I am environmental geologist (that means I study and clean up polluted sites). My work takes me into nasty places like abandon factories, meth labs, distressed urban sites and mobile home parks. The threats range from gang members to charging pit bulls to lunatics. I have been at this kind of work for a very long time. I have been shot at and had armed stand-offs. I have traditionally carried a Colt M1991A 45 in a New York City rig. However, this was not enough. Firing 45 rounds at a charging pit bull is not likely to have a good outcome. Rounds bouncing off the street are likely to hit someone, and the dog is likely to not get hit at all. My 45 is also a large gun to conceal.

I bought a USA Defender and it fills the gap well. In very bad situations, I carry both – the USA Defender with buck shot for pit bulls – and my Colt 45 for the pit bull's owner who likely will come charging in after I drop his dog. More often than not, I carry my USA Defender by its self in a shoulder holster.

Most of all, I like the size and power of the USA Defender. The use of buckshot increases the likelihood of hitting your assailant but not harming others due to the limited range. Its good for both humans and animals. Its size makes it easy to conceal. The sound is more than intimidating.

I call it my “Noisy Cricket”.

A real key advantage of the gun is that it appears to be a weapon of minimal force. So, if you are ever in front of a judge having to defend your use of lethal force, the prosecutor is gonna have a hard time painting you as a bad guy with a 2-shot derringer. It's not what Gang-Bangers carry. Hood Rats also don’t like the double barrel – it's not what they are used to and it unnerves them.

The size is perfect – as its not tiny but its big enough that you can get a good grip on it – and it will be noticed when you draw. I had to go into a particularly nasty trailer park recently in Craig Colorado. As I pulled up, a large male pit bull crossed in front of my car, with balls the sizes of oranges. He stopped, turned and looked at me. It was a territorial glare. I slipped on my holster with my Bond Arms USA Defender loaded with buck shot. I wore that gun on my right hip in the open with the retaining strap off – and the safety off. Turns out, there were a number of pit bulls in the park. Although I didnt have to shoot any, I am sure having my USA Defender at the ready, made me so confident, that the dogs chose not to push it. It was also big enough that the locals noticed it. If a cop would have rolled up on me, it's likely he would not have gone ballistic seeing that I was packing only a Derringer.

I have also found that the TSA is less concerned about Bond Arms guns when they come thru in the luggage. I get far fewer questions etc when I am traveling with my Bond Arms gun than any other type of sidearm

As a geologist who spends a lot of time in rough conditions, I appreciate its durability and tolerance for dirt. Also, single action makes it safer to carry and – being an SA guy…I just love cocking the hammer. I have to confess that I have also fanned it. Not a good idea, but you can do it.

This is an excellent weapon – I depend upon my USA Defender with great confidence. It's a very fine weapon.