Description
The Backup came about because police officers kept telling Bond Arms what they wanted: a deep-concealment gun with genuine punch that didn't shine like a show piece. Bond listened. The result is this two-shot .45 ACP with a bead-blasted 2.5 inch stainless barrel and a black crinkle-coated frame that soaks up light instead of reflecting it. At 4.5 inches overall and around 18.5 ounces, it disappears into a pocket, a console, or behind a vest, and that stainless heft does a nice job of taming what could otherwise be a real handful of recoil.
Built Like Every Bond Arms Derringer, Dressed for Duty
Don't let the size fool you into thinking this is one of those flimsy bargain-bin derringers. Bond Arms machines these from stainless steel here in the USA, beefing up the classic over-under design to handle modern defensive loads. The break action opens with a spring-loaded, cammed locking lever for a tight barrel-to-frame fit, and the patented rebounding hammer and crossbolt safety add layers of protection you won't find on old-pattern two-shooters. The rubber grips have a slightly tacky feel that helps you hang on when firing full-power .45 ACP, and a fixed blade front sight with rear notch keeps aiming simple at defensive distances.
One Frame, a Whole Family of Calibers
Here's the part that makes a Bond Arms purchase go further: the Backup accepts the full lineup of Bond Arms interchangeable barrels. Six turns of an Allen wrench and you can swap to 9mm, .357 Magnum, .410/.45 Colt, or dozens of other options, all on the same frame. Buy it as a dedicated carry piece, then add a longer barrel later for range days and it becomes two guns in one.
Where the Backup .45 Earns Its Keep
This is a last-ditch, get-off-me gun, and it excels in that role. It rides comfortably in a pocket holster, tucks away where a full-size pistol won't go, and delivers two rounds of serious caliber with dead-simple operation: open, load, close, cock, fire. Range reports consistently note the recoil is far more manageable than the size suggests, thanks to that solid stainless build.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bond Arms
- Model: Backup
- MPN: BABU 45 Auto
- UPC: 855959003301
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 2 rounds
- Action: Break Action, Single Action
- Barrel Length: 2.5 in
- Barrel Finish: Bead-Blasted Matte Stainless Steel
- Frame Finish: Black Crinkle Powder Coat over Stainless
- Overall Length: 4.5 in
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Grips: Black Rubber
- Sights: Fixed Blade Front, Fixed Rear Notch
- Safety: Crossbolt with Rebounding Hammer
- Trigger Guard: Yes
What’s Included
- Bond Arms Backup .45 ACP derringer
- Allen wrench for barrel changes
- Owner's manual
- Factory box
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bond Arms Backup hard to shoot in .45 ACP?
Less than you'd expect. The all-stainless frame gives it enough weight to soak up a good chunk of the recoil, and range reviews consistently describe it as snappy but controllable rather than punishing. The tacky rubber grips help you keep a solid hold, though like any short-barreled big bore, it's best treated as a close-range defensive tool rather than a plinker.
Can I swap barrels on the Backup to shoot other calibers?
Yes, and that's one of the best things about owning a Bond Arms. The Backup is compatible with the full line of Bond Arms interchangeable barrels, covering dozens of caliber options like 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .410/.45 Colt. Swaps take about six turns of the included Allen wrench through the hinge pin, so one frame can serve several roles.
How do you eject spent cases from the .45 ACP barrels?
Since .45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, the Backup's barrels use a notch cut into the left side of the chambers instead of a traditional extractor. After breaking the action open, you slip a fingernail or thumbnail into the notch and pry the empty cases out. It's a simple system that works reliably once you've done it a couple times.
How does the Backup differ from other Bond Arms derringers?
Most Bond Arms models wear a bright polished stainless finish, but the Backup was designed at the request of law enforcement who wanted something more subdued for deep concealment. It uses a bead-blasted matte barrel and a textured black crinkle-coated frame to cut glare, plus grippy rubber panels instead of wood. Underneath, it's the same rugged stainless build Bond Arms is known for.




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.