[burnse]

How many makes are there, and which would be worth the money? One thing to keep in mind is that I am left handed and find that it feels too weird manipulating the latch to open a Bond arms derringer on the left side of the gun. However, if it's reversible, I would like to know.

[steak-knife]

Well as far as I know, there's less than a handfull of modern (non-black powder) derringer makers.

One that you mentioned is Bond Arms, which in my opinion is the best overall (price, quality, drop-in interchangeble barrles, removable trigger guard on the Texas Defender, lots of accessaries) in the batch.

Then there's American Derringer (expensive, hence my second choice), the Downsizer (out of production?), and Cobra/Davis (inexpensive, pot metal...).

Lastly, although more of a mini-revolver, there's North American Arms.

If you have the green, perhaps you can call up Bond Arms and request that they make you a south-paw model, which means not only flipping the barrel latch, but also the cross bolt safety. I know that they offer custom engraving and serial numbers.

[CDH]

I had an American derringer a long time ago when they were the smallest option we had. But before you plunk down the money for a two-shot wonder, at least consider some new options we have now that are as small and even lighter than most derringers.

If you can find and handle a Ruger LCP (.380) and a Rohrbaugh R9s (9mm) while comparing both of them to any derringer you are considering, I'm willing to bet you'll go with one of those two, more capable, SD pistols over any derringer.
Both of those pistols are no larger than a full-caliber derringer, both offer 6+1 capacity, and both are lighter than most derringers.
Nowadays, it's a no-brainer unless you just want a derringer to have a derringer.

[sourdough44]

I bought an American Derringer in the early 1990's in 357/38. I have not shot it in many years, hardly ever been shot. It has the distinction of being a gun I used in a situation. While living in GA I heard a tremendous ruckous out back from some dogs. I grabbed my derringer & headed out. There were 2 maybe semi-wild dogs that were kinda attacking a deer that had it's antlers stuck in a fence. They didn't leave by the sight of me but a round at their feet convinced them. I don't think I had any spare ammo but I had the one shot left. I was able to get some snips & cut the deer free.

Now I have some J frames that are lighter with more shots available, but the derringer is still kinda cool.

[burnse]

I was specifically looking for a .45 colt chambering. It would be for fun. Someday, though. Buying one is not high priority right now.

[steak-knife]

Once again, the beauty of getting the Bond Arms is that you can start with one in .45 Colt/.410 and easily swap it out with a number of chamberings as small as .22 LR up to .45 ACP.

Food for thought on your future purchase.

I also agree with the others that if you don't have any other "repeating" firearms, there are a lot of better options in the same weight/size category.

I got my Bond Arms in .357 mag. because I wanted one, and the way it"s set up now (fancy grips w/star medalion, matching leather) it's a darn good bbq gun.:)