Looking for quality derringer-type pistol

Well, (google) and btw once you've actually seen some of these larger calibers in person the size might deter you as well as the prices.
 
American Derringer of Waco. http://www.amderringer.com/

They have a 7.5 ounce lightweight model in .38 cal, but I prefer the Model 1 in .410 (15 oz) and have worn it holstered comfortably inside a kevlar vest for many years. It is, by design, a close quarters weapon, and nothing says "I've grown weary of our relationship" like two servings each of 3 balls of .30 cal buckshot.

For $180, there's a Cobra Derringer as a "buy it now" sitting on Gun Broker, see Auction # 128194447

When you start comparing apples, remember that the new Ruger LCR Revolver is 13 ounces. The weight of the extra 3 bullets and the price do add up, however.
 
I had a derringer of sorts once; one of those Hi-Standard .22 magnum double-action jobs.
Your chances of actually hitting anything with one are minimal, but the short barrel and hefty powder charge (which would apply in spades to the .357 magnum) might stand some chance of burning your opponent to death....

I would not carry one. In the calibers indicated, there are small revolvers that are scarcely more bulky and capable of both being safe and effective.
 
The ADC will be the smallest .357/.38 quality stainless derringer. Bond's a better overall design, but very large. Even the ADC is relatively sizable.
I would not rely on the Cobra for anything serious.
Denis
 
Not a derringer but, a NAA mini-revolver in 22Mag packs a real wallop. If you practice, accuracy at 25 feet is pretty good and plenty for a denfensive shot at a mugger or rabid/agressive dog.

It rides in a pocket about like a victorinox Spartan.
 
I will put my vote in for the NAA .22Mag, small, light and has close to the the same ballistics as a .38 Special.
 
skunked said:
Also as to the .410..really not a defensive load at all.http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm
Click to expand...

He tested this as a "defensive load" at 30 feet. Oky-doky. :confused:

It was described, when I carried one, as a pistol (and load) for a gunfight in a closet.

The buckshot load or the #9 birdshot will both mess up any former friend if fired at contact distance.

Of course, he went on to pop clay pigeons with it, so I understand where his head was at.
 
skunked said:
I will put my vote in for the NAA .22Mag, small, light and has close to the the same ballistics as a .38 Special.
Click to expand...

Where in the world do you come up with that conclusion ?!?

The best .22 magnum rounds out of the NAA Mini churns up all of 88 ft pounds of energy.

The Speer 135 grain Short Barrel cranks out 222 ft lbs.

The Buffalo Bore ammo exceeds 350 ft lbs.

The .22 magnum ain't nearly the same cartridge fired from a 1 1/8th" revolver barrel as it is when fired from a 20" rifle barrel.
 
Oh, and anyone that thinks a 2-shot derringer is a viable first line defense gun really needs to reconsider.

A stong case can be made for a suitable derringer as back up, tho. For fun, you betcha !
 
Cobra derringer's are actually rated pretty good. They copy the traditional design well. If you have never handled one the weight will surprise you. I like matched pairs of .22 and .22 mag that I've seen mounted in shadow boxes. Try firing one before you buy to understand the loading, firing and safety. It really is a two handed operation to release safety then cock and fire. Keep the short barrel pointed away at ALL times.
 
Cobras are not rated well as anything much beyond toys by anybody I know. :)
Lighter weight comes from using lesser-grade metals. Derringers are not target pistols in general, but the Cobras seem to be regulated more erratically in barrel alignment than the better quality brands.
Denis
 
I don't know how this applies to current production items, but years ago the NRA (American Rifleman) tech boys reviewed several Remington-pattern derringers. They found them all prone to discharge on dropping; the hammer/trigger pivots and such were quite fragile.
 
Dpris, apparently you know more than I and so do your associates. I will then defer my experience and research with this item to your supreme knowledge of said subject.
 
I vote for Bond Arms. They are excellent quality firearms, but they are definitely Texas-sized, and fairly heavy. Yes, you could get a small revolver that would probably be easier to use, and hold at least 2.5 times the ammunition, and that's what I would do in .357 magnum (Ruger, S&W, Charter, Taurus, etc.), but they also make them in the world's greatest caliber, 10mm (and many others), making all other choices obsolete. :D
 
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