I work in a semi rough part of town in western north carolina. Im an assistant manager and have keys to the store as well as the cash drawer. I work up front at the desk and i deal directly with everyone that comes in. I have my ccw and usually carry my g29. I tuck my shirt in everyday and this adds one more step to drawing the glock from my iwb holster (comptac minotaur). I want something to keep in my pocket just in case the bad guy wants a little more than the cash in the drawer (such as my life). My dad would always carry his davis arms .38 derringer in his back pocket when we would go trout fishing and i feel like a similar derringer is what would work best. i dont have enough space in my pockets with my spyderco, keys, wallet, phone, pens etc. for something much bigger. I know i can carry my g29 but i just dont like carrying it with my shirt tucked in. That being said, please dont suggest i get used to carrying it. I want a little gun for this very reason.
pocket carry derringer
- Thread starter rxspeed88
- Start date
- Status
A derringer would be my last choice in defensive firearms.
Anyone who has not yet ruled one out should shoot one several times, and if that experience doesn't eliminate the derringer from consideration, start contemplating tactics. Decide how it is going to be carried, and consider how, with someone within bad-breath range trying to kill you, you would draw, operate the hammer, fire, cock it again, fire it again, and then what--maybe reach for another derringer if you are still on your feet?
There have to be better alternatives that shoot better, hold more ammunition, can be presented and fired more quickly, and are safer.
If a J-Frame or LCR doesn't meet you needs, how about one of these?
Anyone who has not yet ruled one out should shoot one several times, and if that experience doesn't eliminate the derringer from consideration, start contemplating tactics. Decide how it is going to be carried, and consider how, with someone within bad-breath range trying to kill you, you would draw, operate the hammer, fire, cock it again, fire it again, and then what--maybe reach for another derringer if you are still on your feet?
There have to be better alternatives that shoot better, hold more ammunition, can be presented and fired more quickly, and are safer.
If a J-Frame or LCR doesn't meet you needs, how about one of these?
PRM
Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 2,111
I've owned an American Derringer in .45/.410 since the early 90s. I carry it often on trips to the woods, as the .410 with field loads makes short work of snakes and other varmints at close range. The little gun even performs well with .000 buck and the 45LC loaded with black powder is more fun than the 4th of July. I will probably always keep this little gun.
Just my experience - but at best, its a short range firearm. It would be slow to get into action for SD or for follow-up shots. Plus you only get two, before reloading. They are fun little guns and have their place. Want something with a nostalgic appeal that brings back memories of your favorite Westerns, it fits the bill. But, for serious intentions - there are much better options for the money.
If size was my main concern, and small was the order of the day - I'd look at the Beretta 21, NAA Guardian, or Kel Tec.
Just my experience - but at best, its a short range firearm. It would be slow to get into action for SD or for follow-up shots. Plus you only get two, before reloading. They are fun little guns and have their place. Want something with a nostalgic appeal that brings back memories of your favorite Westerns, it fits the bill. But, for serious intentions - there are much better options for the money.
If size was my main concern, and small was the order of the day - I'd look at the Beretta 21, NAA Guardian, or Kel Tec.
Old Shooter
Member
With all the small 9mm autos out there I would pick one of them before limiting myself to two shots and done.
I personally carry a Kel-Tec P11 (works fine in front pocket) but for something just a tad lighter go for a PF9.
Lots of other brands out there also if you want to spend some more cash.
I personally carry a Kel-Tec P11 (works fine in front pocket) but for something just a tad lighter go for a PF9.
Lots of other brands out there also if you want to spend some more cash.
icanthitabarn
Member
I am thrilled with my new .38 Colt Cobra in my front pocket. No more IWB for me. A shrouded model would be even better. 
doc2rn
Member
I would suggest:
NAA in .22 WMR
Seacamp .380
S&W 642
Ruger LCR or LCP
I carry the LCP everywhere because even in scrubs its light enough to ride in a fobus OWB or a Desantis pocket holster. If the minimalist front blade sight gives you a little problem just put some Neon nail polish on it.
NAA in .22 WMR
Seacamp .380
S&W 642
Ruger LCR or LCP
I carry the LCP everywhere because even in scrubs its light enough to ride in a fobus OWB or a Desantis pocket holster. If the minimalist front blade sight gives you a little problem just put some Neon nail polish on it.
Bikewer
Member
I agree... With the plethora of reliable, powerful small pistols available, the deringer-type pistol is very low on the totem pole.
Remington-design deringers are prone to accidental discharge when dropped, as well. It's two and you're done...
Remington-design deringers are prone to accidental discharge when dropped, as well. It's two and you're done...
DNS
Member
NAA mini in 22 magnum.
I pocket carry mine everyday and its so light i easily forget its there. Mines loaded with 5 rounds of CCI and tests show it'll penetrate 16" of gelatin. I never feel under gunned.
I pocket carry mine everyday and its so light i easily forget its there. Mines loaded with 5 rounds of CCI and tests show it'll penetrate 16" of gelatin. I never feel under gunned.
sig228
Member
+1.
I own an NAA Pug. Not the **best** choice in self defense, but 5 shots of 22mag is reassuring. Much smaller than your standard 2 shot derringer.
If you're seriuos about SD carry as serious a gun you can carry. Find someplace else for the crap and at least carry a j frame in a pocket holster. The only thing I would advise carrying a NAA revolver for is when you need the absolute deepest concealment and that would only be a LEO in an UC capacity.
LCP with ball ammo.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
When I need something very small for whatever reason I turn to my Kel-tec P-32. It weighs only 8.8oz and fits very well in my back pocket. I know the .32 Auto isn't a heavy caliber but several shots to the face will ruin anyone's day and probably make them stop their aggression. (holds 7+1 rounds)
Lawdawg45
Member
im going today to the LGS to look at a LCP and what they offer in the .22 mag NAA guns. What does the lcr feel like compared to the lcp? I understand its gonna be wider but is it an overall bigger gun (take up more pocket space). Id like to have the .38 special over the .380 but if its much bigger, .380 it will be.
hardluk1
member
When 8oz 380s, 10 to 13oz 38sp revolvers and 9mm's small and light enought for pocket CC why would anyone thing about pocketing a derringer that you have to thumb the hammer back before fireing. PF-9 weights less laoded than some deringers. so does my kahr cm9 that I pocket. The really small 380's weight about 10 to 11 oz loaded.
derringer
there are certainly better options than a derringer. i was debating it solely off the size of it. slip it in my front or back pocket and it goes away. I hope that i like the lcp thats what im leaning twoards. i just dont like .380
there are certainly better options than a derringer. i was debating it solely off the size of it. slip it in my front or back pocket and it goes away. I hope that i like the lcp thats what im leaning twoards. i just dont like .380
The usage of a derringer to me is that of a knife rather than a gun.
Don't bother aiming it or even using it like you would a primary.
Get in real close, point, fire, then proceed to use it as a brass knuckle.
I like my derringer, I worry more about dogs than people around here.
Don't bother aiming it or even using it like you would a primary.
Get in real close, point, fire, then proceed to use it as a brass knuckle.
I like my derringer, I worry more about dogs than people around here.
OregonJohnny
Member
There are some .380 loads from boutique ammo manufacturers like Buffalo Bore, that are far superior to old standard .380ACP. Check out these loads from Buffalo Bore:
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=29
They have a 90-grain hollowpoint load that does 1,100 f/s from a 2.75" barrel (Ruger LCP or Kel Tec P3AT).
I have a Kahr CM9, Ruger LCP, S&W 642, and NAA Mini Magnum. I've pocket-carried all of them at one point or another. Out of all these pocket guns, the Ruger LCP gets carried the most, as it is truly the best balance between size, ease of carry, capacity, and power. It is extremely flat, light weight, and snag-free from a pocket. I recommend a good pocket holster that stays in the pocket as you draw the gun, but still lets you get a full grip and keeps the gun oriented the same way all day long, no matter how much you move around. Desantis and Galco make great pocket holsters for the LCP.
Another suggestion is to consider carrying this backup gun on your off-hand side, in case your strong hand is tied up doing something else when you need to get to a pistol.
MCgunner
Member
Me, too. I have an old .380 Grendel P12 that's a might smaller and easier to tote, about the same size only slightly thicker than a LCP owing to its double stack design and 12 round capacity. I rarely EVER have need to tote this one. It's pretty good from a back pocket, made a wallet style holster to use for that. But, I'd rather carry front pocket and there's plenty of room for the P11 which packs 410 ft lbs per shot with a 115 grain bullet and has 11 on tap before the reload. It shoots 3.5" at 25 yards from the bench to POA with my carry load. Hard to beat that for a pocket carry.
I carry a Black Widow in .22 mag loaded with Hornady Personal Defense sometimes as back up to a .357 magnum on the belt or fanny pack and always to church on Sundays.
It's a handly little 10 ounce revolver that's more compact than any 2 shot derringer and carries five rounds. My 5 shot .22 NAA is in my other pocket, too, with whatever I'm carrying.In .38 special, I carry a Taurus M85SSUL 2" snubby in my right front pocket, when I carry .38. 2 shots in a derringer would be okay, but that little revolver will put 5 rounds into the center of the HEAD at 25 yards from a rest and can put most of 'em there off hand and it's far easier to shoot off hand, DA means it's faster, too.
I just don't do the derringer thing. It's not for me.
bassdogs
Member
Have owned a Davis 38 derringer for years and occasionly dig it out and fire a few rounds. One time I actually stood about 15 feet from a full sized fridge and hit it once in the very top corner and missed completely with the 2nd round. The grip is so tiny that it is impossible to get a firm grip and the rounds consistently go high to the left. Reloaded and aimed at the lower right corner and got 2 hits about heart high and mid left. Pulling back the hammer is not easy and then there is the trigger pull. It is actually difficult to get it to fire at times. Took it to a gunsmith and he said there was nothing wrong with it, just the way it was designed.
Saying you can't hit the broad side of a barn with a Davis would be wrong, but a fridge is another story.
Don't fool yourself, a davis derringer is not a SD weapon and I would offer it is totally worthless unless you can push it into someones gut after you have had a few seconds to get it out and cocked.
Saying you can't hit the broad side of a barn with a Davis would be wrong, but a fridge is another story.
Don't fool yourself, a davis derringer is not a SD weapon and I would offer it is totally worthless unless you can push it into someones gut after you have had a few seconds to get it out and cocked.
lcp
went to the lgs. they had several of them (lcp) in stock. some with the lasers and some without. i dont think i need the laser gig. its neat and all but i dont feel my need justifies the extra cost. Ive decided on the green lcp. i got to feel the naa's and a few kel tecs and i actually got to handle a rohrbaugh 9mm. It was certainly a fine piece but not worth the 1200 dollars...at least to me. FWIW the tiny sig pistols have a wonderful fit and finish. they are just a little large for what i want. Thanks for all the input. I greatly appreciate it!
rxspeed88
went to the lgs. they had several of them (lcp) in stock. some with the lasers and some without. i dont think i need the laser gig. its neat and all but i dont feel my need justifies the extra cost. Ive decided on the green lcp. i got to feel the naa's and a few kel tecs and i actually got to handle a rohrbaugh 9mm. It was certainly a fine piece but not worth the 1200 dollars...at least to me. FWIW the tiny sig pistols have a wonderful fit and finish. they are just a little large for what i want. Thanks for all the input. I greatly appreciate it!
rxspeed88
MCgunner
Member
Springfield has the XDS out now, supposed to be pocket sized. American Rifleman magazine had a pic of it superposed over a Kel Tec P11 and it was about the same size. It only carries like 5 or 6 rounds, but they ARE .45s. I'm thinkin' about one, but they're new and I've not even seen one in the flesh. But, tell ya the truth, I really think 11 nines is the way to go vs 6 .45s. I say that, though, and I have a 5 shot .38 in my pocket right now. See, I just go with my whims of the moment, LOL.
There's so many pocket sized BIG caliber guns out now days, it's amazing, and the .380s have gotten smaller and lighter. It's a wonderful thing. Back in the day, you were pretty much choosing between a derringer or a small .25ACP. THERE, the derringer might get a little better consideration. Now days, guns like the LCP make the derringer pretty obsolete, though there are those out there that still carry and like 'em.
I'm thinkin' about one, but they're new and I've not even seen one in the flesh. But, tell ya the truth, I really think 11 nines is the way to go vs 6 .45s. I say that, though, and I have a 5 shot .38 in my pocket right now. See, I just go with my whims of the moment, LOL.There's so many pocket sized BIG caliber guns out now days, it's amazing, and the .380s have gotten smaller and lighter. It's a wonderful thing. Back in the day, you were pretty much choosing between a derringer or a small .25ACP. THERE, the derringer might get a little better consideration. Now days, guns like the LCP make the derringer pretty obsolete, though there are those out there that still carry and like 'em.
76shuvlinoff
Member
I hope you never have to use it but if you do I don't think you will regret this choice over a derringer. 7 shots right in your pocket. Wear baggy pants and get a pocket holster, and don't put anything else in that pocket.
To start with I was leery of .380 too. Of course if the worst came down I'd want a .50 cal but let's be realistic. My LCP puts holes right where I point it and I hope yours works the same for you. I suggest you go with ball ammo and practice, you should be pleasantly surprised..
good luck!
- Status