BOND ARMS Backup 9mm Derringer, 2.5 in Barrel, 2-Round
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Backup 9mm Derringer? It’s a stainless steel, over-under derringer designed for deep concealment carry, featuring a 2.5-inch barrel and a two-round capacity in a single-action-only platform. This isn't a primary fighting pistol—it’s a mechanical last-resort tool intended for point-blank engagements where discretion is non-negotiable. Developed from Bond Arms’ legacy of robust derringers, the Backup distills that concept into its most compact, snag-free form.
What is the Bond Arms Backup 9mm Derringer used for?
Its sole purpose is authorized deep concealment as a backup or tertiary weapon. This derringer is engineered for scenarios where even a micro-compact pistol like a Sig Sauer P365 prints too noticeably, such as in formal wear, during summer carry with minimal clothing, or in highly sensitive professional environments. The 2.5-inch barrel and 18.5-ounce weight let it disappear in a pocket, ankle holster, or dedicated concealment compartment, but effective engagement is realistically limited to distances under 7 yards.
How does the Bond Arms Backup 9mm Derringer compare to the North American Arms .22 Magnum Mini-Revolver?
The Backup provides substantially more terminal performance per shot than the miniature rimfire alternative. While the NAA Mini-Revolver weighs roughly 6.5 ounces and fires .22 Magnum, the Backup’s 9mm chambering from its 2.5-inch barrel delivers approximately 290 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—nearly triple that of the .22 Mag. The trade-off is size and weight: the Backup is nearly three times heavier at 18.5 ounces and has half the capacity (2 rounds vs. 5). For a dedicated backup where caliber matters more than absolute minimal weight, the Backup is objectively superior in ballistic effect.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 18.50 ounces (525 grams), with an overall length of 4.50 inches and a height of 3.60 inches. The 2.5-inch barrel and slim, 0.90-inch-wide frame profile make it comparable in footprint to a large smartphone, but the all-stainless construction adds heft that aids in managing 9mm recoil. For reference, that’s 8.5 ounces heavier than a Ruger LCP Max in .380 ACP, but the steel frame provides a tangible durability advantage over polymer for a weapon meant to be carried constantly and fired infrequently.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a firearm for a new shooter seeking a primary defensive handgun, nor for anyone prioritizing capacity or rapid follow-up shots. The single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each of the two shots, a deliberate process that takes a practiced shooter approximately 1.2 seconds between rounds. If your threat model involves multiple attackers or you lack dedicated training time for a specialized platform, a standard micro-compact like the Stevens 334 Rifle in a defensive role would be a more practical starting point.
What's in the box?
You receive the derringer, one set of black rubber grips, a cross-bolt safety key, and a standard cardboard storage box—no holster, spare barrel, or cleaning kit is included. The unit ships from the factory with a fired casing as required by federal law, and the entire package weighs 2.1 pounds for shipping. Expect to budget an additional $40-$80 for a quality pocket holster designed for its specific dimensions to ensure safe carry and prevent lint accumulation in the action.
Is the Bond Arms Backup 9mm Derringer worth it at $453.99?
At this price point, you’re paying for specialized machining and materials, not features or capacity. The investment is justified if your daily carry circumstances legally mandate absolute concealment of a centerfire defensive caliber, and you accept the operational limitations. For the majority of shooters whose needs are met by a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for hunting or a standard semi-automatic for defense, this derringer represents a significant cost for a highly niche tool. It’s worth the price only when its specific use case is your non-negotiable requirement.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel frame construction — provides corrosion resistance and durability unmatched by polymer derringers.
- 2.5-inch 9mm barrel — delivers approximately 290 ft-lbs muzzle energy, nearly triple that of a .22 Magnum mini-revolver.
- 18.50 oz unloaded weight — adds heft to manage 9mm recoil in a compact package, aiding controllability.
- Cross-bolt safety and rebounding hammer — offers two mechanical safety layers for secure carry.
- Interchangeable barrel system — allows caliber swaps to .380 ACP or .38 Special with a $180-$220 accessory barrel.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only with two-round capacity — requires manual hammer cocking for each shot, limiting rapid engagement.
- No included holster — adds $40-$80 to the effective cost for proper concealed carry.
- Fixed, minimal sights — blade front and fixed rear are difficult for precise shooting beyond 7 yards.
- 18.50 oz weight — is nearly triple the weight of some polymer .380 micro-compacts, adding noticeable bulk for pocket carry.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 855959007095 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BABU9MM |
| action | Derringer |
| barrel length | 2.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Backup |
| product type | Derringer |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.25 |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrels?
- Yes, the Backup uses the standard Bond Arms interchangeable barrel system. You can swap to other chamberings like .380 ACP, .38 Special, or .45 Colt with a separate barrel purchase from Bond Arms, typically costing between $180 and $220. The swap requires loosening the spring-loaded cammed locking lever, a process detailed in the manual that takes about 90 seconds with proper tools.
- Does this work with a standard pistol suppressor?
- No, the Backup cannot be suppressed. The barrel does not have threaded provisions, and the tip-up design lacks the necessary alignment and sealing for suppressor attachment. For a suppressed backup option, you would need to look at integrally suppressed designs or modified pistols, which fall under NFA regulations requiring a tax stamp and extended approval timelines via the ATF.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse, contingent on compliance documentation. Transit time then depends on your FFL’s location, with most shipments arriving within 7-10 total business days. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL dealer for transfer once tracking indicates delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL for regulatory and safety reasons. We strongly recommend verifying holster compatibility using our listed dimensions (4.50" L x 3.60" H x 0.90" W) before purchase. We offer links to recommended holster makers like DeSantis and Galco on our site that produce models specifically fitted for the Bond Arms Backup frame.