Derringers???

[RolinThundr]

Are there any Derringer pistols on the Roster? I know that NAA makes a few but I've only known them to have .22lr, looking for something with a little more kick but I'm not familiar with any other manufacturers.

[gobi fish]

Naa makes their mini revolvers in .22wmr.

note a .22lr can and will kill a human very very easily! also, when you hear a .22lr much less a .22wmr go off out of a 1 7/8 inch barrel (which sounds more like a .40 or .45acp), your gonna run away (if your smart!).

What kinda animal are you planning on taking down with a Derringer that a NAA cant?

[JeffM]

Naa makes their mini revolvers in .22wmr.

note a .22lr can and will kill a human very very easily! also, when you hear a .22lr much less a .22wmr go off out of a 1 7/8 inch barrel (which sounds more like a .40 or .45acp), your gonna run away (if your smart!).

What kinda animal are you planning on taking down with a Derringer that a NAA cant?

Ice picks and round-house kicks have killed people as well, but it does not mean they are ideal.

If it's all you have or all you can carry for one reason or another, it's better than nothing. There are however better choices (not to say that a derringer is one of them). Several Cobra derringers are on the list.

IMHO with the little .380s on the market now, there is absolutely no reason to carry a NAA revolver or a derringer. They are substandard self defense weapons that take up the same space and often weigh more than the Ruger LCP, Kahr P380, Diamondback 380, etc.

[Rudolf the Red]

There are several models of derringers on the roster made by Cobra Enterprises. 22LR, 22MAG, 32ACP, and .38Special.

[maxicon]

Larger caliber derringers come onto the used market now and again, usually in excellent, low-mileage shape. This is because people buy them because they're cool, shoot them a few times, and never take them out again, due to the painful recoil, awful ergonomics, terrible accuracy, and lack of practical applications.

Rimfire derringers are more fun to shoot, but again, are pretty near useless. Too low power for any serious use, too inaccurate for fun shooting.

None of them get anywhere near the performance their chambered cartridge can supply, due to the very short barrels. This causes reduced muzzle energy, as the powder hasn't finished burning before the bullet's exited the barrel, and tumbling, keyholing bullets due to the very short dwell time in the barrel not putting enough spin on it.

Add in that most have very heavy triggers, and many don't have trigger guards, and there's just not much positive about them.

About all derringers are good for is ultra-deep last-ditch backup, and the number of shooters who actually need something like that probably represent a fraction of a percent of the shooter population.

I'd agree with JeffM - an ultra-compact .380 is a far more effective and useful tiny pistol for any practical use.

[rudigan]

Ice picks and round-house kicks have killed people as well, but it does not mean they are ideal.

If it's all you have or all you can carry for one reason or another, it's better than nothing. There are however better choices (not to say that a derringer is one of them). Several Cobra derringers are on the list.

IMHO with the little .380s on the market now, there is absolutely no reason to carry a NAA revolver or a derringer. They are substandard self defense weapons that take up the same space and often weigh more than the Ruger LCP, Kahr P380, Diamondback 380, etc.

You would think, and that may be in some cases, but I have both a P380 and a NAA 22lr Mini Revolver and the 22 is actually quite a bit smaller and lighter, so if you just can't take the .380 (like when wearing a speedo...nevermind), the 22 is better than nothing. Here are some size and loaded weight images of mine.

[hntnnut]

I agree with the what has been said above, but would rather be armed with a derringer than unarmed. Mines in .45 L.C..
Funny side story with this gun, when I bought it I bought a 50 rd box of shell with it and stopped at the local range on the way home where I shot the entire box. Latter that night readding through the owners manual it warned to not shoot more than I believe it was 16 rounds in a range session. The following day I had pain in every joint from my fingers all the way up to and including my elbow.




Richard.

[WDoc]

I was wondering if American Derringer pistols are CA legal. It looks like the one above is of that make. I'm not talking for self defense, just fun shooting and collecting.

[Tripper]

A guy on the board here is selling a 45 derringer I think, my local gun shop has a couple early 1900 derringers in I think close to 41 caliber if I recall correctly, really old ones for the most part, but look in board here for one.

[strapbytaurus]

Can someone try to translate a recoil of a 38 special from a derringer to a pistol of full size? Would it be like a freakin .50 cal or what?

[cudakidd]

I have two American Derringers, in 38/357. Very pleasant to shoot up to+P. Since I have a CCW and the wife will soon have one too these have a use. As a back up boot gun/purse it is a lot better then the equivalent size .22 and is smaller and hander then anything comparable. Two shots in something you can conceal is better then Pepper spray and a prayer!

[Dion]

I just paid for a dirt cheap .25 acp from a fellow CG'er and still have to do all the PPT + gun jail crap. Although I sincerely don't believe it is the ultimate self defense weapon, there is a lot to be said about a mouse gun as a last ditch effort in self preservation.

Shoot pieces of hot lead at somebody or belly up and get taken? I choose the hot lead.

Ultimately, I'd like to pony up the funds for a 380.

[strapbytaurus]

Dude judging from your picture, you exceed the manliness of the guy from Machete. I will disregard your comment. Lol