Got Backup? Bond Arms’ Backup Derringer Does .22 to .410 Bore

Even if you love to hike and bike alone, you’ll always have a Backup in your boot.

If you’re like many outdoorsmen, you carry a handgun with you when you’re out in the backwoods for self-defense against predators–both four- and two-legged. Thing is, every single ounce of weight you have to carry in those backwoods multiplies by 10 for every 5 miles you walk. If you’re looking to cut weight and bulk and still leave yourself room for a defensive gun, Bond Arms‘ best-selling Backup derringer might be the solution for you.

The idea of using a derringer as your CCW piece might seem a little counterintuitive, but a little look at the history behind the Backup will put it in context. As Bond Arms custom-made quality handguns grew in popularity, they drew the attention of former law enforcement and former soldiers who loved the guns, but wanted to see one basic change. For these old pros, all the Backup needed was a less-shiny finish to improve its concealability. Thus the Backup was born, quickly becoming one of their best-selling models of all time.

The Backup’s tiny size and modest weight already make it a great choice for deep concealment. But it gets better: Like all Bond Arms handguns, the barrels are interchangeable with a few simple turns of a single hex-head screw. You can create as many as 25 caliber combinations from 20 available barrels. The Backup frame can be used with barrels chambered as small as the .22 rimfire up to a .410 shotgun load.

Says one happy customer, “After careful consideration, I chose a Bond Arms Backup as my secondary weapon on duty. As a police officer, you have to be careful what you carry concealed on the job. The weapon has to be small, safe, and reliable. I picked Bond Arms for two reasons: First, the weapon could be chambered for any pistol round, thus matching the caliber of my duty weapon, and second it had a manual safety. I got my Backup and was immediately impressed by the craftsmanship.  I took it out and put some rounds through it. I was always told (and experienced) that you could not hit “the broad side of a barn” (my grandfather’s quote) with a derringer. Not so with this pistol.”

The Bond Arms Backup boasts the ultimate blend of compact concealability with threat-stopping firepower. If you go for the .45 ACP, the entire break-action handgun is only 4.5 inches long with 2.5-inch double barrels for a two-round capacity. All the parts that would normally be shiny on the Backup are bead blasted for a grayish, matte finish, while the frame features a dark crinkled powder coat finish. The Backup is outfitted with Bond Arms newest rubber grips, too. These help cut down recoil by providing a great handle on the firearm. MSRP $540; BondArms.com

Backup™ Features:

• Bead-blasted steel double-barrel and frame
• Powder-coated finish on the frame
• Standard-sized, rubber grips
• Front-blade, fixed-rear sights
• Trigger guard
• Compatible with all standard Bond Arms barrels
• Patented rebounding hammer
• Retracting firing pins
• Cross-bolt safety
• Spring-loaded, cammed locking lever
• 19 ounces
• Barrel length is 2.5 inches
• Overall length is 4.5 inches
• MSRP: $540.00