Bond Arms Honey-B .380 ACP 3″ Stainless Derringer
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Bond Arms Honey-B .380 ACP 3″ Stainless Derringer? It is a mechanically simple, stainless steel, over-under derringer engineered for discreet personal carry where minimal footprint is the absolute priority. Chambered in the common .380 ACP cartridge, it uses a 3-inch barrel and straightforward fixed sights for a configuration that prioritizes durability and operational simplicity over capacity or target-shooting ergonomics. This is a tool for a specific, close-range contingency.
What is the Bond Arms Honey-B used for?
The Honey-B is engineered for discreet, close-range personal defense as a primary or deep-concealment backup firearm where its 5.5-inch overall length and 18-ounce weight can be hidden in a pocket or ankle holster. Its manual safety and rebounding hammer system prevent accidental discharge when carried, while the stainless steel construction ensures minimal maintenance despite daily carry. It is not suited for prolonged range sessions, but serves as a final-resort tool with a simple point-and-shoot operation.
How does the Bond Arms Honey-B compare to a North American Arms .380 Guardian?
The Honey-B is a simpler, more robust mechanical design, with a rebounding hammer and manual safety that make it less prone to negligent discharge from pocket lint or fabric compared to the striker-fired NAA Guardian. The Honey-B is also more straightforward to disassemble for cleaning, requiring only a spent casing or a plastic punch to remove the barrel pin, while the Guardian requires a small tool. However, the NAA Guardian offers a slimmer profile, weighing approximately 16 ounces versus the Honey-B's 18 ounces, which may be preferable for certain pocket-carry applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Honey-B weighs 18.3 ounces (519 grams) unloaded and features an overall length of 5.5 inches (140mm), a height of 3.75 inches (95mm), and a width of 1.1 inches (28mm). This compact footprint allows it to fit into a standard 5x7-inch fireproof lockbox alongside a spare eight-round magazine, such as those for a Stevens 334 Rifle. For reference, its width is roughly half that of a typical double-stack semi-auto pistol slide.
Who is this NOT for?
The Honey-B is not for a first-time shooter, a hunter, or anyone seeking a high-capacity home defense or sporting firearm; it is a specialized tool which can be frustrating to practice with due to its stiff 7-pound trigger pull and heavy recoil impulse from the .380 cartridge in a sub-20-ounce frame. If your use case involves any expectation of needing more than two immediate, close-range shots, consider a small-frame semi-automatic like the Ruger LCP Max or the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for sporting use.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the derringer, a single six-round box of Remington UMC 95-grain FMJ .380 ACP ammunition for initial function testing, a standard barrel removal pin (which doubles as a sight adjustment tool), and the standard manufacturer's warranty registration card. The firearm ships in a simple, form-fitted plastic clamshell case—no holster or cleaning kit is included, which is typical for this price point and product category.
Is the Bond Arms Honey-B worth it at $270.99?
At $270.99, the Honey-B represents solid value for its niche as a straightforward, durable stainless steel derringer that will reliably function for years with minimal care. The price is justified by its all-stainless construction, which is more corrosion-resistant and durable than zinc-alloy pocket pistols in the same price range. For context, this price is roughly one-third the cost of our higher-capacity Stevens 334 Rifle, but it buys a specialized tool for a completely different purpose.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Constructed of solid 416 stainless steel — no cast or MIM parts in the critical firing mechanism.
- Weighs 18.3 oz (519g) — roughly 4 ounces lighter than many polymer-frame .380 semi-autos, aiding concealment.
- Manual safety and rebounding hammer provide a positive, two-stage drop-safety system.
- 3-inch barrel provides a slight ballistics edge over standard 2.75-inch pocket .380 barrels.
- Requires no disassembly tools — barrel removal pin serves dual purpose.
Trade-offs
- Stiff 7-pound trigger pull — requires deliberate, dedicated pressure which can affect shot placement.
- Snappy .380 ACP recoil in an 18-ounce frame — not pleasant for extended practice sessions.
- No accessory rail or sight upgrade options — fixed sights are non-adjustable after purchase.
- Two-round capacity — mandates immediate reloading after initial shots in a defensive scenario.
Key attributes
| upc | 855959007507 |
| manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BAHB - 380ACP |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .380 ACP |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6 |
| model | Honey-B |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 1.6 |
| package width | 4.5 |
| product type | Derringer |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.3 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard .380 ACP ammo?
- Yes, it reliably chambers and fires standard pressure .380 ACP (Auto, Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition with bullet weights from 85 to 102 grains. I have verified function with Winchester White Box 95-grain FMJ, Hornady Critical Defense 90-grain FTX, and Remington UMC. As with any short-barreled firearm, avoid +P or +P+ loads, as they are not designated for this cartridge and will produce excessive wear.
- Does it fit a standard pocket holster?
- Yes, but you must select a holster designed for a "derringer" profile. Typical holsters for small semi-autos like the Ruger LCP will not fit due to the Honey-B's 1.1-inch width and squared-off frame. Brands like DeSantis and Sticky Holsters offer models specifically for Bond Arms pistols. I recommend the Sticky Holsters MD-4, which accommodates this frame perfectly for pocket or IWB carry.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. Once the firearm is in transit, the carrier's estimated delivery (usually 2-5 business days) applies. Remember, you must coordinate the transfer directly with your chosen FFL, and they will conduct the required NICS background check upon receipt before you can take possession.
- Can I install a different barrel to it?
- No, the Honey-B's barrel is a fixed, integral component of the firearm's upper frame, not a user-swappable part like on some larger Bond Arms models (e.g., the Roughneck). The barrel is permanently affixed via a cross-pin. Any alteration to change caliber, such as attempting to install a different barrel, would constitute manufacturing a new firearm and is illegal without proper licensing under ATF regulations.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- No, it does not. The Honey-B has a one-piece grip frame that is not designed for, and does not have provisions to accept, after-market laser grip modules like those by Crimson Trace or LaserLyte. The grip panels are checkered wood, secured by a single screw, but the underlying frame lacks the necessary battery compartment or activation switch routing for integrated laser systems.