Question on a circa 1960 derringer .22 mag

[NMexJim]

I carried what I thought was a Hi Standard derringer during my time in the Navy 1966-1970. It was a funky-looking thing with a strange curved trigger. I can't remember for the life of me the make of that firearm. I've always thought it was Hi Standard, but I was looking through their old records and can't find it.

If you're familiar w/ Navy blues, it fit perfectly into the small front pouch in the pant apron.

Kinda ugly thing and I was happy to trade up at the time, but for some reason, it's jammed in my thoughts.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Have a pic maybe?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[dogtown tom]

Google High Standard Derringer and click on "images"

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

One of these?



American Derringer made a very similar stainless steel version in .38 Special that I owned briefly in the 1980s. It had about the stiffest DA trigger I've ever tugged at -- not so much in pounds of force, but awkward as heck due to ergonomics. Traded it off.

 

[v8stang289]

Probably a hi-standard DM101

I had a blued one in 22mag. Basically a handheld flashbang with what felt like a 20lb trigger.

 

[NMexJim]

Google High Standard Derringer and click on "images"

Well, that was easy. That's it. Many thanks to all. It was indeed a Hi-Standard. Should have Wikkied.

It was indeed a nasty little beast but did give some small comfort in shakey places.

 

[codytrucker]

I inherited this from my dad , not something I'd go looking for , but I'll probably keep it forever.

He lived in Oklahoma and I saw him Shoot a. Couple of snakes with it . I think he mostly shot 22 LR In it , and shot loads if he had them .

 

[codytrucker]

Thanks for the inspiration, I've had these two for about 12 years and finally got around to shooting them today . The high standard did best with 22 WRF . And I put up a few 38 specials with a light charge of tite group and 148 gn wadcutters. The 38 is marked FIE Miami FLA , and I was a little hesitant to shoot it. Was actually more comfortable then the 22 mag. But I dont think I'll try any full power loads thru it any time soon!!

 

[halfmoonclip]

The trick with the old High Standard derringers was to fire them with your middle finger; lay your index finger up alongside the barrels. Then all you need do is point at what you want to hit (close range, of course), and pull the trigger. It actually worked remarkably well.
I've had two .22 Mag versions; both had misfire problems. Repaired the one by modding the firing pin until it had a little more protrusion...I'd work on it awhile, wrap it in a towel, and take it to the coal bin to test hop it. I had a wallet holster for it, and removed the grips to make it thinner.
The second one, recently, had the same misfire problem, and I just returned it to the vendor.

American Derringer made a very similar stainless steel version in .38 Special that I owned briefly in the 1980s. It had about the stiffest DA trigger I've ever tugged at -- not so much in pounds of force, but awkward as heck due to ergonomics. Traded it off.

Had one of these puppies as well. The index finger thing doesn't work here; your finger ends up past the muzzle. Mine worked, but for its bulk and weight, there were better options. Thanks, Dave. I'd forgotten the name of the mfg.
Moon

 

[Wildbillz]

I have wanted one of the 22LR High Standards Derringers for years. I just can't find one at a price that I was willing to pay for it. Some day.

WB

 

[entropy]

I had one too. Carried it for a while, but a friend kept bugging me to buy it, so I sold it to him as I had other, better, carry options.

 

[doubleh]

I had a small lust for one of the High Standards but I had a wife and a couple of very small children to support. That and the fact I couldn't really see a use for it caused me to abstain from acquiring one.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I had a small lust for one of the High Standards but I had a wife and a couple of very small children to support. That and the fact I couldn't really see a use for it caused me to abstain from acquiring one.

This gun really was a case of 'thinking outside the box', and it was a really innovative. A little quality control would have improved the package.
Moon

 

[Coyote3855]

I always have wanted one of those in .22 LR for no good reason other than I think they are cool.