derringer

[beag_nut]

Gee, I hope all the negative comments haven't put you off the idea of a derringer. Just joking!
Those of us of a certain age might remember "Yancy Derrringer" from the old TV series. I guess even the weapon was farfetched.

 

[rswartsell]

I agree with rcmodel. The traditional Derringer design came from a time when there were not any other choices for a gun this size for "hideout" duty. They are interesting historically (if well executed), but in choosing an SD weapon today they are a poor choice. There are too many other, better designed and economical choices to seriously consider this for any purpose other than historical or "curio", which is a fancy way of saying paperweight.

Hell I like my 1892 S&W "Safety Hammerless" far better for SD and I would grade it as poor compared to the choices available.

P.S. If you got one for free and had no other choice I'd call it marginally better than a good knife.

 

[fallout mike]

I have other guns. I just want another derringer. If I have one ill prolly pocket carry it occasionally. I realize they aren't the best sd gun. I want one just bc I can.

 

[Kiln]

I have other guns. I just want another derringer. If I have one ill prolly pocket carry it occasionally. I realize they aren't the best sd gun. I want one just bc I can.

That is my take too.

My grandad asked why I needed a .410 derringer and I told him "because they're fun".

Plus they're awesome for snakes.

Sure there are much lighter and better choices now for CCW with all the micro polymer handguns available but sometimes you just want a gun because you can.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That is my take too.

My grandad asked why I needed a .410 derringer and I told him "because they're fun".

Plus they're awesome for snakes.

Sure there are much lighter and better choices now for CCW with all the micro polymer handguns available but sometimes you just want a gun because you can.

A 410 Derringer you say... Hey, I have a very small SxS in 45/410 that's a beast to shoot. If you're not careful it will bite you!

 

[Kiln]

A 410 Derringer you say... Hey, I have a very small SxS in 45/410 that's a beast to shoot. If you're not careful it will bite you!

Nice, yeah I know they're not really comfortable to shoot but they are fun. I have the single shot made by the same company.

 

[fallout mike]

Archangel, I started to buy one of those once. A friend bought the one that kiln has and after watching him shoot it I decided I didn't want one bc of the recoil. You are right. They do bite.

 

[fallout mike]

I had one in. 38 once but traded it for another gun. I have a bad habit of trading guns and selling guns to buy different guns. Sometimes I regret it. This one I don't really regret. I just want another one now.

 

[Kiln]

Yeah after about 20 rounds my hand will have bruises and will be sore for a week. Still though they're a neat gun for $120 or so. Just not meant for shooting more than a couple of times in a row.

 

[fallout mike]

They are neat guns and really cheap. I would buy one now if not for my arm problem. I've gotta have low recoil guns now. I've gotten rid of all my heavier recoil guns and went to all low recoil stuff with the exception of my Mossberg security 8.

 

[fallout mike]

And I trade so many guns bc I lose interest and want something new to play with , with the exception of a few keepers. I may not lose interest in the derringer if I have a few different caliber barrels. Most of my guns are just for fun.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Kiln,
I had a single shot like you's too but it only shot 2 1/2" shells so I sold it to a friend. I had both at the same time and kept the SxS because it can fire 3" shells. If you think that single shot bits you will think you were chewed on if you shot the double with 3" slugs. (yes, I have, and more than once!)

 

[fallout mike]

Archangel, you are a brave man. I would not.

 

[Kiln]

There are a two things that kept me from buying one in the double barrel configuration:

1. Too wide to carry around all day. I bought the single to shoot snakes or other varmints when inspecting the fences around my grandad's 80 acres. My main issue is that if I was going to carry something that wide or heavy I'd go with something else altogether, for a fun gun I'd like to have one though.

2. I have heard that when the firing pin is manually switched between barrels, if you don't get it in the right spot, it doesn't fire.

 

[scaatylobo]

Many models

I own and have owned MANY different models of 'derringer'.

I still carry one as a BUG [ most likely the High Standard .22 mag ].

I still own and shoot 2 for SASS shoots,one in .38 sp and the other in .45 LC.

They are faster to shoot than many would believe = IF you practice.

I would not carry one as a primary,unless there was no other option.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are a two things that kept me from buying one in the double barrel configuration:

1. Too wide to carry around all day. I bought the single to shoot snakes or other varmints when inspecting the fences around my grandad's 80 acres. My main issue is that if I was going to carry something that wide or heavy I'd go with something else altogether, for a fun gun I'd like to have one though.

2. I have heard that when the firing pin is manually switched between barrels, if you don't get it in the right spot, it doesn't fire.

The barrel switch is right on top of the hammer and it's a positive changeover. I have fired a lot of rounds through that double and never once had a problem with it not firing.

I completely understand why you bought the single, it is lighter and easier to carry for a long time. I'm betting it's a great tool for snake protection using #8 or #9 shot.

I have actually shot hand thrown clays with #9 shot from that little shotgun. I also tested #6 shot on targets and I'm sure it will take something larger than snakes if needed. Buckshot on a man size target close up would be devastating IMO. (3X 000 buckshot)

 

[GEM]

To the comment about Yancy Derringer. I loved that show. He carried 5 4 barreled Sharps. One in each sleeve, one in each vest front pocket and one in his hat. But he had back up in a sword cane and his Native American Friend with a double barreled 12 gauge!

Jock Mahoney was Sally Fields' step father and went from Yancy to Tarzan - then he wore a loin cloth and just carried a knife.

 

[gpr]

i have a big bore in 9mm, a little stought...the trigger does improve with oil and use...i have a standard in 22 mag, and bought a long rifle barrel....they are what they are....two shot, in your belly gun...i hear a lot of stuff about these guns, but most collectors have at least one......gary