Derringers??

[GEM]

No offense to anyone's carry gun as I support carrying!!

However, when it comes to derringers, they are best for cowboy action shooting.

The ones is significant calibers - 38s, 9mms and greater are as big as a Taurus or SW snubby which give you more shots and IMHO are easier to shoot.

The smaller ones by Davis, Cobra or whatever they are called, do have a size advantage but aren't well respected. The little 32 ACP is a neat BUG and I've seen it easily concealed but is it bette than the little 32 semis? I don't think so.

Three companies make the bigger guns now - IAR, Bond, American Derringer (although I did read they were in trouble). But, I still say you can do better with more rounds.

However, if it works, it works but it isn't an optimal tactical solution.

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

I've never been a fan of Derringers. There are much better choices in small packages.I did have a High Standard DM101 22 mag w/ a wallet holster, I sold it right before we were given the Right to Carry back in 1987.If I still had it I would carry it to the corner store for a quick trip. Other then that I would still be packin my Glock M-27.There are or were so many cheap Derringers on the market.I wouldn't have shot them on a bet.
I'll take 5,6,10 or more shots over 2 anytime.It gives you much better odds.

Ruger Redhawk

 

[scotjute]

I have an American Derringer DA38, .38 cal. Can hit pie plate at 10 yds. One barrell shoots high on the plate and the other shoots low as I remember. Don't really carry it much as I have better weapons, but then I'm not getting rid of it either. It's not particcularly comfortable to target shoot with it.

 

[Gewehr98]

Having shot the American Derringer version in .45-70...

It is indeed a formidable BUG. Hopefully enough of the bad guy will be left for the coroner to identify at the scene. You won't be there, because your wrist will be attended to at the hospital shortly afterwards.

 

[MrAcheson]

The Cobra/Davis guns aren't very good. The aren't especially safe because the hammers don't rebound. They also rarely shoot anywhere near a consistent point of aim with both barrels. There are a lot of cowboy shooters that bought davis/cobra guns for use at side matches and now use them for fishing weights.

The American Derringer and Bond Derringers are pretty good guns. The Bond gun is built like a tank, but a bit big. The AmDer is smaller but still good. Some of the triggers still have horrendous pulls though. Keep in mind on a lot of derrigners you pull the trigger down (away from the barrels) not back.

Honestly there are better solutions today. Several companies make small automatics that are probably more useful and, if you want a major caliber in a small package, a lightweight J frame revolver isn't much larger or heavier.