Bond Arms 2-1/2" .357 vs NAA Wasp .22mag 1-5/8"

Adk.IBO · Jan 14, 2016

So I've been carrying my Wasp in my pocket and my J-frame in a Kangaroo Carry for about 3 years and won a Gunbroker auction for the Bond Arms Mini .357 with the idea of replacing the Wasp with it. J-frame in the pocket does not work for me so it's not an option. I really like one in the pocket though. So my question is 2).357 or 5).22mag? Both SA only. .357 same caliber as my main EDC= less chance of confusion in crisis. Quicker reloads go to the .357 also. I guess my confidence in the .22mag has diminished some over time. Jotting down my thoughts is helping, but what will really help is when I get the Bond Arms, see how it fits in my pocket and run some ammo down range. I'm having fun with this and like shooting handguns better than long guns of any type. Also other barrels interchange on the Bond Arms, could be fun, what do you all think?

Stay safe, John

kaaskop49 · Jan 15, 2016

I have the Bond Arms with several other barrels. It sits in my safe, occasionally going to the range. It is simply too heavy for pocket carry, IMHO, roughly 20 oz. loaded. I have tried everything to lighten it: remove trigger guard, have Bond cut the frame back in front of the trigger as in the Bond Mini, and installed the 2.5" .45LC bbl. Nothing has helped.

For that 20oz., ALL of the modern aluminum-frame Js .38s come in at less weight and have 5 rounds. My M&P 340s in .357 are 13oz. empty, loaded, slightly more. And they are DA. Since you have difficulty with a J-frame in the pocket (buy clothing with deeper pockets?), your .22 mag is your option.

I LOVE derringers and my custom-built American Firearms in .45ACP is about 1/2 the weight of the Bond. Many will disagree, but the Bond derringers, altho well built by a wonderful American company, come up a day late and a dollar short for pocket carry. Maybe great for snakes when occasionally roaming the wilds, but not for daily/nightly pocket carry in dangerous urban areas with so many better, lighter options out there.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Ivan the Butcher · Jan 15, 2016

I have the Bond Arms' predecessor by American Arms in 357 Mag. If I use the same ammo in both barrels the shoot 17" apart at across the room distance. I ended up using a 158 LSWC non+P in the upper barrel and a 110 357 Mag Silvertip Hollow Point in the lower barrel. This combo gives me 6 shot groups of 2 to 3" at across the room distance.

Since the current philosophy is "There is a lawyer attached to every bullet!", I want to carry a SD gun that I can at least hit with when all is calm.

I also have a number of 22 Mag. handguns. Using ammo for rifles, they are also prone to poor accuracy at SD distances. Federal makes a load specifically for handguns. With a heavier (50 grain) bullet and faster burning powder. Federal's product number is 757. I have packaging spanning the last 30-35 years and the box has changed 3 times but the PN has stayed the same. My brother uses the ammo in a Single Six with impressive 50 YARD groups. I currently use it in High Standard and a Davis derringers with sub 2" groupings for 6 shots at about 20 feet (The entire length of my current home is 35 feet and the previous was 45 feet.) Stopping power on any derringer is always a concern! Always go for center mass or run like heck!

Ivan

Adk.IBO · Jan 15, 2016

Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate your responses. If the Bond Arms proves to heavy, I will stick with the NAA. I did pocket carry my 640 for a while before I got my NAA and it was more the size for me rather than the weight that I objected. I'm hoping the Bond Arms is just smaller enough to work for me. The rim fire has been mostly reliable, but ther have been a few failures due to ammo I believe. Came around a second time and fired... Centerfire? Never an issue. Oh well, just gotta shoot more to figure it out

.

Stay safe, John

Inusuit · Jan 15, 2016

I've owned a couple of over/under derringers including a .38 Special American. In my opinion, which is free and worth the price, derringers are a poor choice for concealed carry and self defense. Mine had a horrendous trigger pull, a questionable safety, and mediocre regulation between the two barrels.

If a revolver doesn't work for you, there are a number of subcompact .380 semiautos that have decent triggers, are small enough for comfortable pocket carry, and hold 6-7 rounds. Loaded with appropriate ammunition, these small pistols are reliable and effective for self defense. I like my Kahr .380 and my KelTec P3AT. Ruger's LCP is also a good choice.

Adk.IBO · Jan 15, 2016

Inusuit said:
I've owned a couple of over/under derringers including a .38 Special American. In my opinion, which is free and worth the price, derringers are a poor choice for concealed carry and self defense. Mine had a horrendous trigger pull, a questionable safety, and mediocre regulation between the two barrels.

If a revolver doesn't work for you, there are a number of subcompact .380 semiautos that have decent triggers, are small enough for comfortable pocket carry, and hold 6-7 rounds. Loaded with appropriate ammunition, these small pistols are reliable and effective for self defense. I like my Kahr .380 and my KelTec P3AT. Ruger's LCP is also a good choice.

I appreciate your feedback. However, I respectfully suggest you check out some reviews on any of the Bond Arms guns as all of your objections in your first paragraph are non-issues with this brand. I like the idea of maintaining a cache of just one handgun caliber. I don't doubt the effectiveness of the .380 as I have carried the .22mag for 3 years and think the .380 would be a step above. That said, I'm just not fond of semis. I had just one revolver for 21 years, owned 2 semis (sold them) and now own 4 revolvers. I also am never without my 649-3 along with the NAA and if the Bond Arms works out I still will never be without my 649-3 while carrying it. 7 loaded rounds of .357 seems adequate eh? Along with 2 speed strips.

Stay safe, John

Bond Arms 2-1/2" .357 vs NAA Wasp .22mag 1-5/8"

Adk.IBO

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kaaskop49

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Ivan the Butcher

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Adk.IBO

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Inusuit

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Adk.IBO

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