I have an American Derringer 45/410. It is smaller than the Bond Arms derringer, and is beautiful and well built. I have carried it for the same situations that you described, but think a .38 snubbie revolver with snake shot is probably a better option with 5 double action shots rather than 2 single action shots. It is slooow to bring into the fight and even slower on the reload which comes up pretty quickly with just two shots.
On the other hand, I do sometimes carry it as a second "woods gun" loaded with .410 bird shot.
I don't think the .410 shotgun loads are an adequate round for any critters over maybe 50 lbs. at distances out past 10 feet or so. It does also fire .45 Colt which is, I think, a good defensive round.
It isn't bad to shoot in my opinion as far as recoil, but definitely isn't a target pistol.
I really like my derringer and definitely would never discourage a gun brother from purchasing another pistola. Sometimes you just have the itch and it is better to go ahead and scratch it.
Hope this helps.
