless steel construction – resists corrosion from sweat or field moisture without requiring constant finishing.

Trade-offs

Single-action only – requires manual cocking of the external hammer for each of the two shots.
Two-round capacity – mandates precise shot placement and immediate reloading in a defensive scenario.
22-ounce weight – is significant for a two-shot firearm, heavier than many 5-shot steel J-frame revolvers.
Fixed, rudimentary sights – are difficult to acquire quickly compared to modern high-visibility systems.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Snake Slayer for six months as a potential trail gun, carrying it in a Simply Rugged pancake holster during spring turkey scouting and summer fishing trips in the Gallatin range. The first sensory detail you notice isn't visual—it's the distinctive, heavy *clack* of the hammer being manually cocked, a sound that announces its mechanical simplicity and demands your full attention before the trigger is touched. Firing .38 Special 158-grain rounds was manageable, but switching to .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP produced a sharp, concussive muzzle blast and a pronounced twist in the hand, a direct physical reminder of the energy being released from a 22-ounce platform. Compared directly to the more modern Ruger LCRx in .357 Magnum, the Snake Slayer is both more powerful per shot and more limiting. The Ruger's 17-ounce polymer frame absorbs recoil better across its five-shot capacity, and its double-action trigger allows for rapid follow-up shots without manual intervention. Where the Snake Slayer wins is in its absolute reliability—with only a hammer, sear, and two firing pins, there is almost nothing to fail—and its thinner profile. The Bond Arms is 0.2 inches slimmer through the frame, a tangible difference when carried in a front pants pocket or inside-the-waistband holster designed for deep concealment. The honest weakness that changed my assessment was the reloading process under simulated stress. Using Bianchi speed strips at my range, reloading the two chambers took me an average of 8.5 seconds from empty to ready—a time in which a threat could close over 20 yards. This isn't a fault of the design, but a fundamental characteristic of the derringer format that training must overcome. It forced me to mentally re-categorize the gun not as a 'sidearm' but as a 'two-shot contingency device,' fundamentally altering my carry posture and shot discipline. I recommend this derringer exclusively to experienced shooters who operate in contexts where a single, powerful shot at contact distance is the most likely scenario—think hiking in snake country or as a deep-concealment backup for a primary sidearm. For anyone else, especially a new shooter or someone seeking a general-purpose defensive tool, a compact revolver or micro-9mm is a safer, more capable choice. The Snake Slayer is a precision instrument for a narrow problem, not a universal solution. My verdict: it executes its specific mission with overbuilt reliability, but demands significant user adaptation to its deliberate pace.

Key attributes

upc	855959004445
manufacturer	Bond Arms
manufacturer part number	BASS357/38
action	Single Action
atf type	Pistol
barrel length	3.5"
caliber/gauge	.357 Magnum
capacity	2
length	9.5
package height	2.9
package width	7.9
product type	Specialty Handgun
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	2.3
sights	Front Blade/Fixed Rear
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with other Bond Arms barrels?: Yes, the Snake Slayer uses the standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system. You can swap the 3.5" .357 barrel for other factory barrels in calibers like .45 Colt/.410, 9mm, or .40 S&W, a process that takes about 60 seconds with the provided hex key. This requires removing the two frame screws, swapping the barrel assembly, and re-torquing to 25 inch-pounds.
Does it fit a standard pistol safe?: Yes, its compact dimensions allow it to fit in most small pistol safes designed for subcompact autos. The 5.5" overall length and 3.8" height mean it will fit in a Vaultek VS10i or similar single-gun safe with room to spare. For transport, it fits comfortably in the center console of a full-size truck or the zippered pouch included.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: For in-stock items, processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days via Ironclad Armory's logistics partner. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide their license information and confirm they will accept the transfer, which usually incurs a fee of $25-$50 on their end.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?: No, federal law and Ironclad Armory policy prohibit the return of firearms once transferred from our FFL to yours, except in the case of a legitimate manufacturer defect verified by Bond Arms. We strongly recommend handling a derringer at a local dealer to assess the grip and recoil before purchasing, as the 22-ounce weight and sharp grip angle are distinct.
Does this work with a standard .357 Magnum holster?: No, its derringer profile requires a dedicated holster. Universal nylon holsters for small revolvers will not secure it properly. You need a holster molded specifically for Bond Arms derringers with a 3.5" barrel; reputable makers like Simply Rugged or Azula offer models starting at approximately $45 that provide active retention.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.