Since 1995 Texas-based Bond Arms Inc has been making stout derringer-styled pistols for shooters and outdoorsmen. Flipping through the 2023 color brochure I noticed numerous styles of derringers chambered for a variety of cartridges from 22 Long Rifle to 45 Colt and on up to 3-inch .410 shotgun shells. With such a vast assortment of two-shooters available, it is quite apparent the good folks at Bond Arms listen to their valued customers and actually make the guns and chamberings buyers are asking for.
Well, for those of you who have been wanting a small handgun in 45-70 Government, get ready for the newly released Cyclops! So named because it is a one-shot, (get it?) beefy handgun, the Cyclops comes with a 4.25-inch stainless steel barrel, extended, hand-filling grip with diamond checkered black B6 stocks, and etchings on the barrel of the 45-70 cartridge on the left, the word CYCLOPS on the right. For a little added humor, a cyclops face is etched in the muzzle.
Realistic Range Time
I’ll tell you straight up I had no intention of running a box of ammo through the Cyclops in one range session, and I didn’t. I did however shoot it more than planned because it shot so well and wasn’t particularly punishing. Derringers are made for up-close and personal distance shooting and that’s where the Cyclops was tested. I settle on five yards to shoot a group aiming at center mass of a small silhouette Truglo target.
My buddy Jim Porter, a retired Texas Game Warden, happened by while I was getting ready to shoot and decided to stick around to see how this big bore derringer deal turned out. Jim inspected the Cyclops as I positioned a target and I explained that you must not ride high on the grip, near the cocked hammer with your shooting hand and you must pull the trigger in a somewhat down and back motion. I discovered this by actually reading the safety and instruction manual that came with the first Bond Arms derringer I ever fired. See, you can learn something by reading the manual!
Holding these guns high on the grip and attempting to pull the trigger rearward makes it difficult for me to fire the gun. The prescribed lower grip and down-n-back trigger pull using the pad of the finger makes all the difference. I place the web of my shooting hand even at the top of the B6 grip. It felt a little odd at first, but with some practice, it becomes second nature.
It was go-time, and I had an audience. I dropped a Remington Express 405-grain (1330 fps) round in the chamber, swiveled the barrel down, and was assured by the vault-like snap of the barrel being locked in place. I took a firm grip, aimed, fired, and repeated the process five times.
I don’t know if Jim or I was more amazed when three of the five rounds shot made one ragged hole with the other two very close by! The Cyclops is quite manageable with standard velocity ammunition. I recommend this level of ammo for comfortably shooting this small gun. 45-70 Government ammunition labeled “for use in all rifles” or “trap door suitable” in the 1250-1330 fps range will provide plenty of power without being abusive. I had some hotter stuff on the shelf but decided there is no need to take the fun out of shooting the 45-70 palm pistol!
Why a 45-70 Derringer? Do we really need a reason?
Why does one need a derringer in 45-70, you ask? Well, why not?! To each their own, but to me, a derringer is a good backup gun—small, packable, and potent. I routinely carry a Bond Stinger as part of my daily personal protection. Out and about, it is a good choice for a second gun. At home it is perfect as my “always gun,” meaning, it is always with me, resting discreetly in a pocket holster.
While the Bond Arms Cyclops isn’t necessarily small when compared to the Stinger, it is definitely, without a doubt, potent. I could really see it as a viable backup in bear country where you carry a heavy rifle, slugged shotgun, or big-bore handgun for security and peace of mind. Additional insurance of a 45-70-slinging derringer in the mix could be a good thing. Plus, it’s just a cool gun and a blast to shoot!
