BOND ARMS Snake Slayer IV — .45 LC / .410, 4.25 in

Description

The BOND ARMS Snake Slayer IV — .45 LC / .410, 4.25 in is a compact, stainless steel over/under derringer built to put serious firepower in your pocket. Chambered for both .45 Long Colt and .410 bore, it swaps between rounds without any tools or extra parts. The 4.25-inch barrel gives you better velocity and accuracy than smaller derringers, while the extended rosewood grips help you control the recoil. This is a straight-up survival tool for city dwellers who want something that fits in a jacket pocket and still hits like a truck.

Manufacturer	Bond Arms
Model	Snake Slayer IV
Material	Stainless steel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt / .410 bore (2.5-inch or 3-inch shells)
Finish	Stainless satin
Weight	21 oz (empty, per Bond Arms)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Dual-Caliber Break Action — Why it matters: You can load .45 LC for deep penetration or .410 shot for spread, all in the same gun. No barrel swap, no extra cylinder. That flexibility is gold in an apartment where over-penetration is a real worry.
• Patented Rebounding Hammer — Why it matters: The hammer automatically retracts to a safe position after each shot, preventing accidental discharge if the gun is jostled in a pocket or nightstand drawer. One less thing to worry about when you grab it fast.
• Automatic Shell Extractors — Why it matters: After firing, the extractors pop the spent cases clear so you can reload without fumbling. In a defensive situation, that speed matters more than most people realize.
• Extended Rosewood Grips — Why it matters: These grips give your pinky a place to go, which means you can actually hold onto the gun under recoil. The checkering helps keep it from twisting in your hand during rapid follow-up shots.
• 4.25-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: That extra inch over the standard 3-inch barrel adds about 75-100 fps to muzzle velocity with .45 LC, giving you better terminal performance without making the gun too big to conceal.

Who It’s For

This is for the urban carrier who wants a deep-concealment option that still packs a punch. Maybe you live in a studio apartment and need something that fits in a coat pocket or a small safe. Maybe you want a truck gun that doesn’t take up space. Or maybe you just like having a backup that can handle both slugs and shot. The Snake Slayer IV is for people who value versatility over magazine capacity.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Stainless steel construction resists rust from sweat and humidity. Dual-caliber capability means you can switch between defense loads and snake shot. Simple break action is easy to operate under stress. Compact enough for ankle or pocket carry.
• Cons: Only two shots — you need to make them count. The trigger pull is heavy (around 8 lbs per Bond Arms specs) to ensure safety with the rebounding hammer, but it takes practice to shoot accurately. Reloading is slow compared to a semi-auto.

Comparison

Feature	Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV	Zev Technologies OZ9	Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf
Action	Break-action derringer	Striker-fired semi-auto	Striker-fired semi-auto
Capacity	2 rounds (over/under)	15+1 (9mm)	15+1 (9mm)
Barrel Length	4.25 inches	4.5 inches	4.6 inches
Weight	21 oz	24 oz	22 oz
Caliber	.45 LC / .410	9mm	9mm
Best Use	Deep concealment, survival, backup	Competition, duty carry	Custom builds, range use

FAQ

Can I shoot both .45 Colt and .410 in this gun without changing anything?

Yes. The Snake Slayer IV is chambered for both .45 Long Colt and .410 bore (2.5-inch or 3-inch shells). Load either cartridge into the chambers and fire. No barrel swap, no cylinder change, no tools needed. Just make sure you use .410 shells that are rated for rifled barrels — some shot shells with plastic shot cups can cause pressure issues.

How do I load and unload the Snake Slayer IV?

Push the barrel release latch forward (located on the left side of the frame). The barrel tips up, exposing the chambers. Drop in your rounds, close the barrel until it clicks. To unload, open the barrel and the automatic extractors push the spent cases out. If the cases are stuck, you can manually pull them out.

Is this gun safe to carry with a round in the chamber?

Yes, if you use the cross-bolt safety. The rebounding hammer sits away from the firing pin until you pull the trigger, adding a layer of safety. But always keep the safety engaged until you’re ready to fire. The hammer is also designed to rest in a half-cock notch if you choose to carry that way.

What holsters fit the Snake Slayer IV?

Bond Arms makes leather pocket holsters and belt holsters specifically for this model. Many universal derringer holsters also work, but I recommend a holster that covers the trigger guard and retains the gun securely. For pocket carry, look for a holster with a thumb-break strap.

✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout

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Last updated: April 2026