Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
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. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features, performance, and overall usability.
Table of contents
Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
- Barrel Length: 4.25″ (stainless steel)
- Overall Length: 6.75″
- Weight: 28 oz.
- Grip: B6 resin, extended
- Action: Single-action
- Trigger Pull: 7 lbs.
- Sights: Fixed
- Finish: Rough with barrel engraving
- Capacity: 1 round
- MSRP: $699
Cyclops 45-70 Out of the Box
The Bond Arms Cyclops 45-70 arrives in a no-frills cardboard box with a foam insert to securely hold the pistol. Alongside the firearm, you’ll find an owner’s manual that covers operation, safety, and maintenance tips. While the packaging is simple, it does the job of protecting the gun during transit and adds to the sense of anticipation when unboxing such a unique firearm.
One standout feature of the Cyclops is the laser-engraved Cyclops design on the front of the barrel, giving the pistol a unique personality and reinforcing its namesake. Adding to its charm, the left side of the barrel features a life-size engraving of a .45-70 cartridge casing as well. These creative details make the Cyclops a little more unique in an already intrinsically unique package.
Fixed Sights: Simple but Effective
The fixed sights on the Cyclops are practical. They consist of a simple front blade and a rear notch that, while sufficient for aligning shots, leave no room for adjustability. However, precision shooting is not the primary purpose of this firearm.
While the sights allow for accurate enough shooting at close distances, the recoil of the .45-70 Gov’t round often shifts the focus from precise aiming to intuitive point-and-shoot mechanics. Despite this, the sights are durable, holding up well during repeated firing sessions. I had no issues shooting steel targets at 10 yards.
Trigger: Unique, Deliberate, and Safe
The Cyclops’ trigger design is unlike nearly anything found on conventional handguns. Instead of the typical straight-back pull, the trigger requires a downward and rearward motion. This unconventional design took some time to adjust to during testing, but it added an element of deliberation to fire the gun.
With a 7-pound trigger pull, the action feels heavy compared to semi-automatic pistols. However, for a firearm chambered in such a powerful caliber, this deliberate resistance feels appropriate. It reduces the risk of accidentally bumping the trigger and firing while adjusting one’s grip.
Grip: A Design that Works with the Recoil
The B6 resin grip is one of the Cyclops’ standout features, designed to provide maximum control and comfort. Extended and contoured to fill the shooter’s hand, it offers an improvement over classic derringer grips, which can be undersized and challenging to manage. This thoughtful design is essential given the firearm’s intense recoil.
During testing, the grip provided reasonable purchase and helped mitigate some of the wrist strain associated with shooting such a powerful cartridge from a compact platform. The resin material also held up well, offering consistent texture and a firm grip, even after extended sessions. While there isn’t much hanging down for a great two-handed grip, it proves enough width to fire one-handed for those brave enough to try.
Break-Open Action and Reloading On the Cyclops 45-70
Reloading the Cyclops is a straightforward process, thanks to its break-open action. A lever located on the left side of the firearm allows the barrel to pivot upward, exposing the chamber. This mechanism is smooth and intuitive, contributing to the firearm’s user-friendly design.
Ejecting spent cases is easy. The chamber features a recessed cut to aid in removing cartridges, but cases can sometimes stick due to heat expansion. This issue only happened after firing hotter loads. Shooters wearing gloves may find the task more challenging, as finesse is often required to extract the cases cleanly. I never had any Hornady casing get stuck though, and they would all drop freely once the chamber was opened.
Performance and Recoil Management
Throughout this review, I was able to run both Hornady and Buffalo Bore rounds. Most of the ammunition used was 410gr SUB-X Hornady supplied by Ammunitiontogo.com. They are the official ammo sponsor for this review and offer a wide selection of competitively priced ammunition. For this review, I ordered some ammo, and it was on my doorstep within the week. Easy to use online website, insanely quick shipping, and competitive prices. Go check them out!
Hornady 410-Grain SUB-X Subsonic Rounds
Hornady’s SUB-X subsonic rounds proved to be the most practical option for regular use. Out of the Cyclops’ 4.25-inch barrel, these rounds averaged 636 fps, a noticeable drop from the box-listed 1075 fps. However, even at reduced velocity, the energy delivered was substantial, making this ammunition a balanced choice for shooters seeking power without excessive punishment.
Recoil with these rounds was stout but manageable, particularly when paired with the extended grip. The Cyclops performed reliably but always packed a punch. For most users, this round strikes the best balance between performance and shootability, and it would be my recommendation for anyone planning to use the Cyclops frequently.
Buffalo Bore 430-Grain Hard-Cast Loads
By contrast, firing Buffalo Bore’s 430-grain hard-cast rounds was a truly punishing experience. With box-listed energy exceeding 3,500 ft-lbs, these rounds took me to my limits. Although the short barrel reduced velocity and energy somewhat, the recoil remained brutal. It delivered the worst recoil I’ve ever experienced. Imagine catching a 90-mph fastball barehanded—initial sting followed by prolonged wrist ache. While the Cyclops handled the abuse, I would highly recommend against shooting rounds with box-listed energy close to this.
This load demonstrated the Cyclops’ durability, as the firearm handled the immense pressure without any mechanical issues. The one downside was that this casing got stuck and took a little bit of time to pry out.
Final Thoughts On the Cyclops 45-70
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.
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This gun makes no sense to me. lol. One shot? Horrible recoil. Weighs as much as any gun that holds 20 rounds. I just don’t get the purpose.
My exact opinion, in such a platform even a 44mag would be more than most would like to handle. Some don’t know anymore what to do to make a living to try selling such things and believing it is a sound idea.
The 50AE version is even more brutal! I’ve shot both and the 50AE burns that pistol powder quick while the 45-70 has a lot of unburnt powder blown out the front of the barrel. I was shooting Magnum Research brand 350gr 50AE and the first shot leaves you with a couple of choice words! I bought some more tame ammo but that’s for later after I get all my buddies to shoot it. I have a 3″ 500S&W that I love shooting 600gr cast loads from but it’s still fun to shoot. The Cyclops, well not so much. I shoot it once every range trip with someone new and act like it doesn’t hurt so I can get them to do it.
The noisy cricket in real life.
So, on the bore-height reasoning, some would have the lower position bored instead of the upper, and a toolroom example made just to explore the percieved differences. Thats why chiappa makes the mateba-style lowbore.
Inquiring minds wanta know!
I think I’ll pass on the .45-70 lol. I have the .357 mag “Bond Girl Mini” which is the smallest one they make (gun size wise, not caliber wise). My little .357 magnum Mini is a little beast. With ‘lighter’ magnum loads it’ll definitely wake you up and average loads will seem much less fun after a dozen rounds lol. I’ve not tried any real hot magnums in it because I can tell already that it would not be fun at all. The guys all look at me like I’m nuts shooting the tiny pink magnum. They usually come and ask what it is and why it’s so loud but so far not one has been willing to shoot it. One guy said “I’m shooting .44 magnum over here but it’s a full size gun, there’s no way I’d shoot that!”. It’s why I named it the “Angry Cricket” lol.
Owning a 10″ BFR in 45-70/450 Marlin (2 cylinders), two custom SSK Thompson Contender 45-70 barrels – a 12″ and 14″, and a 18.5″ Marlin Guide Gun, I’m scratching my head on this one. I suppose using that subsonic load might help tame recoil a bit, or even one of the ‘trap-door’ loads, but let me see you shoot one of the 500gr custom J.D. Jones loads he designed for the Contender, or even heavier mid-level Marlin hand loads! I would rather hit my hand with a ball-peen hammer! 🤯😂
As far as a back-up gun in dangerous game areas, a Glock model 29 with full power 10mm loads offers less weight, a 10 round magazine, cost less, and less “flinch-factor” than a single-shot Cyclops “hand-bazooka”. But there again, if you miss that charging Grizz with your one and only back-up shot, you might have time to throw it at him – maybe even get lucky and hit him in the nose with it. That might give cause to the Grizz for a few seconds wondering what just happened, and give you time to scream in terror like a little girl! 😱😂
I bought it for novelty sake. I love ridiculously over powered stuff. I had a custom revolver built in 50 Alaskan. That baby will wake you right up too. Anyway the cyclops is quite manageable with my 1884 trap door Springfield loads. But much past that and it gets rough quick. My main complaint is the 5000 lb trigger pull 🙁 it’s SOOOO stupid heavy it takes away almost all chance of an accurate shot. There’s no excuse for how heavy my trigger pull is. I may send it back and ask them to address that. I paid way less than the price listed here too. Cool little toy.
As the article mentions, you have to sort of pull rearward and downward at the same time. It’s a very strange trigger to learn how to use. I’ve had my Bond Arms derringer for 15+ years and I still forget how to do it on the rare occasions I shoot it. If you pull it back more rearwards than downwards it will feel extremely heavy. There’s a learning curve to it for sure. It’s the one single thing I can say about the Bond Arms derringers and that is that the triggers suck. They say it was necessary due to the small size but other derringers aren’t this bad.
Can it take 45 Colt and 454 Casaull?
NO! Those two rounds use .452 projectiles VS .458 for the 45-70.
“…these rounds averaged 636 fps, a noticeable drop from the box-listed 1075 fps.”
That’s because it is a rifle cartridge that was fired from at least an 18-inch rifle barrel.
Two inches of barrel does not allow the 45-70 to achieve its full potential.
I found it less punishing than a Super Bisley in .454 (especially to the knuckle on my naughty finger). I was able to declare my shoulder surgery a success after lighting off a few cyclops rounds. (Well, my arm is still attached to my body, anyhow!!)
Agreed that Ruger Bisley 454, i have a lipseys exclusive I think they call it, is a nasty mean girl. Same thing here my go F yourself finger just about gets amputated and turns purple. Hurts like hell. I only shoot warmer 45 Colt out of it now. I shoot my Cyclops with less pain as well compared to that Ruger, my 500 Smith is more pleasant too. It’s that GD trigger guard coming back and smashing me that makes that Ruger so awful.