Bond Arms Cyclops Review

Derringers have been around for a century and although they’ve shifted from widely used tools to more of a novelty, they certainly have their place in the gun world. Some of the best-made derringers available today are designed and manufactured by Bond Arms—their guns are practically indestructible—and we’re going to focus on those. After years of running Bond Arms derringers of every caliber and model, it’s hard to choose just one, but it’s the relatively new Bond Arms Cyclops that demands a closer look. Should you get a derringer from Bond Arms? Read on to find out.

Bond Arms Cyclops Background

To get into the background of the Bond Arms Cyclops, it helps to take a brief deep dive into the history of the derringer itself. The derringer design was first created by Henry Deringer—that’s right, spelled with just one “r”—in 1825. Deringer came up with the design of these pocket pistols for a few purposes but one of the main focuses was so they’d be small and functional enough for ladies to hide on their persons for self-defense use. Of course, the design was also popular among gamblers and really anyone who wanted a tiny, highly concealable gun.

The story of how derringers got that second “r” in their name is pretty straightforward. In the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination—which John Wilkes Booth carried out using a Philadelphia Deringer—the diminutive guns gained greater popularity. Manufacturers figured out they could circumvent copyright by simply adding another “r” to the name, and the derringer as a platform was born. This was unfortunate for Henry Deringer, who didn’t really have any way of protecting his design. In the end, the guns became known as derringers, and not everyone even remembers who Henry Deringer was.

As for the Bond Arms Cyclops, it’s the result of the natural evolution of Bond Arms’ derringers. Most derringers have a double barrel capable of holding two rounds of ammo but the Cyclops, due to its large bore, only has one. It’s heavier than most derringers as well, something that’s necessary due to its chambering. A little weight can go a long way toward offsetting significant felt recoil.

When Gordon Bond first talked about the inspiration behind the Cyclops, he said it was to fulfill numerous customer requests as well as the preferences of gun writers who love big bores (such as myself). Of course, it’s clear Gordon himself loves these big bore guns, and even as he talked about the 45-70 Government Cyclops he admitted there would probably be a 50 AE version coming soon (spoiler alert: it’s available now). The purpose of this Cyclops leans more toward fun than most of the company’s derringers, which do have niches they fulfill. That doesn’t mean the Cyclops isn’t useful, though, because it definitely is.

Features of the Bond Arms Cyclops

Although the Cyclops is based on a long history of exceptionally well made derringers, Bond Arms did design it with some unique and useful features. Noteworthy highlights of the Bond Arms Cyclops include:

Bond Arms Cyclops Features

1 Proprietary B6 Grips

Made to more securely fit into the palm of the hand for a better grip during live fire.

2 Single-Shot Barrel

Rather than a double barrel, the single-shot barrel leaves more metal in place and increases  the weight to better reduce felt recoil.

3 Fixed Blade Front Sight

No possible shifting of the sight from use and functions well for shot placement at close ranges.

4 Aftermarket Thumb Break Holster

The gun can be securely carried if desired.

5 Engraved Name and Logo

1. Engraved with model name on the side of the barrel and a Cyclops face on the muzzle end.

6 Satin finish

To reduce glare while also reducing risk of scratches and scrapes related to regular use.

Other Models and Colors

Bond Arms Cyclops—Our Take

The Cyclops is a gun I was excited to get my hands on as soon as I found out it was in the works. Yes, it’s clearly a gun that produces significant felt recoil and muzzle rise, but you just know it’s going to be fun right out of the box. The end result did not disappoint and the fact that Bond Arms took the time to engrave a Cyclops mean mugging on the muzzle made it even better.

Shootability

There’s no sugarcoating the reality that the Cyclops does produce a lot of recoil. It’s worth mentioning that all derringers are pretty snappy thanks to their size and simple design, so that isn’t unique to this model. The 45-70 Government chambering does mean recoil goes from snappy to “wow” but it’s still enjoyable to fire. 

The gun does fit in my hands well thanks to it having a bit more bulk than most derringers. Bond Arms puts their proprietary B6 resin grips on this one, and that increases the palm swell and makes the gun easier to hold onto securely. It has a nice, crisp trigger—as do all the company’s guns—and it’s set at the factory for a 7.0-pound pull weight. Re-set is extremely brief, but since it’s a single-shot gun, that isn’t really a concern anyway. 

Accuracy

Derringers in general are made for close-quarters use and the Cyclops is made the same. It’s fairly accurate within five yards and once you get out to ten yards you can still hit a six-inch bull’s eye consistently. Because this is a single-shot it isn’t a gun you really work on groups with, but you can reload and go for the same point of impact and get somewhat close. You don’t generally get a derringer for precision, you get it for a combination of extreme concealability and fun shooting. A great example is the Bond Arms Snake Slayer that comes with a 357 Magnum barrel and is fantastic on rattlesnakes (and tiny enough I can tote it around the property without issue). As for the Cyclops, it’s simply awesome to shoot, although you could undoubtedly take a close shot at feral hogs or raccoons with it.

Ergonomics

Thought was put into the ergonomics of this gun, which is why it utilizes B6 Resin grips. Bond Arms made sure this gun had a longer barrel and increased overall weight to help mitigate the fact that it’s chambered in 45-70 Government. It’s surprisingly well balanced and comfortable to hold. Because it’s smaller you’ll find there’s less to grip, but thanks to the design it’s possible to get a firm grip for live fire.

Value

Because this is a gun made for impressive quality and attention to detail, I’d say it does meet its price point. You’re paying for the adherence to specific tolerances and the experience and skill that went into its creation, and it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a high quality derringer in a large bore, the Cyclops will be a solid investment.

Pros and Cons

Gun Deals

Preferred Ammo

Upgrade and Accessory Options

Bond Arms Cyclops Upgrade and Accessory Options

1. Bond Arms Cyclops Holste		Check Price
2. Bond Arms Cyclops 44 Magnum Barrel		Check Price