New Barrels, New Fun: My Bond Arms Derringers — Now in 9mm
- Joshua Wethington
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
I just got a surprise in the mail from Bond Arms: a set of 9mm barrels for my derringers. Had to sit on that excitement for five minutes before I texted the crew — because this isn’t just another shiny part, it’s a whole new way to poke at fundamentals with a fresh platform.
Why I asked for 9mm barrels
I wanted something different to run with my buddies at the range — not to prove the gun, but to test ourselves. Swapping in a 9mm turns the derringer into a platform that behaves differently in recoil impulse and sight picture compared to the .22LR and the .357/.38 barrels I already own. That’s the point: changing one variable (the cartridge) forces you to square up on fundamentals — grip, sight focus, trigger control, recoil recovery — instead of blaming gear when your shots wander.
The swap is stupid simple
Here’s the part that actually made me laugh: changing barrels is shockingly easy. Literally one Allen key, a quick loosen, slide the old barrel out, drop the 9mm in, tighten, and you’re ready. No specialized tools, no gunsmithing. If you can change a tire, you can change a barrel. That quick-change flexibility means you can move between rimfire plinking and something with more punch in minutes — perfect for a range session where we want to run drills back-to-back and compare how our fundamentals hold up across platforms.
Bond Arms derringers — short, stout, and reliable
If you’ve followed my stuff, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for compact, rugged designs that do what they’re supposed to do. Bond Arms nails that with their derringers: simple mechanics, solid metallurgy, and a no-nonsense approach to reliability. The barrels snap in place, lock up tight, and the whole package feels like it’s built to be used — not just displayed.
What I appreciate about Bond Arms is how they make a traditionally old-school platform modern again. You get the classic derringer footprint but with tolerances and options that let you actually train with them, switch calibers, and have real drills that teach skills — not just tricks.
What I’m planning for the next range session
Plans so far:
Run the same string of marksmanship drills with the .22LR, .357/.38, and 9mm barrels to see how my splits and recovery change.
Partner drills with my buddies — alternating shooters and coaching each other on where fundamentals fall apart when the gun’s cadence and recoil change.
Slow-fire accuracy, then timed strings, then controlled pairs — all logged so we can compare later.
Video the session for a breakdown — because you know I’ll want to show the differences and talk through fixes.
Safety first — always
Short post but important: these barrels change the dynamics of the gun. Make sure to use the correct barrel for the correct chambering, follow Bond Arms’ instructions, use the proper ammunition, and practice safe handling. If you’re swapping barrels in the field, double-check lockup and function before you start drilling.
Final thoughts
I’m stoked to run these 9mm barrels and see what the derringer platform can teach me and the crew. It’s a fresh way to train that keeps things interesting — and the one-tool swap makes it practical, not just cool-octane internet flex. Expect a write-up and video after the session with side-by-side comparisons and what we learned about fundamentals when the gun changes but the shooter doesn’t.
Want to see the footage and drills when I drop them? Hit subscribe on the channel and I’ll post the breakdown after the range.
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