Derringer Suggestion

[TheProf]

I'm looking for a .38 derringer (or 9mm if they make it) that is...

1. Of good rugged quality...
2. That is drop safe
3. having a safety is a plus..
4. that is flat and concealable for pocket carry
5 It must be considerably smaller than a j-frame

Yes... i realize the need for more rounds... i was thinking of using the derringer as a "get off me" gun...that would buy me more time on drawing my larger IWB gun (Kahr PM9).

So....this is not a "derringer vs. other guns" question. Yes, of course i plan on carrying something more significant. But i want a super reliable, major caliber, pocket gun that would buy me time to be able to access my "primary weapon".

There are times when i would like to have my hand on the weapon when approached by questionable characters. So pocket carry sounds good, but snub nose pocket carry is like carrying a grapefruit in the pocket. An LCP in the pocket is great....but not sure if i want to rely on a small pocket auto...may not go "bang" when needed.

 

[jmorris]

I have a Bond arms derringer, very good quality and they make them in many calibers ranging from .22lr - .410 including 38/357 and 9mm. That being said I only carry mine to defend against snakes (45lc with homemade rat shot loads).

 

[oneounceload]

Derringers have notoriously lousy, heavy triggers and the accuracy of a spitball in a wind storm. That being said, you might try to find a place and rent a few. Firing a large caliber from a small gun that generally has no grip is usually quite difficult. If you are also carrying your "primary", why not grab that when approached by unsavory characters? Otherwise, the LCP would be a much better choice, especially if you can control it.

 

[cayrbee]

Might see if you can find an older HI - STANDARD 22 mag - double action only. Great little pocket gun. 2 shots

 

[hardluk1]

Most derringers you have to cock the hammer and that is not a quick and easy job ascompaired to just pulling the trigger on a DA revolver or pistol that can weight less than most derringers. American derringers does make a DA model but expensive and weight is the same as my ultralite revolver or kelteck pf-9.

 

[Gunfighter123]

None of the ones you can buy for under $400 !!!!!

 

[SaxonPig]

Derringer Suggestion-

Don't buy one.

Best suggestion I can make.

 

[markallen]

I have an American Deringer in 9mm. Nice gun, Good quality, but heavy, not much smaller then a j frame. Kicks like a mule. Hard to hold on to.
I don't know about other brands, but the American in 9mm doesn't have an extractor, you have to use the rim of another shell to pull out your empties.
Not much for rapid reloads.
I carried mine for a long time, it was all I had, and better then nothing. They do fill a need.
Nothing wrong with the deringers, but they are a last ditch tool.

 

[farscott]

If you have to have the derringer, order a Bond Arms. These have good construction, a cross-bolt safety, and the barrels are quickly interchangeable. Extra barrels in .22 LR, .32 H&R, .327 Federal, .357 Magnum, 9x19, .40S&W, 10mm, .44-40, .44 Special, .45 GAP, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt are available. The gun usually comes with a .410/.45 Colt barrel set.

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear Prof,

You are describing an American Derringer model 1. They are quite expensive new, but reasonable used. You might look on gunbroker.com A Cobra would fit your description with the exception of criterion #1, which is a big deal.

With any derringer, I recommend shooting the mildest load you can find.

LBS

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get a LCP or a KelTec Both will work fine up close Derringer to slow and safety just makes it worst
I take a 380 and 7 rounds over a slow 2 shot derringer any day.
Better yet carry you main pistol where you can reach and draw quickly and don't allow people in close.

 

[farscott]

With any derringer, I recommend shooting the mildest load you can find.

I am not sure this is necessary. I shoot my Bond Snake Slayer IV with three-inch .410 shot shells with no problems. I have also shot some .45 Colt rounds through it with no recoil issues.

I also have the .357 Magnum barrel, and recoil with the .357 Magnum barrel is about on par with a steel S&W J-frame with the same 158-grain SWC load. That load chronos about 1100 fps out of a four-inch S&W M19, so I expect it to be close to that out of the Bond. I have to admit I am not willing to shoot the Bond over the chrono as I might hit the screen. Sights on the Bond are not the best, and I always struggle to remember the proper sight picture.

The trigger on mine, while better than it was when new, is still no match trigger. The back and down motion is not natural.

I have to agree with the other posters who suggest the Bond Arms is not a great CCW unless one is willing to really spend the practice time and ammo to learn to shoot it well. I much rather use a J-frame. My derringer gets used for snakes and for fun.

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear farscott,

"I am not sure this is necessary." Is a very polite way to argue, which I appreciate a great deal. Perhaps you are following this principle: "With any disagreement, I recommend shooting the mildest reply you can find."

LBS

 

[David E]

The good 9mm/.38 derringers are going to be heavier and bigger than your "large" PM9 defeating your stated purpose.

Where would the derringer be that you COULD access it when you could not access your PM9?

Honestly, it seems like this is more a "hey, if THIS ever happened, and I had THIS, then I could do THIS...." kind of thing.

A better tactic is to be more alert and practice drawing your "large" PM9

 

[sheephearder]

I have owned two derringers, a 22 and a 38. The 38 was an American Derringer, good quality but heavy and the barrels printed 6" apart at 7 yards. The 22 was a West German OK quality but it also shot to different points of aim for each barrel. The 38 hurt my hand to shoot. The Derringers are a fun gun but there are better guns to carry that have more fire power and better accuracy with the same (or less) size and weight. JMHO : Bill