Derringers ?

[12.7x99mm]

Please share any info you have these little pistols. This will most likely be my next purchase.

Prices, manufactures, models, calibers.

Im thinking 410 SG or maybe I could be swayed into something different

Thx

[STPRMON1]

I have a Bond Arms Defender in .450 Bond Super. Basically a .45
-100 grains @ 2400 FPS and over 1000 FPE. It is a handfull, and
Derringer accurate. RBCD makes the ammo. I think I would shoot this cartridge than a .410 shotshell, but to each his own.

[dairycreek]

And that was an American Derringer in 38/357! Shooting in either caliber was uncomfortable but really excruciating in .357. Fired three rounds and sold it Pronto! On the other hand it was one of the most attractive handguns I have ever owned and I truly wish that I had kept it. FYI here is the URL for American Derringer. http://www.amderringer.com/. They are constructed quite well and are, IMHO, a quality gun. Good shooting:)

[Standing Wolf]

The Derringer (three Rs) was actually invented by a fellow named "Deringer" (two Rs).

[TexasVet]

Just remember that derringers are nostril guns. If you ain't close enough to stick it in his nose, you ain't close enough to use it!

[4570Rick]

I have a derringer (.38 cal) and Ilove it. There are however, some inherent safety concerns. Most importantly,

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER load the derringer until you draw the hammer back to 1/4 cock.:what:

The firing pin in most veriations will remain protruded and can potentially cause you to have an AD/ND.

I would recomend not exceeding .38/.357 if you intend to shoot it. I shot a 45/70 slab side American Derringer back in the early '80s. I'm sure my hand will heal someday.:D

[Alex]

I've shot the 45 acp American derringer pretty extensively with loads ranging from 45 hydra-shok to 45 military hardball. It was a handfull, but certainly not so much that you didn't want to shoot it, actually it was quite fun to plink with. As far as accuracy goes, you can hit a playing card at 7 yards with it quite easily, the top and bottom barrel shoot to different areas, but this can be compensated for. The plus side of these guns is that they pack a lot of power in a small package and they certainly are possesing of enough accuracy to get the job done. The downside is that they would probably be rather awkward to use in a gunfight, and the two shots may be a hindrence in some situations. Still, there are several instances throughout history (both ancient and modern) where they have effectively stopped bad situations so I wouldn't instantly dismiss them as possible carry guns, but I would probably lean more in the direction of using them as a backup to a more suitable weapon.

[foghornl]

Shooting buddy of mine bought an American Derringer brand back in '91 or so, 357Mag caliber. And a box (50) of Rem's 158 Gr Semi-jacketed Hollow Points. Last time I asked, he still had 49 of 50 rounds. Why do you still have 49/50? ? ?

"........A tiny fraction more 'Kick' than I expected....." was the reply

[Kahr carrier]

Saw a used American Arms derringer in 44 magnum at the last gunshow they wanted $200 . :)

[Woodchuck]

A derringer? "You'll shoot your eye out with it kid". Be carefull, most people with derringers eventually shoot themselves with them.

[Porter Rockwell]

Hello, a couple summers back a local asked if I'd care to clock and check his American Derringer?

Taking note of his bleeding right hand I slipped on a pair of gloves I use for the Casull and Linebaugh testing. The gent had found a beautiful set of laminated Altimont grips that were somewhat oversized soI strapped in a firm two handed death grip and sighted on a 100yd distant gallon milk jug to make sure the beastie was at least half zeroed. Boom, the jug actually moved! "Pure luck" I mumbled and set to attempt the shot again with the second barrel
WOW, exclaimed the small crowd watching at the second hit!
The last round stung my palm some even through the double glove, the new stocks had shattered!
Hmm, ya say $200.00 Kahr carrier?
I'd spring for the gun as a curio

[bernie]

How large are the Bond Arms Derringers? I have been thinking about something for a front pocket carry, and if they are not like carrying a boat anchor, I might want one. I have never seen one except as a picture so I have no concept as to their size and/or weight.

[22luvr]

Just my opinion but.......Most Derringers are heavy, bulky, lack capacity, are not inherently safe, and most Derringer designs are technologically obsolete.

With the proliferation of modern, lightweight, small handguns, my humble advise is to consider something else for your self-defense purposes.

I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear as far as a reply to Derringers but I just feel compelled to suggest something better, simply because "better" is really out there.

Be gentle, no flame or insult intended, just attempting to offer advice.

[Viking6]

Well, I have had a little Davis 22 magnum for almost twenty years. I used to carry it when I jogged in the woods. I hardly think about it and have been tempted to get rid of it but I figure I'll keep it. As a matter of fact, I might get some snake shot and biddle with it.

[Porter Rockwell]

Howdy 22lover, what the hell does technology have to do with anything firearm related?
Try leaving the house and visiting the shooting ranges, the "cowboy" guns are selling better now than a hundred years ago.
Grown men are congregating in cowboy "SASS" clubs around the world attempting to duplicate politically correct versions of history and movies. Let's call it cowboys & injuns without the indians.
I wrote this with a huge grin because I don't play cowboys & badguys and think grown men look silly in holloween costumes but the fact remains that many gunowners choose antique designs rather than the latest gas operated polymer hicap poodle shooter.
See ya!

[sixgun_symphony]

http://www.amderringer.com/pix/M1eng.jpg


I would avoid magnum calibers for a derringer pistol. The only exception would be .32 H&R Magnum chambering. Personally I would prefer the old .41 rimfire chambering.

[22luvr]

Hello Porter:

Yup, I agree in part. Toting a Derringer must appeal to the historical significance of the piece, not to mention a certain "style."
If that's it, then by all means, go for it.

If it's for reasons other than the above......say effective self-defense in a deep concealment piece, then there are better choices with greater capacity, smaller size, less weight, and safer actions. Last time I looked, that was called "Technology" and yes, I think that has everything to do with better firearms, ammo, and holsters.

[Gargoyle]

22luvr is correct that derringers are not the best for self defense.

12.7x99mm, you don't say why you want one. If it's just for fun, then get one. I have two by American Derringer. They are good novelty guns - you don't see many at the range so everyone will want to try it. Because of that, get it chambered for something that won't hurt the shooter. I have one in .45-70. My friend lost control after shooting several rounds (your hand goes numb) and got a nice gash where it hit him in the head (no damage to the gun :D ). The .45LC/.410 chambering is nice since the shells are an impressive size for a little gun, but the recoil is controllable.

If you want a small self defense gun, get an AMT DAO .45ACP or find a used Detonics .45ACP. The AMT is about the size of the derringer and the Detonics is not much bigger. Both are powerful and controllable.

[p35]

A few years ago I had a case where a woman shot her brother in law three times with a .22 Davis derringer (yeah, she had to reload in the middle). He got away from the scene under his own power but collapsed not far down the road. The doctors gave him a 10% chance of living but he pulled through after a week in hospital and a month recovering in a nursing home. Classic .22 performance; if he had fought back she would have been in trouble but he almost died later. Not important now why she did it.

[cratz2]

I shot a 45/70 slab side American Derringer back in the early '80s. I'm sure my hand will heal someday.

Or said another way... why did they put two barrels on the 45-70? It's not like you'll be able to get that second shot off. Either it will fly out of your hand on the first shot or you'll throw it down after you shoot it. :D

If I really wanted a derringer, I'd look for a 38 Spc or a 45 ACP. Those'll probably be the strongest cartridges you'll end up shooting more than 10 times.

[Moondancer]

Some years back I purchased a Hawes Firearms Western Derringer. Classic Remington design, chambered in .357 Magnum.

With a good grip and deliberate trigger pull, I could consistently hit a B-27 target in the torso at 25 yards. With .357 magnums.

I bought it as a backup gun, but it was WAY too heavy for pocket carry. As a point of reference, I don't think my Kimber Compact CDP weighs much more than it does.

Valid for self-defense... probably but not really practical. (But I know people who've carried SAA for CCW, too!)

Fun gun, but for SD I carry the Kimber CCW or a S&W 686 for open carry.

[12.7x99mm]

I should have stated that I want one just because.

I like collecting. I wouldn’t use it for a carry gun. I have glock 30's and 5 round revolvers for that.

I just want one.... just like my last purchase which was a flintlock Kentucky pistol.

Lots of good info here thanks.

[makdaddy03]

I once owned a FMJ 410/45LC it was larger than your average derringer. I carried it for snakes while I went fishing it wasnt much good because I couldnt hit with it and shot shells spread out an lost their energy mighty quick. I ended up selling it and bought myself a little KelTec P32 that serves that purpose very nicely.=-)

[Bainx]

I have a two shot .38 special nickle plated. Looks like something a gambler on a riverboat would have used. Although shooting it is quite a handfull, it is pretty accurate out to twenty feet shooting offhand.