Description
The Bond Arms Snake Slayer 357 Magnum (model BASS357/38) is a two-shot stainless steel derringer with 3.5 inch barrels chambered for 357 Magnum and 38 Special, fitted with Bond’s extended engraved rosewood grips. It is made in Granbury, Texas, and it is one of Bond’s best known models.
Bond Arms Snake Slayer 357 Magnum Overview
Bond Arms builds its derringers from stainless steel, with a trigger guard, a rebounding hammer and a cross-bolt safety that the classic Remington-style derringers never had. The Snake Slayer line uses longer 3.5 inch barrels and an extended grip for better control. This version fires 357 Magnum or 38 Special. Lipsey’s lists it at 22 ounces and 5.5 inches overall.
357 Magnum in a Derringer
Two rounds of 357 Magnum from a 22 ounce derringer produce sharp recoil and a lot of muzzle blast. Many owners load 38 Special, which is far more pleasant and still effective at close range. 38 Special shot shells are a popular choice for snakes on the trail. Practice with the loads you intend to carry, because recoil changes point of impact.
How It Operates
Each shot requires cocking the hammer, which then fires the barrels in turn. The trigger pull is single action but heavier than a target pistol. The tip-up barrels open with a lever on the left side of the frame for loading and unloading, and empties are removed with the extractor. Bond’s rebounding hammer stays off the firing pins after each shot.
Safety Features
The cross-bolt safety blocks the hammer when engaged, and the trigger guard reduces the risk of snagging when you draw. Even so, carry the derringer only in a holster that covers the trigger, and treat the hammer with care: a derringer has very little room for error when you are lowering it.
Interchangeable Barrels
Bond Arms barrel sets swap between frames with a single screw, which lets one frame shoot many calibers from 9mm to 45 Colt and 410. That flexibility is a big part of Bond’s appeal. Extra barrels add cost, and each caliber needs its own practice to learn the point of impact.
Limits to Understand
A derringer holds two rounds and is slow to reload. The sights are basic, the sight radius is short, and practical accuracy is limited to close distances. It works well as a trail gun or backup, but it is not a replacement for a modern defensive pistol.
State Laws and Ownership
Derringers are handguns under the law. Roster states such as California and Massachusetts and states that require a handgun permit or license all apply their rules. Ask your receiving FFL to confirm the transfer is allowed where you live before ordering.
Specifications
- Brand: Bond Arms
- Model: Snake Slayer
- Manufacturer part number: BASS357/38
- UPC: 855959004445
- Calibers: 357 Magnum and 38 Special
- Capacity: 2 rounds
- Action: single action, rebounding hammer
- Barrel length: 3.5 inches
- Overall length: 5.5 inches
- Weight: 22 ounces
- Finish: stainless steel
- Grips: extended engraved rosewood
- Sights: front blade, fixed rear
- Safety: cross-bolt safety, trigger guard
Before You Buy
Federal law requires that this handgun ship to a licensed FFL dealer, where you will complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check. You must be 21 or older to buy a handgun from a dealer. Some states and cities add permits, waiting periods or handgun rosters, so confirm with your receiving FFL that this model can be transferred to you before you order.
Who It Is For
The Bond Arms Snake Slayer 357 Magnum is a great fit for hikers and ranchers who want a compact trail gun for snakes, derringer collectors, and Bond Arms owners who want a 357 frame with the extended grip.
Buy the Bond Arms Snake Slayer 357 Magnum at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Bond Arms Snake Slayer 357 Magnum online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Bond Arms.
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