American Derringer or Bond Arms?

[CANIS]

I've always wanted one for fun and to carry for the odd fishing trip for snakes and such. Any opinions as to the supriority of either one? I'll be getting the .410/45lc size.

Thanks for your input!

Chris Canis

 

[riddleofsteel]

any snake close enough to be shot with a derringer is close enough to shoot your own foot off. if you have got time to shoot just step away. if the snake is on your property and may prove a danger to humans a sharp hoe or stout stick is more than a match for any snake. focus on a side arm for human attackers, wild dogs ect. a larger .45 colt or .44 with shot shells will do more than any derringer and is goo for other things as well.
on the snake shot/shot shell pistol issue. everyone that i have ever had had a crummy pattern. even a 10 inch TC Contender in 45/.410 got sold fairly fast. your milage may vary.

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what is for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
Let he that hath no sword sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22-36
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. Song of Solomon 3-8
The man that can keep his head and aims carefully when the situation has gone bad and lead is flying usually wins the fight.

 

[Gunslinger]

While I would not argue anything Riddle said I will adddress the original question.
While I was still operating my custom shop I was doing caliber conversions and other custom work on the American Derringers. The American Derringers are a good little weapon for their intended purpose. Good for side matches in CAS and I carry one as a back up in my pocket daily. They are well fitted and finished, dependable and unbelieveably strong. However the last few years the quality has suffered. The trigger pull is down right impossible on some. I would recommend buying one only if I had the chance to try out the trigger first! That is to say do not order one and take your chances.
I've never owned or fired the Bond, however they have a great reputation. They are larger than the AD.

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Gunslinger TFL Imperial Potentate

TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000

 

[Nukem]

I shot one that was part of an IDPA match yesterday, took two hands to cock and fire! Must of had a truck spring for the action spring.

 

[CANIS]

I bought a Bond Arms .45/.410 Cowboy Defender today. Solid as a vault, 2 powerful shots, and in a package that fits easily in my pocket (I carried it all day just to see if the safety would stay on!) I personally think that it is as valid a small gun for defense as some of the small little autos that some folks carry. An in your face blast from a .410 is sure to take the fire out of most folks. I will post a follow up after I get it to the range tomorrow...

Chris Canis