sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 2,441
Ok. Family picture time.
American Derringer. .45 LC/410. 15.5 oz empty.
American Derringer .38 Special. All aluminum. 8.25 oz empty
High standard .22 mag blue 10.8 oz empty
Same, but DLC coated.
For me, the High Standard with the DA trigger is the absolute winner. Manipulating the AD’s, with one hand, under stress, would be tough.
I’ve had the HS’s for a long time. Got the one DLC coated and, carried it for years as a last ditch BUG. It still lives in my pocket almost every day while I putter about the house.
The all aluminum AD I bought as my California Beach gun. The only thing that can rust is the lockwork. I wouldn’t hesitate to carry it in the ocean. Rinse with fresh water. Hose down with WD40. Replace ammo. Carry on. The ONLY thing I’ll shoot in it is 148 gr match wadcutters. And, they are a handful.
The all stainless has one purpose for me. It’s a cool toy.
In comparison..
An old Model 38 Bodyguard. Really, a much better choice than any of the Derringers if gun play were expected.
But…not yearly as tiny and flat as the HS models.

American Derringer. .45 LC/410. 15.5 oz empty.
American Derringer .38 Special. All aluminum. 8.25 oz empty
High standard .22 mag blue 10.8 oz empty
Same, but DLC coated.
For me, the High Standard with the DA trigger is the absolute winner. Manipulating the AD’s, with one hand, under stress, would be tough.
I’ve had the HS’s for a long time. Got the one DLC coated and, carried it for years as a last ditch BUG. It still lives in my pocket almost every day while I putter about the house.
The all aluminum AD I bought as my California Beach gun. The only thing that can rust is the lockwork. I wouldn’t hesitate to carry it in the ocean. Rinse with fresh water. Hose down with WD40. Replace ammo. Carry on. The ONLY thing I’ll shoot in it is 148 gr match wadcutters. And, they are a handful.
The all stainless has one purpose for me. It’s a cool toy.
In comparison..

An old Model 38 Bodyguard. Really, a much better choice than any of the Derringers if gun play were expected.
But…not yearly as tiny and flat as the HS models.