Cheap Cobra/Davis Derringers ?

[hexidismal]

I was casually browsing gunsamerica.com .. as I often do when I have free time, and the gun stores are closed. In doing so, I decided to click on the section for Derringers:Modern .. well, just because that's something I never look at. And while most of what was availible were traditionally styled derringers , costing about the same as more common modern handguns.. I came across listing for these things...

*$129* NIB Cobra Arms Big Bore .38 spl derringers,made in USA,blued finish with rosewood grips. 2-shot with cross-bolt saftey.

Also

*$150* NEW IN THE BOX, COBRA/DAVIS D9B 9mm BIG BORE DERRINGER, 2 3/4 INCH BARREL

So I was curious, do any of you THR members have something like this ? They seem like something that might just be fun to have in the collection, especially at that price ... but I'm certainly not so sure of quality.

 

[MCgunner]

Got a friend that likes the things. His seem awfully cheap, loose as a goose after a little shooting. I can't say I have a high opinion of 'em. Go with American Derringer if you just have to have a two shooter would be my advice.

 

[Snowdog]

During a strange derringer itch a few years ago, I decided to purchase a Davis D32Mag in black PTFE finish. I wanted a derringer just for kicks and with minimal investment. The Davis derringers seemed just the ticket.
They indeed do shoot loose over time and come with stiff'n heavy triggers. Also, the Teflon finish doesn't seem to adhere well to the zinc alloy the frame, so it doesn't take much for it to begin rubbing off.

However, my .32mag D32 has been 100% reliable. I don't reload for the .32 magnum, so it's probably seen less than 500 rounds. As would be suspected, accuracy is a joke with mine; derringers aren't expected to hit a target much further than across a card table anyway.

If you've got an itch for a derringer to play around with but detest the thought of shelling out much for one, Davis (Cobra now, I guess) isn't a bad route. I'd imagine a .38 special derringer loaded with mild 148gr HBWCs would make for fun on the cheap.
Just some advice on the finish, though... get the chrome finish; it'll last much longer.
A chromed Davis P380 I wound up with years ago and kept in a bathroom medicine cabinet and forgotten for years. It still looks new, a testament to its durability.

FWIW, I believe SOG sells the same derringers for a bit less. I believe they were selling similarly dressed Cobra Industries derringers for $89. I might be mistaken, but you might save a few bucks by shopping around (I've never known Davidson's to offer the best price on anything whenever I'm pricing around for new toys).

 

[Crosshair]

I have been thinking about a 40 S&W DA one from American Derringer. Anyone have experience with these, the seem to get high regards.

 

[TimboKhan]

I had a Davis .32 that I subsequently gave to my friend as a gift, and both of us were and are pretty happy with it. The thing about Davis is, they are cheap. I always viewed mine as nothing more than a fun little blaster that was cool to bring out shooting with my buddies. There was (and likely still is) a debate as to how useful derringers are in a SD capacity on here, and I won't get that started again. I think the one thing most of us would agree on regardless is that if you are thinking about one for self defense, go with a company that has a vested interest in making thier product a viable, modern weapon as opposed to Davis, who just pump out guns that while fun, have little other value.

 

[Essex County]

Look cute, poor quality,unworkable trigger and......

Terrible ergonomics. I bought one from a friend cheap, because he needed a few bucks. I didn't expect much and got even less.........Essex