Bond Arms Stubby .380 ACP Black Derringer

This is a fun little...

This is a fun little pocket blaster. So far I have about 150 rounds through it, with no reliability issues. (Many moons ago I had a different brand of this style gun, and on that one the bottom barrel only went off 50% of the time.) This gun delivers solid primer strikes top and bottom, to the point that the primers are indistinguishable. Some of the stock photos must be of prototypes, because they show a shorter frame and a bit of front sight. In actuality, the frame reaches to within 1/16" of the muzzle. There are no sights at all. Also note there is no extractor, but even after 50 rounds in a row extraction was not difficult with a fingernail. If it does refuse to let go of the empties, the cutout is large enough to use the rim of your next loaded round to lever out both empties at once. The pistol feels good in the hand, and the .380 cartridge feels snappy but not at all uncomfortable to shoot. Velocities: Winchester White box 95gr FMJ averaged 823fps, Hornady Critical Defense averaged 885fps. The trigger is stiff, but not disagreeably so: given its intended use, single action design, and lack of sights, I wouldn't want it lighter. As for accuracy, at realistic ranges of 5 yards and under, it's not hard to make instinctive hits. I found I was more accurate shooting while pointing from chest height rather than trying to look down the barrel: the hinge hump prevents any sort of sight picture, but lowering the gun a little gives you a better visual of where the barrels are pointing. Both barrels hit high if you're a bit farther from the target, with the top barrel hitting higher, of course. I'd estimate 18" high at seven yards with the top barrel, about half that with the bottom. At three yards and under just point where you want it to go. One thing I didn't realize until reading the manual is that on the breech face between the firing pins there is an Allen-headed set screw that will lock the hammer-block safety in EITHER the on or off position, should you wish to do so. In short: it works, it's fun, I'm glad I bought it, and would buy it again.