By Mike Searson
Bond Arms Patriot, review and test.
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- It is probably no secret that we are fans of Bond Arms Derringers.
These big bore pocket guns look good, are fun to shoot and can come in handy for dispatching vermin. In a recent overview of their handguns we took a look at the Patriot Model.
Bond Arms Patriot The Good
Of the three newer models we tested, this one was most like our personally owned Bond Arms Cowboy Derringer. The main differences being the removable trigger guard of the Patriot, the improved trigger and rebounding hammer and of course the laser engraved rosewood grips.
The American flag and bald eagle look great on the grip panels with the checkering allowing for a firm and solid grip.
Like the other Derringers from Bond Arms, a cross bolt safety makes this a safe pistol to carry.
Sights are simplistic, but big and effective, this is a Derringer, though, and primarily meant as a point and shoot defensive pistol. Big for a derringer, it actually conceals quite well due to its profile.
Accuracy was a little better with the 45 Colts than the 410 shotgun loads, but with such short barrels, you really are not getting the best performance from the rounds to begin with.
You do get a very satisfying “Boom” after each shot, though.
Like all Bond arms derringers, you have a barrel change/caliber conversion option. The Bond Arms Barrels are removable via hex head screw. They offer most pistol calibers from 22lr up to 45 Colt.
Bond Arms Patriot The Bad
Reloading is slow, flip the lever, tip the barrels, dump the empties, slide two live rounds into place, lock it back up, point the derringer, cock the hammer and squeeze the trigger. Repeat.
It is a heavy piece for its size, but you do not want a lightweight Derringer chambered in either 410 shotgun or 45 Colt. You can trust us on that one! The weight soaks up the recoil, but makes for a heavy back up gun.
Bond Arms Patriot The Reality
Despite the Bond Arms Patriot Derringer being an extremely well made and robust handgun, in good faith, we cannot recommend this for consideration as a primary CCW piece. The size, weight, manual of arms and ballistics all come into play here. It can be handy to have while hiking and prove useful against feral dogs, coyotes, snakes, rats, etc. and maybe even a single human attacker. Against more than one assailant, you are better served with a compact semiautomatic or revolver instead of an over/under derringer, no matter how well-made it is.
We do think if you are a fan of big bore handguns in general or Derringers in particular, that you might have a lot of fun with one of these at the range. Especially, if you show up on the Fourth of July.
MODEL : Bond Arms Patriot
- CALIBER: 45Colt / .410 Shotgun
- BARREL : 3″
- GRIPS : Engraved and checkered Rosewood
- SIGHTS: Front blade, fixed rear
- LENGTH: 5″
- WEIGHT: 21.5 oz
- PRICE : $598 MSRP
About Mike Searson:
Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.
Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
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