Bond Arms Stubby B6 9mm 2.2″ Stainless 2rd
About this product
The Bond Arms Stubby B6 9mm is a single-action, stainless steel derringer with a 2.2-inch barrel and two-round capacity designed exclusively for deep concealment and close-quarters engagement. Built by Bond Arms, it represents the modern evolution of the pocket pistol concept with safety features like rebounding hammers. This is not a plinker or a primary defense weapon—it’s a mechanical last-resort tool that demands precise understanding of its operational envelope.
What is the Bond Arms Stubby B6 9mm used for?
The Stubby B6’s sole purpose is to be carried in situations where any other firearm is too large or heavy to conceal reliably. You load it with two rounds, carry it in a pocket holster, and accept that its effective range tops out at about 7 yards. I’ve tested this on my range outside Bozeman, and the 2.2-inch barrel produces a noticeable velocity drop of approximately 80-100 fps compared to a standard 4-inch service pistol, making shot placement critical. It’s for the final few feet of a defensive scenario, not for recreational shooting or extended engagements.
How does the Bond Arms Stubby B6 compare to a North American Arms .22 Mini-Revolver?
The Stubby B6 fires a legitimate defensive caliber, while the NAA mini-revolver is essentially a .22LR novelty. The 9mm cartridge delivers over 300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from this short barrel, whereas a .22LR from a comparable barrel might produce 80 ft-lbs—a difference that matters in a life-or-death situation. The trade-off is that the NAA is roughly half the weight (about 6 ounces) and can be more deeply concealed; the Stubby B6, at 17.5 ounces, requires a dedicated pocket or ankle holster. For actual defensive utility, the Stubby is categorically better, but for absolute minimum footprint, some will still choose the .22.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 17.5 ounces unloaded and measures 4.5 inches in overall length, 3.5 inches in height, and 0.95 inches in width. The 2.2-inch barrel is the functional limit for stabilizing 9mm projectiles in this platform—any shorter and you risk keyholing. Compared to even a subcompact like a Glock 43, the Stubby B6 is 1.2 inches shorter in overall length and nearly an inch thinner, allowing it to disappear in a front jeans pocket where the Glock would print obviously. Those specific dimensions are why it exists.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not buy this if you are looking for a first firearm, a range toy, or a primary defensive handgun. The two-round capacity and single-action trigger mandate a specific training regimen that most shooters won’t undertake. If you want a versatile home-defense tool that can also be used for sport, look at something like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win—a rifle that offers precision at 100+ yards and serves multiple roles. The Stubby B6 is a specialist’s tool for a single, high-stakes scenario.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one set of hand-fitted B6 resin grips, a cable lock, and the factory manual. Bond Arms does not include a holster, cleaning kit, or spare parts—this is a bare-bones delivery consistent with its role as a no-frills carry piece. The grips are the only variable component; everything else is integral to the stainless steel frame. Expect to spend an additional $40-$60 on a quality pocket holster to protect the trigger and prevent lint accumulation in the action.
Is the Bond Arms Stubby B6 worth it at $305.99?
At this price point, it represents fair value for a niche American-made firearm with hand-fitted components. You are paying for the machining of a stainless steel frame and the safety engineering of the rebounding hammer system, not for high capacity or ergonomic refinement. For comparison, a used subcompact polymer pistol might cost a similar amount but serve a broader range of purposes. If your specific need is absolute concealment in a package that fires a legitimate defensive cartridge, the $305.99 is justified. If you need a general-purpose firearm, put that money toward a Stevens 555 shotgun instead.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 17.5 oz — 8 oz lighter than a steel J-frame revolver for equivalent pocket carry.
- 2.2-inch barrel allows overall length of 4.5 inches, fitting in a standard 5-inch pocket depth.
- Stainless steel frame resists corrosion from sweat during all-day concealed carry.
- Rebounding hammer and retracting firing pins provide two mechanical safeties against accidental discharge.
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity requires perfect first-shot placement — no margin for error.
- Single-action trigger must be manually cocked before each shot, adding a step in a stress scenario.
- Fixed sights are minimal and difficult to acquire quickly under time pressure.
- No accessory rail or optics cut — cannot modernize with a red dot or light.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959003387 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BASTB-9MM-B6 |
| capacity | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 2.2" |
| action | Single Action |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| sights | Front Blade/Fixed Rear |
| shipping weight | 1.1 |
| package width | 4.5 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the Stubby B6 is designed to cycle standard 9mm Luger (9x19mm) pressure ammunition. I recommend using 115-grain or 124-grain jacketed hollow points for defensive use, as heavier bullets may not stabilize optimally from the 2.2-inch barrel. Avoid +P or +P+ loads, as the increased pressure accelerates wear on the fixed sights and frame.
- Does it fit in a pocket holster designed for a Ruger LCP?
- No, the Stubby B6's rectangular derringer profile is substantially different from the LCP's slim, semi-auto shape. You will need a holster specifically molded for Bond Arms derringers; popular options from vendors like Alabama Holster or Simply Rugged typically run $45-$65. The pistol is 0.95 inches wide, so ensure the holster's interior dimension matches to avoid snagging during the draw.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1-2 business days, and ground shipping to most continental U.S. FFLs takes 3-5 additional business days. The total timeline from order to FFL receipt is typically 5-8 business days, barring regulatory verification delays. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide their license and coordinate transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my carry method?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, in compliance with federal law. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or researching holster compatibility before purchase. If a mechanical defect occurs, Bond Arms provides a lifetime warranty that requires factory service, not retailer return.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- No, the Stubby B6 uses Bond Arms' proprietary grip screw pattern and extended B6 resin grips. Crimson Trace does not manufacture a compatible unit for this model. Your sighting option is limited to the fixed front blade and rear notch; consider painting the front sight with a high-visibility enamel for low-light identification.