Overview
Based on experience and feedback the company gleaned from its Rough Series Stinger line, which is offered in .22 LR and .380 ACP, the new Stubby does much the same but adds 9mm to the caliber option, runs shorter barrels and deletes the trigger guard.
The Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR, .380, and 9mm, (9mm featured in review)
- Barrel Length: 2.2 inches
- Overall Length: 4.25 inches
- Height: 3.75 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches across the widest part of the grip
- Weight: 13.3 ounces
- Ammo Capacity: 2 cartridges
- Action: Single Action
- Trigger Pull Weight: 7 pounds
- MSRP: $297
Features
The Stubby's main feature is its size, billed as the smallest production 9mm pistol on the market. We can't argue with that statement as the three smallest handguns in that caliber we can think of (the Diamondback DB9 Gen 4, Kahr CM9, Kel-Tec PF-9, Ruger EC9S, and SCCY CPX-2) all spec out longer, and all but the KelTec are heavier.
Other than that, the Stubby is rather feature-poor. There is no option for changing out the fixed sights, adding optics, upgrading the trigger, or even field stripping the pistol. About the only thing you can do to tweak it is swap out the grips (available from Bond) and or buy extra barrel assemblies (327 Fed Mag, .380 ACP, and .38 Special) for $140 each.
Trigger
The single-action trigger has a ridiculously short take-up that we measured with a set of calipers as being under a quarter of an inch. Bond balances that out by making the break stout at just over 7 pounds.
Observe the below video of the trigger in action, being fired one-handed. Note that the force needed to cock the hammer is serious, and we found it almost impossible to pull off safely with a one-handed grip, hence the use of the offhand to cock for the second round.
A two-handed grip allows for more control over the pistol but, being so...stubby... recoil is still a factor, especially with spicier loads. Because: physics.
The below is with Speer 124 grain Gold Dot.
Reliability
We fired a total of 170 rounds through the Stubby including a mix of 115, 124, and 147-grain target loads and 124-grain personal defense rounds. All 170 fired.
However, be aware that the Stubby is not comfortable running in lengthy range sessions, imparting a good bit of recoil to the palm of the user while at the same time heating up rapidly. Plus, the dirtier it gets, the harder it is to eject spent brass without a tool as the barrels do not have an extractor. With that in mind, we split up the 170 rounds fired over four range sessions, whereas typically we run 250-300 rounds in a test and evaluation handgun per session. The Stubby just isn't made for that.
One freak issue we had on the range was the possibility of depressing the barrel release lever while firing when using a strong two-handed grip. We had that occur on one occasion, an act that resulted in the barrels opening and ejecting the cartridge brass. No injuries were received and taking care when using a two-handed grip stopped the issue from repeating.
Accuracy
Bond bills the Stubby as a gun made to be used inside 10 yards of the target. With that in mind, we kept the chunky pocket pistol toward the shallow end of the range and had no problem making hits on silhouette targets out to 15 yards, with the longer distances requiring a bit of concentration.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Smallest 9mm pistol on the market
- Inexpensive
- Extremely compact and concealable
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Inaccurate at anything past 15 yards
- Hard to use sights that tend to high point of impact vs point of aim
- Awkwardly small grip
- Low capacity
- Slow reload
Conclusion
Those looking at derringers are typically aware of the limitations of these types of handguns. No serious derringer user expects their handgun to be a tack driver at 50 yards or one that they can take to a punishing weeklong/1,000-round tactical course. With those grains of salt out of the way, the Stubby delivers on the concept of a tiny 9mm two-shot last-ditch handgun ideal for close-in engagements that works. Simple to understand, it nonetheless requires a bit of time to master and should be taken to the range several times before using it in a personal defense role to avoid surprises.
Still, those looking to put a palm-sized 9mm at their disposal, with the option of swapping out barrels for similar centerfire calibers, should think Stubby.
