Thinking About a Derringer...

[pyle]

I've been thinking about purchasing a new derringer. I'm getting that "itch" that can only be scratched with a new gun. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on a good model to purchase. It's not going to be my primary concealed weapon but I do plan to carry it some for that purpose.

I've heard a few negative things about them but I've never owned one so I don't know much about them. I've heard they inaccurate and not extremely safe??

Any thoughts on a brand or model or what not to purchase?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JBB]

Take a look at the Bond Arms derringer. I've been looking at them myself. They look very well made and come in all the calibers you can want. They are a little big and heavy, but I like the idea of the 45 colt in my pocket instead of my little .32 Tomcat.

 

[Beatnik]

I'm pretty sure anything with a 2" barrel or shorter isn't going to be a competition shooter, so yeah, it'll be inaccurate. I'd expect one to hit a person from across a room, which is all you can expect, I think.

I don't know much about derringers, but aren't they all single action? I'd think that's probably the biggest problem with them as self defense pieces.

 

[Claymore1500]

I have three, I have a "Davis" now known as "Cobra" in .22lr, It's cute, According to my girl friend, but I wouldn't want to use it for anything but plinking.

I have an "Excam" in .38spl. One barrel shoots about 2 feet high at 25 yards, It would make a good "Belly gun" but that's about all.

The only one I would ever think about trusting to carry (as a b.u.g.) would be my "American derringer" in .45acp.

It shoots straight and has enough guts out of a short barrel to get the job done.

There are a few others out there but I would have to recommend the "American derringer"

In the end, it is your call, I suggest doing some research, And above all, Know this, NONE of them are fool proof, I myself have never had a bad experience with them, If you are careful you too can have the same results.

 

[whitetiger7654]

I've shot the Bond Arms .45/.410 multiple times. First, don't plan on it being fun to shoot. Second, the ammo is extremely expensive. Third, the .45 wasn't accurate at all. Fourth, the .410 pattern was huge! At 7 feet the pattern covered a 10x12 target.

But they are cool looking and are well made. It would be a good belly gun as long as your target or attacker is close enough.

 

[Soybomb]

My take on it is that they are an obsolete gun for self defense. Just about anyone can hide a j-frame and if not guns like the keltec p3at still over far more capacity, functionality, and safety. Its time they go the way of the crank start car.

 

[doc2rn]

NAA in .22 Mag would be my pick.

 

[rc135]

NAA in 22Mag

Doc2RN is right: "NAA in .22 Mag would be my pick."

 

[owlhoot]

The two best made derringers are, as previously noted, the Bond Arms and the American. But neither is user friendly. Both are relatively difficult to cock and both have abominable triggers. Using two hands and cocking with the "off" thumb, you can learn to work up a little speed. Don't hope for across the room accuracy. Settle for across the table accuracy. These guns are heavy and bulky for what they offer. And either costs as much as a real gun. However, if you want one to play with, why not> Go for it. I would buy a derringer, as a toy, if somebody made a very close reproduction of the original Remington in say, 38 spl. with a stronger hinge and lock.

 

[XRAY Joe]

Cobra .22 Mag. I bought it 6 months ago just to have one. I have shot it a number of times and can hit fairly good at 10 yards and less. They are safe to carry as there is a half cock position and also a manual safety that will not let the hammer drop on the firing pins. You must remember to half cock the hammer when loading bullets. If the hammer is down, one of the firing pins could fire the round when you snap the barrel closed.

The hammer is hard to pull back and the trigger can be very hard to pull. However an oil drop in the right place solves the trigger pull problem. I shot about 100 rounds with no problem. Its a gun you are not going to target shoot with, just probably pop off a few at the range. The flame from the .22 mag is much bigger that I expected due to almost no barrel length.

I rarely carry it, but once in awhile it will accompany the .45 cal. It will easily fit in any pocket, and for around 100$ you can't go wrong. They are cool to have and fun to shoot. My buddies ask "Why did you buy a derringer?" I say "Just because", ........then they ask to shoot it.

 

[whitetiger7654]

I didn't know you guys were including the NAA mini revolver also. I've shot those as well and they are way more accurate than the Bond Arms. But they still aren't target guns. They can also be a pleasure to shoot with the correct grip.

I would pick the NAA over the Bond Arms any day.

 

[pyle]

Thanks for the tips guys - at least now I have some direction.

 

[Rex B]

NAA

+1 on the NAA in .22 mag

I had a derringer in .38 spl. It was a cheap POS, but it did work.
Sure did hurt to shoot it, so I traded it off.

When i need the lowest profile carry, or just something to drop in my pocket around the yard, it's usally a NAA Black widow or MiniMaster with the magnum cylinder loaded with Maximag TNTs

 

[RX-178]

I'd recommend using one of the NAA holster grips if you decide on a mini-revolver. They make concealment easier, and make them even easier to fire.

If I find I have an unused pocket when I pick out what I'm going to wear for the day, the mini-revolver always goes into it.

 

[golden]

Be Careful

PYLE,

One reason you do not see that much advertising for derringer pistols is that the NRA would not carry it in the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN. Older derringers would fire without being cocked when dropped on their hammers and they fall on those hammers alot.

Also, they are hard to shoot in anything over .32 caliber. I would stick with a 5 shot .38 Special from S&W or TAURUS.

Jim

 

[VA27]

Keep an eye out for either a High Standard DoubleDerringer or a BJT/ADC DA derringer.

Both are hammerless, trigger cocking two shooters and the only ones I'd consider for serious CC.

The High Standard was made in 22LR and 22Mag. I'd go for the 22 maggie, but I wouldn't turn down one in LR if the price was right.

The BJT/ADC DA model can be found in 38 Special, 9mm, 40S&W. I've heard they were available in 357 but I've never seen one.

Both are out of production so you'll have to go on a Quest to find 'em.

 

[DFW1911]

The NAA in .22 Magnum is a great recommendation. I have one and it's been a great little gun...fairly accurate and easy to conceal and control.

I believe that NAA also offers several grip types for their revolvers. I've not checked into this but may help you make your decision.

Take care,
DFW1911

 

[srtboise]

I'm pretty sure anything with a 2" barrel or shorter isn't going to be a competition shooter, so yeah, it'll be inaccurate. I'd expect one to hit a person from across a room, which is all you can expect, I think.

i agree a derringer prolly wont make a good competition shooter but a short barrel does not make a gun inaccurate. short barreled guns typically have inferior sights which makes em harder to AIM...doesnt necessarily make em inaccurate

http://www.bondarms.com/ivideos2.php

steve

 

[SaxonPig]

Keep thinking about it.

As long as you keep thinking about it you won't actually do it.

 

[Trisha]

How many derringer threads does this make??

 

[cluttonfred]

My grandfather used to have a Hi Standard derringer and it was fun to shoot and seemed very well made, but it had a heavy double-action pull, was not accurate, and was surprisingly heavy. It did have quite a bark, IIRC, so I imagine it was the .22 magnum model. This link above says that they were actually standard issue to LA State Troopers as a B.U.G. If I really wanted a derringer that would be my choice, though I also like the NAA mini-revolvers.

 

[pbearperry]

Why carry anything that only barks twice?

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've got a Bond Arms Derringer in 45ACP. I very seldom carry it for defense. I did load a thousand rounds for target practice with it.

It's well made.
Heavy.
Awkward to use.
Has a VERY heavy trigger.
It's big for a two shooter.
Powerful.
Fun to shoot.
And it's about as accurate as the person shooting it.





Personally, if I had any idea that the Derringer might be used for defense I wouldn't consider a small caliber or .410 shot. If I only have two shots I want them to be two powerful shots.
My Bond 45 is kept in the bathroom. You never know.

 

[pyle]

Well, I'd like to thank everyone for your thoughts and information. Very helpful!

I decided to go with the NAA Mini Revolver with the 1 5/8" barrel in .22 Magnum. It also comes with an interchangeable .22 LR wheel and barrel. Not sure what the grips will look like (forgot to ask) but I'm totally excited about receiving my new toy. Dealer said it will be in next week and I can't wait to see how it shoots. I'm not expecting too much accuracy but after all - it's not built for that - I've got other handguns I can shoot quite accurately with. This little NAA is just helping to "diversify" my collection! I am sort of curious to find all the little hiding spots (on me) where I can carry it!

Thanks again!

 

[pyle]

To M2 Carbine:

I really like that little Bond Arms derringer too. Might have to be on the look out for one of those sometime in the future. I wasn't quite willing to spend that much on a derringer today. But thanks for the help.