I’ll never forget the first time that I shot a 10 gauge shotgun. I was about 14 years old and was visiting with a family friend. He told me to lean into the shotgun and press the stock against my shoulder firmly before pulling the trigger so that it didn’t kick me like a mule. I wasn’t a terribly big guy at that age, and pulling the trigger nearly knocked me over.
It was a great experience, and I’ve loved shotguns ever since.
Now, imagine taking a kick like a mule and, instead of kicking into your shoulder like a shotgun would, kicking into the palm of your hand.
That’s kind of the impression that you get with using .45-70 ammunition in a derringer. The ammunition is, quite literally, roughly half the length of the barrel of the firearm. It’s crazy to think about.
But this kind of set up is exactly what Bond Arms did. Mitchell Graf writes,
When Bond Arms announced the Cyclops 45-70, a single-shot derringer chambered in .45-70 Gov’t, it sparked widespread curiosity and a fair share of skepticism. This is a cartridge traditionally reserved for rifles, known for its power and significant recoil, yet Bond Arms chose to adapt it for a pistol designed for close-range mayhem. The Cyclops 45-70 stands as a bold statement piece, and after testing, it’s clear this firearm is unlike anything else.
Graf sums up his thoughts on this firearm this way:
The Bond Arms Cyclops 45-70 is unapologetically wild, catering to a specific niche of firearm enthusiasts. With an MSRP of $699, it may not be practical for everyday use, but it excels as a conversation starter and makes for one heck of a range gun. The combination of the extended grip, unique trigger design, and durable construction make it more manageable than other derringers chambered in high-powered calibers, but it still demands respect from anyone brave enough to fire it.
For those seeking a firearm that combines novelty with power, the Cyclops is an intriguing choice. However, unless you’re prepared to endure punishing recoil, stick to subsonic rounds for a more forgiving shooting experience. Bond Arms recommends firing “45-70 ammunition with velocities under 1500 FPS.” While the Cyclops 45-70 may not be very practical, it delivers something even rarer: a truly unforgettable shooting experience.
You can see a video review, including range time with the Cyclops below.
Now, the Cyclops 45-70 seems to have earned the labels of “rowdy” and “palm punisher.” After all, it has a hard kick.
In other words, it’s not for the faint of heart or those with low pain tolerance.
But if you’re looking for something to give your range time a bit of excitement (and you can handle the kick), the Bond Arms Cyclops 45-70 may be a derringer to consider.
