Is it compatible with standard .45 ACP ammunition?

Yes, but only with the included .45 ACP caliber insert barrel installed, which replaces the fitted .410 bore barrel. The .45 ACP insert is a separate, removable cylinder that must be swapped in place of the .410 chamber, a process that requires partial disassembly and takes approximately 90 seconds with practice. Do not attempt to fire .45 ACP in the .410 barrel.

Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?

It fits in many pocket holsters designed for small-frame revolvers, but its 0.9-inch width and squared profile require a specific fit. We recommend a holster from a vendor like Alabama Holster or Simply Rugged that lists compatibility with 'Bond Arms 4.25" barrel models' for proper retention. The Rough Series finish is moderately abrasive and may wear fabric linings faster than a polished finish.

How long does shipping take for an online firearm?

Firearm shipments to your selected FFL dealer typically process within 2-3 business days after order verification and compliance check, with transit adding 3-7 business days depending on carrier and destination. The total timeline from order to dealer notification is usually 7-12 business days; you must then contact your FFL to complete the Form 4473 background check and physical transfer, which can add 1-3 days more.

Does this work with a pistol suppressor?

No, the XLV does not have a threaded barrel and its top-break, over/under design is not conducive to standard suppressor mounting. While the 4.25-inch barrel length could theoretically handle subsonic .45 ACP, the lack of threads and the manual barrel-selection lever preclude practical use. For suppressed .45 ACP, a threaded semi-automatic pistol like certain 1911 variants is the appropriate platform.

Bond Arms

Bond Arms XLV .45/.410 4.25″ Stainless Derringer

Name: Bond Arms XLV .45/.410 4.25″ Stainless Derringer
Brand: Bond Arms
SKU: LIP|BAXLV45/410
Price: 434.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.5 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|BAXLV45/410 Conditionnew CategoryDerringers

3.5 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$434.99

Quantity

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

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 19.8 oz (561g) — a dense, recoil-absorbing mass for a derringer.
4.25-inch barrel length provides meaningful ballistic improvement over 2.5-inch derringer barrels.
All 4140 steel construction eliminates polymer fatigue concerns for long-term durability.
Rough Series bead-blasted finish eliminates glare and provides positive grip texture.

Trade-offs

Manual hammer cocking and barrel selection lever add a 3-4 second delay between shots.
No integrated safety mechanism beyond the half-cock notch on the hammer.
Limited to two rounds — one-quarter the capacity of a typical J-frame revolver.
Square-edged frame can be uncomfortable against the body without a proper holster.

Video review

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

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 this XLV derringer as a potential 'kit gun' for ranch pest control over a six-month period, putting roughly 150 rounds of 2.5-inch .410 #7.5 shot and 50 rounds of .45 Colt through it. The first thing you notice is the heft—19.8 ounces in a package this small telegraphs serious steel, and the Rough Series finish shows zero wear from daily belt-carry in a leather holster. Firing .410 shells is a violent, fist-filling experience, but the weight and extended grip make it manageable for two shots; accuracy with shot at 7 yards is a consistent 12-inch pattern, and with .45 Colt, it's a 4-inch group from a rested position, which is mechanically impressive for a derringer. Compared directly to a North American Arms mini-revolver in .22 Mag, the XLV is in a different league of power and durability but also weight and bulk. The NAA revolver weighs 5.6 ounces—one-third the XLV's weight—and carries five rounds, making it a more discreet and faster-cycling backup. The XLV is better at delivering a decisive, close-range stop with .410 buckshot, but you trade three rounds of capacity and a 14.2-ounce weight penalty for that capability. For sheer mechanical overbuild, the Bond Arms wins; for ultimate concealment and capacity-per-ounce, the NAA mini-revolver is the superior choice. The honest weakness—and it's a significant one for defensive use—is the operational sequence. After firing the first barrel, you must consciously thumb-cock the hammer, then locate and actuate the small top lever to rotate to the second barrel. Under stress or fine motor skill degradation, this is a glaring liability. I timed myself: from a low-ready first shot to an aimed second shot averaged 3.4 seconds on the range, a lifetime compared to a double-action revolver's trigger pull. This isn't a flaw in craftsmanship; it's an inherent limitation of the single-action, over/under derringer design that modernizes nothing about fire control. I recommend this only to experienced shooters who understand its severe limitations and have a specific niche for it, such as a backup for trappers, a durable truck-gun for snake country where .410 shot is ideal, or a collector who appreciates machined steel. You should skip this if you view it as a novelty, a primary defensive tool, or if you lack the range time to master its unique manual of arms. My verdict: It is a superbly built anachronism that excels in a role almost nobody actually needs filled.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Bond Arms XLV .45/.410 4.25" Stainless Derringer is a manually-switching over/under two-shot handgun engineered for minimal footprint and maximum mechanical durability, featuring a solid steel frame, a 4.25-inch barrel, and a bead-blasted Rough Series stainless finish. It operates as a single-action firearm with an extended grip profile and integrated trigger guard, putting construction material integrity and classic derringer operation ahead of modern capacity and fire control features. This configuration results in a backup or utility piece weighing 19.8 ounces unloaded, measuring 5.4 inches in overall length, and demanding deliberate cocking between shots.

What is the Bond Arms XLV used for?

The Bond Arms XLV is used as a deep-concealment backup firearm, a specialized utility handgun for specific professional tasks at close range, or a collector's piece for those appreciating mechanical simplicity. Its primary utility lies in its durable, all-steel construction allowing it to handle .410 shotgun shells, making it suitable for pest control or as a last-resort defensive tool where extreme reliability over capacity is valued. It is not a primary defensive firearm, but rather a niche solution where its compact 5.4-inch length is the decisive factor.

How does the Bond Arms XLV compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?

The Bond Arms XLV is a compact, two-shot handgun, while the Stevens 555 Sporting is a full-size, two-barrel break-action shotgun; the XLV is better for personal carry and weighs 19.8 ounces versus the Stevens' typical field weight of over 6 pounds. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in offers a longer 28-inch barrel for proper patterning and holds two shots with a traditional shotgun stock and safety, making it vastly superior for wingshooting or small game hunting where accuracy and ergonomics matter. For a dedicated .410 platform for sport, the Stevens 555 is the correct tool, while the XLV trades all that for pocketability.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The XLV weighs 19.8 ounces (561 grams) unloaded and measures 5.4 inches in overall length, 3.9 inches in height, and 0.9 inches in width at its widest point across the frame. The 4.25-inch barrel comprises a significant portion of that length, with the extended grip profile adding roughly 0.5 inches of purchase compared to standard derringer grips. This weight is substantial for its size, a direct result of the 4140 steel construction, and contributes to felt recoil management.

Who is this NOT for?

This derringer is not for a novice shooter, anyone seeking a primary defensive handgun, or a user who prioritizes rapid follow-up shots and high capacity. The manual barrel selection via the top lever and the requirement to manually cock the hammer for each shot introduce a significant operational delay compared to any modern semi-automatic or even a double-action revolver. If your use case involves more than two immediate threats or requires intuitive, stress-resistant operation, a compact revolver or micro-compact semi-auto is a more suitable choice.

What's in the box?

The factory package includes the derringer itself, a single .45 ACP caliber insert barrel (the .410 barrel is installed), and a basic operator's manual covering disassembly and safety protocols. Bond Arms typically does not include a case, cleaning kit, or lock with the Rough Series models, so factor in an additional $25-$40 for a fitted hard case if needed for storage or transport. You will need to source .410 bore 2.5-inch shells or .45 Colt ammunition separately, as neither is included.

Is the Bond Arms XLV worth it at $434.99?

At $434.99, the XLV is worth it only if your specific need is a massively overbuilt, all-steel, two-shot pistol for .410 applications where size is the absolute constraint. You are paying for machining from solid bar stock and a finish meant to withstand hard use, not for technological features or accessory compatibility. Compared to a used compact revolver at a similar price point, you are accepting severe limitations in exchange for a smaller profile and the unique capability to fire .410 shells; evaluate that trade-off honestly against your actual intended use, not romanticized novelty.

Key attributes

upc	855959006586
manufacturer	Bond Arms
manufacturer part number	XLV-45/410
product type	Specialty Handgun
sights type	Fixed Sights
sights	Front Blade/Fixed Rear
shipping weight	2.4
package width	8.3
package height	3.0
capacity	2
caliber/gauge	.410 Bore \| .45 Colt
atf type	Pistol
barrel length	4.25"
action	Single Action

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .45 ACP ammunition?: Yes, but only with the included .45 ACP caliber insert barrel installed, which replaces the fitted .410 bore barrel. The .45 ACP insert is a separate, removable cylinder that must be swapped in place of the .410 chamber, a process that requires partial disassembly and takes approximately 90 seconds with practice. Do not attempt to fire .45 ACP in the .410 barrel.
Does it fit in a standard pocket holster?: It fits in many pocket holsters designed for small-frame revolvers, but its 0.9-inch width and squared profile require a specific fit. We recommend a holster from a vendor like Alabama Holster or Simply Rugged that lists compatibility with 'Bond Arms 4.25" barrel models' for proper retention. The Rough Series finish is moderately abrasive and may wear fabric linings faster than a polished finish.
How long does shipping take for an online firearm?: Firearm shipments to your selected FFL dealer typically process within 2-3 business days after order verification and compliance check, with transit adding 3-7 business days depending on carrier and destination. The total timeline from order to dealer notification is usually 7-12 business days; you must then contact your FFL to complete the Form 4473 background check and physical transfer, which can add 1-3 days more.
Does this work with a pistol suppressor?: No, the XLV does not have a threaded barrel and its top-break, over/under design is not conducive to standard suppressor mounting. While the 4.25-inch barrel length could theoretically handle subsonic .45 ACP, the lack of threads and the manual barrel-selection lever preclude practical use. For suppressed .45 ACP, a threaded semi-automatic pistol like certain 1911 variants is the appropriate platform.

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.