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.
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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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