Chicago Derringer

[LibShooter]

My Dad gave me this 4-barrel .22 pepper box made by Chicago Derringer. He bought it 30 years ago for me to use as a prop in a high school play. (Talk about different times!) Other than the blanks I fired on stage, neither of us could remember it ever being shot. It took me half an hour to remember how to how to load it.

Does anyone know anything about these guns? Should I shoot shorts, long-rifle, or maybe I shouldn't shoot it at all. Googling didn't turn up much.

I'm sure there's plenty of expertise on this forum.

 

[PBinWA]

I've got a similar gun in .32 rimfire. I'm not sure I would fire it at all. I'd be concerned about the pressure variations between what it was intended for and what is commonly available.

Of course, there are probably experts here that can make a better recommendation.

It's a cool gun to have around for conversation.

 

[Pistol Toter]

Try this link and the replies:
http://www.e-gunparts.com/forum/readit.asp?qt=39564&cat=5

 

[Bezoar]

taint it a copy of the original 4 barrel derringer of the late 1800s? Sure looks like it. But modern conventions look bad on it.

All you can do is do a cast of the barrel, get some micrometers out and do some careful measuring of it.

 

[Ron James]

It's a modern reproduction of a sharps derringer, and it is not a Pepper Box

 

[LibShooter]

Pistol Toter: thanks for the link. Good info.

And Ron James: What is a pepper box? I thought it described several barrels cast or machined from one hunk of metal.

 

[Ron James]

As a rule the pepper box pistols barrels revolve for each shot, much like a multi barreled revolver. A derringer doesn't. Also check out the Mossberg Brownie, a derringer , not a pepper box.

 

[LibShooter]

Ron James, thanks. Just today, I saw a Brownie in the case at my local gun store. Good price, too.

I may have to start a collection of 4-shot .22s.

 

[usagrunt]

It's OK to shoot shorts of long rifles through this gun. If it's for sale send me an e-mail at [email protected]
Thanks Ed

 

[gofastman]

how does it work? does it shoot all 4 rounds at once?

 

[tkopp]

That would make it a machine gun

One at a time, I'm sure.

 

[David E]

The hammer mounted firing pin rotates each time the hammer is cocked, firing one barrel at a time.

 

[rondog]

What I find MOST bizarre is the fact you've had it for 30 years and never fired it!

 

[VA27]

See if a 22lr will fit one of the chambers. If it does, I'd start with CB longs, then try some target, subsonic or standard velocity ammo. Looks kinda neat.

 

[DaFoxx]

I have the same one and I fire .22 longs with no problems.

 

[LibShooter]

Since posting this, I have fired the little gun. It works with Long Rifles and Shorts. CB Shorts are my favorite.

No one will be surprised, but this little gun is no target pistol!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IF I were to fire it I would first have it checked out by a competent Gunsmith. It's too nice a piece to ruin IMO.

If it's really that old it probably fires .22 Shorts and possibly .22 Longs but maybe not .22LR, a Smith can tell you that too if it's not marked on the barrels somewhere.