Description
The bond arms rawhide derringer .357/.38 2.5″ stainless is a no-frills backup gun built for the daily carrier who demands reliability in a tiny package. Chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, this break-action derringer from Bond Arms gives you two quick shots with a rebounding hammer and cross-bolt safety. The 2.5″ stainless barrel and Rough & Tumble finish mean it shrugs off sweat and pocket lint. Fixed sights keep it simple, and the black rubber grips tame the recoil. At $266.97, it’s a budget-friendly entry into Bond Arms’ lineup—perfect for deep concealment or a truck gun.
| Manufacturer | Bond Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Rawhide |
| Material | Stainless steel barrel, alloy frame |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Rough & Tumble stainless |
| Weight | Approx. 20 oz (unloaded, per Bond Arms specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Break-Action Design — WHY IT MATTERS: Reloading is straightforward and fast. Drop two rounds in, snap it shut, and you’re back in the fight. No slide to rack, no magazine to fumble.
- Rebounding Hammer & Cross-Bolt Safety — WHY IT MATTERS: The hammer sits away from the frame after each shot, reducing the chance of accidental discharge. The cross-bolt safety adds a second layer of security for pocket carry.
- 2.5″ Stainless Steel Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: Short enough to hide in a front pocket or ankle rig, but long enough to get reliable velocity from .38 Special loads. The stainless resists corrosion from sweat and humidity.
- Black Rubber Grips — WHY IT MATTERS: The textured rubber soaks up the snappy recoil of .357 Magnum rounds and gives you a solid purchase even with wet hands. No fancy wood here—just function.
- Fixed Sights — WHY IT MATTERS: Zero adjustments needed, zero snag points. Point-and-shoot accuracy at self-defense distances. Works exactly as intended every time.
Who It’s For
This derringer is for the EDC crowd that wants a true deep-concealment option when a Glock 19 is too bulky. It’s also a solid backup for plainclothes security, off-duty cops, or anyone who needs a gun that disappears in a pocket holster. If you’re building a pocket-dump rotation and want something that fires .357 Magnum without breaking the bank, this fits.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Tiny footprint—fits in a jeans pocket or ankle holster without printing.
- Pro: Two shots of .357 Magnum hit harder than most pocket .380s.
- Pro: Bond Arms rebounding hammer and cross-bolt safety make carry safer than older derringers.
- Con: Only two rounds before reloading. This is a backup, not a primary. You’ll need to practice reloads under stress.
- Con: Fixed sights limit precision beyond 10 yards. Fine for self-defense, not for target work.
Comparison: Bond Arms Rawhide vs. Competitors
| Feature | Bond Arms Rawhide | Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf Frame (G19) | Geissele Super Duty Lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | 9mm | 5.56 |
| Capacity | 2 rounds | 15+1 | 30 rounds (mag) |
| Barrel Length | 2.5″ | 4.02″ | N/A (lower only) |
| Weight (unloaded) | ~20 oz | ~22 oz | ~8.5 oz |
| Best Use | Deep concealment, backup | Duty, home defense | AR-15 build |
| Price | $266.97 | ~$150 (frame only) | ~$350 |
FAQ
Is the Bond Arms Rawhide drop-safe?
Yes. The rebounding hammer prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. The cross-bolt safety also blocks the hammer. Per Bond Arms specs, it’s designed for safe carry in a pocket holster.
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this derringer?
Yes. The Rawhide is rated for .357 Magnum, so .38 Special +P is well within pressure limits. Expect less recoil and flash than .357. Stick with standard .38 for practice, +P for carry.
Does this come with a holster?
No. The Rawhide ships as a bare gun. Bond Arms offers a variety of pocket and belt holsters separately, or you can use a generic pocket holster sized for small revolvers.
How do I clean the Rough & Tumble finish?
Use a mild solvent like Hoppe’s No. 9 and a nylon brush. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads—they can scratch the matte texture. Wipe down after range trips to prevent powder residue buildup.
Ready to Carry?
If you need a backup that disappears and hits hard, the bond arms rawhide derringer .357/.38 2.5″ stainless is a solid choice. $266.97 gets you a Bond Arms build with a proven safety system and a finish that handles daily sweat and pocket grit. Add it to your rotation today.
Check out more derringers or browse our concealed carry and backup guns for other compact options.
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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