Guns I Probably Shouldn’t Want, But Do: Bond Arms Snake Slayer
Shut up and take my money.
Once upon a time, if you wanted to carry a concealed handgun, you carried a derringer. Simply designed with either a single or double barrel, these itty-bitty one- or two-shot guns were carried by men and women alike as protection against danger that walked on four legs, two legs, or–in today’s case in point–none. Although the world of concealed carry is now dominated by small revolvers and even smaller semi-autos, the old-school cool of the derringer persists. And that’s part of why, despite the fact that I already have more concealable handguns than I need, I still want the Bond Arms Snake Slayer.
The other reason I want this gun is that, err, I’m a little “ambivalent” on the subject of snakes. Referring to a gun, ammo load, or brand of shovel as a “snake slayer” is a really good way to get me to sit up and take notice. Now that I’ve taken notice, however, I’m warming to the idea of this little two-shot derringer chambered for both .357 Mag. and .38 Special…or even .45 Colt/.410. On the one hand, I can’t help but wince at the thought of the recoil; on the other hand, how cool would that thing look in my hand? It features a stainless-steel double barrel and frame, as well as a patented rebounding and locking hammer, which jumps back and locks to safety after firing. An extended rosewood grip with the Snake Slayer emblem etched into the surface, along with unique snakeskin-patterned checkering will surely have people admiring me…er, my gun.
For those shooters who like options without too much extra expense, the barrels are easily swapped out with additional barrels available from Bond Arms, including one in .22 caliber. Regardless, all Snake Slayers feature a cross-bolt safety, retracting firing pins, a full trigger guard, and a spring-loaded cammed-locking lever.
The barrel is 3.5 inches long topped with a front blade and fixed rear sights and can accommodate casings and shells from 2.5 inches long up to 3 inches long. The overall length of the gun is 5.5 inches, and the overall weight is 22 ounces. The Snake Slayer retails for $603. Click here for more information.
I just load up some CCI 9mm snake shot in my G43 and take care of my weekend yard work. Living in the country and dealing with snakes it works like a boss, cycles my G43 with no problems and I swap that out for my normal carry ammo when I finish my yard work. I’ve got a great CCW and saved a boatload of beer money by just swapping ammo. I’m sure results would be the same with my G17, P225 or S&W M&P. Just saying. I like the Bond Arms derringer but I liked it a lot more before the price exploded.
I own a Texas Defender 45/410 and my son has the 38/357 version. I love it. Killed a few snakes and field rats at the deer lease while working on blinds/fields in the spring and summer. Recoil is no problem with 410 and even stout 45 LC. Yes its two shots but if I miss a snake after two shots I’m out of there.
I’m keeping mine.
ET
Folks, for the the absolute BEST EDC Derringer, see this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7xM5wATkTI
Sold a lot of guns over the years working in stores. Never understood the fascination with the Bond arms platform. Like stated, for the price, lots of guns out there. Think the 410 is great on snakes with a rifled barrel? Try it. Especially with one shot. Tends to throw a pattern with a hollow center.I carry a little Sig 938 in 9mm for working outside. I worked the trigger and swapped a few things to get a better trigger pull (any smith can do for you). I have shot a few snakes with it, all head shots (they obliged me by rearing back and holding still). Holds more than two rounds and is much faster to reload. Lighter and smaller, too. Plus it gets into action much faster.
To each their own, I guess.
I agree with you completely. Why would you want to carry a 1 or 2 shot derringer when you can carry a gun with five or more rounds? I do have an NAA derringer in .22 magnum that I occasionally carry as a backup or down to the lobby of my condo to pick up the mail. I’m only prepared to deal with two legged snakes; I try very hard to avoid the other kind.
I have 2 Bond derringers….one is a Bond ‘Cowboy’ .45LC / .410 which is nice to carry when I’m in the woods hiking. The recoil isn’t bad at all with the .410 bird shot….a little more stout with the .45LC, but still not bad. The other one is a Bond ‘Dragon Slayer’ limited edition .357 / .38. It’s one of only 500 produced so it’s a safe queen.
Aaand now I want a “Dragon Slayer.”
I’ve had the pleasure of ownership of the “Snake Slayer”. Glad I don’t have to repair the large holes I’ve inflicted on targets etc. Watch out Mr bad guy, the hand cannon be nasty ! Great weapon.
Owned one for years.
Talk about concealed…pocket, waist band, ankle band.
Yes only two shots but fearsome powerful, that is if a perp could even stand looking at that up close.
Snakes? oh yeah…I live in the desert and know all about it. No problem.
Recoil? No problem for me and Im 71!
Expensive….yep and glad I bought one.
I always loved the “LOOK” of a Bond, especially one in .45 ACP. But, I just can’t justify the 5 1/2″ length, and 20 oz weight for two pretty uncontrollable shots.
It would be ok on snakes, but I have not killed a snake in over 25 years now..and I don’t really plan to. So that leaves the two legged snakes. Two shots as opposed to at least 6 in @ .38 ++p or 357..and a LOT easier to shoot. The choice always leaves me with a new revolver when ever I get the urge to go look at one of these at my local dream seller store.
But to each their own. If you like them, and trust them..go for it!!
Neat idea but I think the pricing is completely outa whack so doubt I”ll ever own one. plenty of of other guns in my stable to do what it can do and very few of them cost what it does. .
I still own a snake Slayer IV makes a nice truck gun if needed recoil is managble with practice as any new firearm some say to expensive but it is a solid gun .
Stupid pricing. 5 shot J frame $420.00
Have seen tests on water jugs, it was suprising. At 5 yards tore up the jug,at 10 there were still pellets hitting, not so much at 15. I have the 2 1/2″ 45 acp have taken out chipmunks at6 or 7 yards. My only complaint is not the recoil, but the trigger pull.
Kevin – I have a. .45 ACP made by American Derringer. When I first bought it the trigger pull took two men and a boy to fire it. I returned it with a letter about the trigger pull. They returned it to me with a decent trigger pull. Perhaps the manufacturer of your pistol will do the same.. As for recoil I fired twelve rounds and almost had to chew my right hand off at my wrist. Somebody would have to get shot two or three times before they were desperate enough to shoot back. LOL.
I have owned a snake slayer for a few years. Very well made and useful not only for snakes buy for car jackers as well. Recoil is not too bad.
I want one, eventually……first, I’m saving up for Ruger LCR in .38+P….
Ok little hand cannon. But over priced in my opinion. I own 3 45 cal American Derringers . 45-410 they shoot great. One is Personalized and i paid no where close to $600.
A better Bond derringer barrel and caliber choice for actual snake protection is the 38/357 barrels used with CCI 38 cal snake shot ammo. The latter is loaded with birdshot- a larger number of shot than you’ll find in a 410, and gives you a better barrel-to-shell ratio and less recoil. You should get at least two hits on any pit viper poisonous snake at 5-15 foot distance. Should that only injure the snake, you scan get closer with the second shot and dispatch it. Coral snakes are smaller in diameter, but less aggressive and easily avoidable. Unless you know your snakes well, you might be shooting at the very similar but non-poisonous scarlet king snake instead, like I found right outside my garage door one morning. And why would you want to shoot a non-poisonous snake? (Or for that matter, even a pit viper that wasn’t around a sidewalk, waking path, or in your yard?)
I’m a bike rider, and see a snake across my bike path sunning itself every few weeks. The one water moccasin I ran across scooted off the path well before I reached it. But if I ever run across a pit viper that won’t leave the path, the Bond Arms with 357/38 barrels with the CCI snake shot is what I carry in my bike pouch to deal with it. Of course, I have another firearm in concealed carry for any 2-legged predators I may encounter in my rides!
Ridiculous! A 3″ shell in a 3 1/2″ barrel including the chamber? Velocity would be so low that shot pellets would bounce off a snake and the scatter of the shot makes it unlikely to hit a snake more than 4 feet away. Better to carry a stick.
I have a number of these in a range of calibers and enjoy taking them out and having a relaxing day shooting. I have fired 410 shells from this and despite the comments – I know I would not want to be in front of one – and the snake you are shooting at will no longer be an issue. I also find it no issue putting rounds in the black on a M9 target at 75 feet with a 3 inch barrel.
These derringers are well made and pleasure to shoot. Probably my favorite is the defender that has a 2.5 inch barrel in 45 ACP.
I beg to pardon. I have the “Snake Slayer” and don’t be fooled, this Master Piece of craftmanship is a hand cannon that will make a snake become a bloody mess. I have shot this derringer many times and it has not failed me a single time. Hey go to YouTube and look at the reviews, or better yet to to Grandby, Texas and let Gordon Bond give you a personal session of shooting this great gun. I especially like the 2.5 inch shells with Cooper Disc for maximum defense. I think you will fill your cravings for a back up gun too.
I can tell he’s never shot one..
I have a snake slayer,. At 10 feet, the 410 defensive rounds literally explode a full 1-gallon water jug. Not sure what it would do to an actual snake – but I would not want to be that snake. Recoil is not nearly as bad as you would expect, with 45LC or 410.