Smallest pistol, or smallest caliber?
Seems this thread has not sufficiently addressed the actual question, here. Got a caliber debate going.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. This will never do. What we need here is big calibers in little guns.
Big calibers like .357 Magnum, or .45 ACP. Size matters.
Little inky-winky, smaller-than-a-playing-card, super-secret-squirrel, back-up-to-a-back-up-gun, "Hey, that's CHEATING!"-guns.
Like THESE. Enter the Downsizer WSP:
This is the WSP (World's Smallest Pistol) shown with a .45 ACP round for scale, from
Downsizer Corporation of Santee, California. These little gems are DAO single-shot hideouts with tip-up-barrel loading, that weigh-in at a whopping 11 ounces. Available only in .357/.38, or .45 ACP, these micro-boomers literall ARE smaller than a playing card.
Solid stainless construction, an internal firing-pin-blocking safety, no sights for a smooth exterior, and a simple, robust mechanism with a double-action or trigger-cocking type operation. The operative word here is
small.
OA Length: 3.25"
OA Height: 2.25"
OA Width: .90"
Barrel Length: 2.10"
Now granted, you only get one shot, but it's just about the BIGGEST shot one could desire. (Do you really want to shoot an 11-ounce .357 Mag?) The white-metal barrel helps to draw attention to the great gaping hole you present to an assailant, even in the dark.
The ultra-light weight, slim thickness, smooth exterior, and non-printing profile make these solid little tools vanish easily and discreetly about the person without having to compromise on caliber efficacy. Their DA trigger with a full guard makes them safe for pocket casrry, and their size makes it possible to be armed with a Brace Of Pistols, or even three guns to address multiple-shot situations. Unlike more conventional derringers, Downsizer's use a push-button release to free it's Beretta-Jetfire-style tip-up barrel for faster reloading than the usual Remington-format derringer. (At least I think so. I've never handled one of these guns, as they're not on the Cal-DOJ safety-approved Extortion list and are therefore UNAVAILABLE in this stupid state.
)
Hey, you asked for the SMALLEST guns I'd trust. I trust .45's. Big things can come in small packages.
Oh, and despite my effusive enthusiasm, I don't actually work for Downsizer Corp. I just like their products. An 11-ounce .45 ACP moneyclip? what's not to like? (Other than the fact that I can't buy 3 or 4, that is.)
Edit: Whoa! Hey! The guns might be small, but the pics on their page came in a bit on the obese side. Perhaps one of our tech-savvy staff can assist with this, as it's beyond my meager skills.