I Carry: Bond Arms Rowdy Derringer in a BAP Pocket Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today, we're using the Bond Arms Rowdy derringer inside of a matched Bond Arms pocket holster, a snake-shot load from CCI Ammo, a Gerber knife and a trauma kit from TMS Outdoors.

Bond Arms Rowdy Derringer (MSRP: $299)

Just in case we have to reiterate, “because it’s cool” or “because I want one” or simply “because” are great reasons to pick up a new firearm. When we discuss concealed-carry hardware, though, we tend to stay away from specialized equipment like the derringer. With only two shots fired single-action, the classic derringer is eclipsed by more-modern handguns for everyday carry. However, there is a reason for including the Bond Arms Rowdy derringer in this kit. In many places around the United States, we co-exist with venomous snakes that might pose a threat on the range, in the woods or even in our backyards. Shooting Illustrated field editors like Sheriff Jim Wilson and Ed Head often encounter snakes at Gunsite Academy, for example, and deal with potential threats by keeping a spare magazine loaded with snake shot.

Another possibility is having a dedicated piece of gear on hand for just this purpose, which is where the Bond Arms Rowdy derringer comes in handy. Chambered in .410-bore as well as .45 Colt, it’s a handy little pistol to have tucked away should you be wandering around areas where snakes are likely to be encountered. While we certainly don’t encourage shooting snakes for no reason, there are absolutely times when a surprised snake poses a clear threat to you and might warrant a ballistic response. Having two shots of potent anti-snek medicine at the ready is a smart idea for folks in such areas.

Bond Arms is known for the company’s line of well-built, high-quality derringers, and the company has introduced two new lines of more-affordable options for those looking to add one to their collection. The Roughneck series is available in popular centerfield pistol cartridges like 9 mm and .45 ACP, while the Rowdy we have here today is slightly larger and offers slightly more punch. Don’t worry too much about recoil, as the 20-ounce weight will reduce kick somewhat. Another neat feature? The Rowdy is compatible with all standard Bond Arms barrels, so should you desire to match your carry gun’s chambering, it’s most-likely possible.

Bond Arms BAP Leather Pocket Holster (MSRP: $59)

One of the drawbacks to specialty equipment is the farther you get from mainstream, the harder it becomes to find gear to fit. Fortunately, Bond Arms has recognized this for its line of derringers and offers a number of excellent holsters for concealed carry. We’ve chosen the leather BAP to carry the Rowdy, as it fits in front pocket where it’s quick to access. Available in brown leather and for either hand, the BAP also comes with a flat side that faces out in the pocket to break up the pistol’s outline to minimize printing.

CCI Snakeshot .45 Colt (MSRP: $19.95/10 rounds)

While the Rowdy accepts .410-bore shotshells which handle snakes and other such threats nicely, it does also accept .45 Colt ammunition. Whether you prefer to keep ammo commonality or just don’t want to be touching off a shotgun round in a petite derringer, CCI offers shotshells in many common pistol calibers. The .45 Colt offering is available in a traditional number nine shot as well as a number four buck load for maximum power against venomous interlopers.

Gerber Strongarm Fixed-Blade Knife (MSRP: $70)

Since we’re talking about gear suitable for hiking or other outdoor activities, we’ve opted for the Gerber Strongarm fixed-blade knife to go with the rest of our gear. The sheath can be carried on a belt or attached to a pack, depending on preference. A 4.8-inch, 420HC steel blade gives the Strongarm an overall length of 9.8 inches and a weight of 7.2 ounces, so it won’t add significant heft to your hiking gear. Glass-filled nylon with a rubber overmold comprises the handle, which includes a glass-breaker pommel and lanyard loop at the end of the full-tang steel.

TMS Hunter Trauma Kit-Operator (MSRP: $79.99)

When out and about in nature, accidents happen. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping an accident from turning into a life-threatening emergency, and carrying an individual first aid kit like the TMS Outdoors Hunter EMS pack allows you to have life-saving equipment on hand wherever you roam. It’s filled with items like an SOF tourniquet, trauma bandage, gauze, tape, gloves and even general first aid items like bandages and antibiotic ointment. There’s room in the pack to add your own items, such as an epi-pen if you’re allergic to bee stings, for example. The Trauma kit comes with loops to either carry on a belt or attach to a pack.