Derringer 38/357 for defence what do u think?

[foghornl]

The 2-shot derringer is what I consider as a "Last Great Act Of Defiance" weapon...

Although, I had a Shooting Budd that bought one of the American Derringer brand guns in .357Mag, along with a box of Rem 158-Gr SJHP around 1991 or so.

Last time I asked, he still had 49 of the original box of 50 rounds. When pressed about why, he said "...A tiny fractional bit more Kick! than I expected..."

I refused to shoot it with .38Spl wadcutters.

 

[BikerRN]

I would pass on the Derringer, if it were me, and get an Airweight 38 Special.

I frequently carry a GP100 and a S&W 442. My reloads for both guns are 38 Special JHP's, although the first six in the GP100 are .357 Magnum. That way I have "ammo inter-changability" between both guns. That's one of the reasons I stopped packing my .45 ACP Revolver. I couldn't find a 5-Shot .45 ACP to pocket carry.

BikerRN

 

[AStone]

Derringer 38/357 for defence what do u think?

I think if you bought a Derringer in .357 Mag today for $X,
and took it to the range to shoot it a few times,
you'd be willing to sell it tomorrow for $X/2.

 

[MillCreek]

Almost 20 years ago, on a lark, I bought a new American Derringer DA38: a stainless double-action .38 special derringer. I have fired it a few times, and each time, have cautiously peeked to see that I still have all the fingers on my right hand. It is pretty much a safe queen.

 

[mavracer]

I refused to shoot it with .38Spl wadcutters.

sissy come on it weighs more than my M&P 340.I've shot my American model 1 with 125 golden sabers no problem.with Speer 38+p golddots its actually fun. and after reading this thread monday I carried it to the shooting range and just like every other day nothing happened.

 

[chief]

BJT .38 DA Derringer

I went throught the same stage, wanting a derringer, and found one of the DA .38 BJT's. With a good pocket holster it makes a handy hip pocket carry and it is trouble free and reliable. Not a lot of range, but better than most folks would believe. I have had mine in the gun safe for years, but if your itch needs scratching let me know and I'll sell you mine. If you have a serious itch and don't scratch it you may be seriously harmed! (gunwantus incompletus) LOL

 

[moooose102]

i have shot one of those (in 357 mag) at one time. a real pain to shoot. heavy recoil, horrificly loud, STIFF trigger. basicly, if you are going to shove it into someone, and yank the trigger, i guess it would work, but forget about being able to shoot accuratly at any distance. once was more than enough for me. i suppose if it was all you could get, but if you have a choice, i would get something else.

 

[rmt22]

I would be VERY careful shooting it. IMO only hold it w/ ONE HAND. I have an interarms .22 (mini revolver) (only paid $70.00) and I only feel safe w/ one hand b/c the other hand could get in the way of the HOLE AT THE BAD END!

I think it would be prudent to take the 99% of advice and and hold off on this purchase. While those Maverick episodes put derringers in positive light F/A tech has moved past derringers IMO.

 

[chief]

trigger pull?

Pull on the one I have is not bad and you can put them in the 8 ring at five yards, but that is with .38 special. The way the gun feels you are tempted to put index finger alongside barrel and pull with middle finger. Check finger length! If index finger doesn't excede barrel length makes it a great pointer, if it does and you shoot it finger length will be adjusted.

 

[1911Tuner]

Don't be too quick to rule out a decent two-shooter. Not what I'd opt for as a first choice, but being a devil's advocate and firmly of the mind that any gun is better than no gun...

Although the O/U derringer in an effective caliber is about the same mass as a snub .38, it offere one distinct advantage over that platform...and that being that it's flat and has an unobtrusive grip...making it easier to simply drop into a pocket.

The main drawback besides the capacity is, of course, that it's not easy to shoot accurately beyond arm's length...but the derringer isn't a target pistol, and never was. It's a last-ditch, up-close-and-personal weapon that is most often used with the muzzle in or nearly in physical contact with the attacker.

Although the ballistics from the attenuated barrel are unimpressive...don't underestimate the effects of a high-pressure gas plug entering the wound. It gets pretty ugly even with the anemic .38target wadcutter round.

In short...an instrument that is meant for those who don't want to carry a gun, but feel the need for something more than a police whistle and a detuned can of pepper spray on a keychain.

 

[Deanimator]

Derringers are a miserable choice for self-defense.

They're innacurate and hard to shoot. In fact, my uncle once shot himself in the finger trying to shoot somebody who was robbing him in his cab.

2" .38 or a small 9x19mm, or even a .380 is better in every way.

 

[makarovnik]

I think they still have a place for modern self defense as a backup.

Very concealable, does not print like other handguns and it's ready to go. Since you only have two shots I would consider a nasty .410 model. Use a padded glove when practicing with these bad boys.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I "HAD" a Cobra Derringer in .38 Special and let me tell you, it's a handful to shoot well. The trigger is EXTREMELY heavy and can easily throw off your accuracy. Even though it's fairly heavy holding on to is is hard because the grip is so small. I sold it off after only a month. It wasn't as much fun to shoot as I thought it would be. If it were in .32 Auto it might have been a little better but then again, the trigger....

 

[1911Tuner]

The trigger is EXTREMELY heavy and can easily throw off your accuracy.

Just so. These little shooters were never meant to print small groups at unrealistic distances. That's not their intended role in the scheme of things.

They're meant to be last-ditch lifesaving tools at powder burn distance. Target accuracy not required.

 

[RyanM]

Just so. These little shooters were never meant to print small groups at unrealistic distances. That's not their intended role in the scheme of things.

It could be argued, though, that small frame snubby revolvers were originally designed for just that purpose, too. The little .32 "belly guns" were said to not be much good unless they were jammed right into the other guy's stomach.

Yet most people wouldn't be too darn happy if their new J-frame couldn't keep all the rounds on a paper plate at 25 yards. The way I see it, anyway, having good accuracy is like having a gun at all. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

 

[1911Tuner]

Yet most people wouldn't be too darn happy if their new J-frame couldn't keep all the rounds on a paper plate at 25 yards.

Yep. People are constantly trying to press a tool into a role that it was never meant to fill.

The way I see it, anyway, having good accuracy is like having a gun at all. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

Agreed...but as Jeff Cooper noted when speaking of the chopped 1911 variants and the difficulty that many have with accuracy from them:

"These little guns are strictly business, and not intended for target work. Across a tabletop, one does not need to be a virtuoso."

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just so. These little shooters were never meant to print small groups at unrealistic distances. That's not their intended role in the scheme of things.

They're meant to be last-ditch lifesaving tools at powder burn distance. Target accuracy not required.

1911Tuner,
I totally agree with what you said. I just wanted to warn the OP about that because many shooters like to shoot what they own at the range. I just wanted him to be aware of how heavy the trigger is and how heavy the recoil is too. I don't know how anyone would hold on to one of those things if it were in .45 Colt!! LOL

 

[1911Tuner]

I just wanted to warn the OP about that because many shooters like to shoot what they own at the range.

Kinda figgered that. Just wanted to expound on it.

I just wanted him to be aware of how heavy the trigger is and how heavy the recoil is too. I don't know how anyone would hold on to one of those things if it were in .45 Colt!!

Back in the 80s, there was one...American Derringer, IIRC...offered in .44 Magnum.

I shot one. Twice. If ya wanna know what it was like, find a heavy workbench. Stand in front of it and raise your hand high above your head, palm open. As hard as you can, slam it down onto the table.

That's the closest thing that I can think of to describe it. Even with the old, standard RN 246/755 .44 Special ammo, it was a handful.

 

[sefus]

They do have a purpose, alibet one that can be done better by other guns. First someone who doesnt want to or cant make a knife defencive stop, they are good for it. they are a last ditch back up gun no doubt about it, meant for under the ear, stick it in their eye socket and fire type situations. Youve got to be pretty serious about making it and if you are that serious, you are probably better equipted. A good knife and training is as good as a derringer at its usable distance. So why else have a derringer? Because they are usually pretty cheap so its a stepping stone although probably a bad one, can slip in a pocket without a second thought, they can kill a snake with a shot load pretty well, and they are a cool looking paperweight.

Nothing a snubbie cant do except for less money. Again, a bad stepping stone.

-Sefus

 

[RyanM]

Back in the 80s, there was one...American Derringer, IIRC...offered in .44 Magnum.

http://www.amderringer.com/prices.html

They still make it. They also make .45-70 ones! Either a single shot Model 1, or a two shot Model 4!

I kinda want a DA-38 in .40S&W, as those things are tiny, just microscopic, the size of a .25. Sure, the recoil would be bad, but you know, I'd have more confidence in 2 shots of .40 than 6 shots of .380 or smaller, in many situations. But I can't afford one right now.

 

[1911Tuner]

They also make .45-70 ones! Either a single shot Model 1, or a two shot Model 4!

And I thought the .44 Magnum was over the top.

I have to wonder what sort of masochist would want to shoot one of those. Maybe somebody hopin' for a quick ticket to a disability claim?

Or...maybe just a one-upmanship thing to see if any of his friends are brave enough to touch off a round.

 

[wankerjake]

All I can say is don't buy a Cobra derringer. I had a Cobra in .32ACP. Terrible, the trigger was damn near impossible to pull and the kick was outrageous. Couldn't hit beans with it, the muzzle flip was like 3 feet high at 5 yards. They look sweet but if you need one, get a good brand. I would look around for an SP101. I just got one and shot it this morning. I love it, best thing I ever bought (among the others)

 

[TheVirginian]

It hurts my hand to even hear the word derringer...

Frankly, a P3AT or LCP .380 is smaller and easier to carry, more accurate, more firepower, and I'd reckon more effective than a derringer. We have advanced quite a bit since the 19th century. I like old guns, but if my life is on the line and I need to be discreet with my firearm, there are better choices in the 21st century.

I agree with this advice. A derringer is an accident waiting to happen. They were only meant to save your life in a very desperate, last ditch effort or to re-collect your money at the end of a bad night of poker... Totally useless in todays world and not a good idea back then.
-Bill

 

[Gunfighter123]

I have had a few derringers and fully agree that they are better then no gun at all BUT I would take a 6 shot .22 over most derringers.

The real good ones are around $400 ---- I WOULD NOT trust my life to a $100 one like a Davis etc. ---- take the $100 and put it toward a small .38/357 revolver !!!

 

[beatcop]

Fired an old intratec .38, it would misfire pretty regularly.