Bond Arms builds the Texas Defender as a two-shot break-action derringer in .45 Colt: three-inch stainless barrels, 4.5 inches overall, 22 ounces, with wood grips on a stainless frame. The crossbolt safety, rebounding hammer and retracting firing pins handle safe carry, an automatic extractor lifts the empties, and the spring-loaded cammed locking lever keeps the barrels tight and speeds reloading. Like the rest of the Bond line it accepts the company's interchangeable barrels for other chamberings.

The name says who it is for. This is a pocket or boot gun for a Texan who wants a heavy caliber in the smallest frame that will hold it, as a backup to a primary pistol or a dressed-up carry piece with the wood grips. Two rounds of .45 Colt and a manual safety make it deliberate rather than fast; the interchangeable barrels mean one frame can serve as a range gun in a lighter chambering.

Key features

• .45 Colt, two-shot break action
• Three-inch stainless barrels, 4.5 inches overall, 22 ounces
• Crossbolt safety, rebounding hammer, retracting firing pins
• Automatic extractor and cammed locking lever
• Accepts Bond Arms interchangeable barrels

Derringers are handguns and ship to a licensed Texas dealer, where you complete Form 4473 and the NICS check; buyers must be 21 or older.