Why do derringers suck so bad?
- Thread starter CARRY'IN
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i used to own a darringer , and i actually liked it . i never took it to the range to shoot at targets with it - i shot it in the woods a few times when camping so i knew that it would shoot and hurt who ever i shot with it if it ever came to that , and it fit nicely in my pocket ? lost it on a bet to a buddy years ago tho . i dont have anything bad to say about the gun at all.
Hawk
Member
I love zombie threads. Sometimes they're timed just right.
I bought an American Derringer yesterday - a sort of political purchase as I appreciated Elizabeth Saunders attitude during the dark times. Anyhow, it came with a pink jewelry box and no instructions.
Not that it was all that hard to figure out but I remain curious about:
It appears the hammer doesn't rebound. I've got a mental picture of the thing discharging when closing like a mortar. Does one have to remember to ease the hammer back or was I just not pushing hard enough on what appeared to be a fully projected firing pin?
Is there a barrel selector or does it somehow "know" to alternate from top to bottom and back?
Is it really possible to operate (accidentally) like a mortar?
I could likely figure it out if I actually shot it but y'all know what the ammo situation is like so I'm going to take the easy way out and ask the assembled derringer gurus.
I bought an American Derringer yesterday - a sort of political purchase as I appreciated Elizabeth Saunders attitude during the dark times. Anyhow, it came with a pink jewelry box and no instructions.
Not that it was all that hard to figure out but I remain curious about:
It appears the hammer doesn't rebound. I've got a mental picture of the thing discharging when closing like a mortar. Does one have to remember to ease the hammer back or was I just not pushing hard enough on what appeared to be a fully projected firing pin?
Is there a barrel selector or does it somehow "know" to alternate from top to bottom and back?
Is it really possible to operate (accidentally) like a mortar?
I could likely figure it out if I actually shot it but y'all know what the ammo situation is like so I'm going to take the easy way out and ask the assembled derringer gurus.
scbair
Member
Hawk, YES it could discharge if you slam the barrels closed on a protruding firing pin!
ALWAYS place the hammer in the "safety notch" position and engage the spring-loaded crossbolt safety before loading.
ALWAYS place the hammer in the "safety notch" position and engage the spring-loaded crossbolt safety before loading.
Hawk
Member
I'm actually surprised that my surmise about the thing firing on closing was accurate.
It looked easy enough to do I'm surprised it hasn't actually happened, or that I haven't heard about it happening.
Good info though - I'll exercise care. Is this common to all derringers?
It looked easy enough to do I'm surprised it hasn't actually happened, or that I haven't heard about it happening.
Good info though - I'll exercise care. Is this common to all derringers?
scbair
Member
Yes; if a firing pin is protruding (e.g., the hammer is fully down), and you load the chambers and "snap" it closed, any single-action derringer could discharge.
DutchmanDick
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2006
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- 179
I carry an original Colt #3 (Thuer) derringer, in .41 rimfire, loaded with a newer CBC/Navy Arms cartridge (plus I carry 9 spares). Granted, the .41 RF is no powerhouse, but contrary to popular myth, it is NOT so wimpy that it will bounce off a telephone pole at 15 feet. In fact, it will bury a slug fairly deeply in solid wood at that distance, and is quite capable of inflicting lethal wounds at point-blank range. It is strictly a "face gun" (i.e., you stick it in your target's face and pull the trigger), to be carried when a larger gun would be too indiscrete for carry (I can slip the derringer into a pants pocket and you can't even tell what it is, or hide it in the palm of my hand).
Yeah...I used to carry an old Remington Over-and-Under in.41 Rimfire.
It's a healthy-enough round...intended when in Derringers, for very close range or contact-wound situations.
In the later scenes of the film 'Mccabe and Mrs Miller', Mcabe shoots a BG right through the forehead with a likely .41 Rimfire, singleshot, from about five feet...
'Clip 6"..."In the Snow"
http://www.blinkbox.com/Movies/4060/McCabe-And-Mrs-Miller
It's a healthy-enough round...intended when in Derringers, for very close range or contact-wound situations.
In the later scenes of the film 'Mccabe and Mrs Miller', Mcabe shoots a BG right through the forehead with a likely .41 Rimfire, singleshot, from about five feet...
'Clip 6"..."In the Snow"
http://www.blinkbox.com/Movies/4060/McCabe-And-Mrs-Miller
Archie
Member
Why do derringers suck? Hmmm...
Wretched trigger pull. Even at powder burn range one can throw a round completely off target.
Wretched sights. Even allowing they are close range devices, they are so short one can hardly point them with any degree of certainty.
Typically bad safety features. Prone to fire at inopportune times.
Choice of managable recoil or suitable power. Can't really have both.
Size is not that much smaller than a .380 auto or .38 Special snubby.
That does it for me. Others may disagree.
Wretched trigger pull. Even at powder burn range one can throw a round completely off target.
Wretched sights. Even allowing they are close range devices, they are so short one can hardly point them with any degree of certainty.
Typically bad safety features. Prone to fire at inopportune times.
Choice of managable recoil or suitable power. Can't really have both.
Size is not that much smaller than a .380 auto or .38 Special snubby.
That does it for me. Others may disagree.
average_shooter
Member
Holy cow, this thread has been resurrected twice now!
Though admittedly the second time it had only been dead for a little over three months.
Though admittedly the second time it had only been dead for a little over three months.
KevininPa
Member
Wow
Like someone sort of stated before, this thread is still around? On the upside, it is good to know that someone uses "search".
Like someone sort of stated before, this thread is still around? On the upside, it is good to know that someone uses "search".
earlthegoat2
Member
Not that they suck, there are just many options out there that are generally better for the average person such as the Colt Detective Special.
I feel derringers are a nitch gun.
As a collector I have a few:
A Buffalo M1, Am Derringer DAD, Am Derringer Lady Derringer, NAA in .22 short, NAA 22LR, HJS Frontier 4, Braverman Stinger pen gun,a Downsizer LJS, Bond Arms Snake slayer 45C-410/.22/ .45ACP Barrels and a 209 Ignition Pistol.
Love them all.
also..A Semmerling LM-4, Cobre and a FIE D86C
As a collector I have a few:
A Buffalo M1, Am Derringer DAD, Am Derringer Lady Derringer, NAA in .22 short, NAA 22LR, HJS Frontier 4, Braverman Stinger pen gun,a Downsizer LJS, Bond Arms Snake slayer 45C-410/.22/ .45ACP Barrels and a 209 Ignition Pistol.
Love them all.
also..A Semmerling LM-4, Cobre and a FIE D86C
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content
Member
I have a Cobray Leinad Mod. D cal 45/410 , with 2 1/2 in shell capacity in 410, the 8.5 at 1200 fps holds a pattern of 6 inches at 15 feet (good for snakes). I carry the winchester super X hs 000buck 3 pellet. I guess a thick coat on a big man might stop them in winter. In my mind 15 feet is max. I will admit to removing the grips and nailing this baby to a fence post at first test fire (6 inch spikes with big washers lol) and rarely fire it one handed. It is my back up, camping/canoeing, good sturdy single shot a little large but handy. I've never fired a 45 in it I'm not that good a shot.
coltdoctor
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2009
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- 14
(They do suck. A 22 in a guys eye socket will kill him so your example is rather silly. The derringer is large compared to small pocket revolvers and autos is far harder to shoot multiple rounds with and is not accurate too boot. You would have to stick it in they guys eye socket as you put it to hit him at all.
Pat )
I used to work the door at a Bar. One guy shot another with his 22 right in the forehead. It bounced off and the guy with the headache pulled out his 9 and eliminated his problem. Another incident I am privvy to involved a 22 cal bullet stuck in a guys rib. it didn't exactly take him out of the fight. A range master showed me how to use a derringer. You basicly punch the guy with it and pull the trigger on contact. Other than that they are basicly useless.
Pat )
I used to work the door at a Bar. One guy shot another with his 22 right in the forehead. It bounced off and the guy with the headache pulled out his 9 and eliminated his problem. Another incident I am privvy to involved a 22 cal bullet stuck in a guys rib. it didn't exactly take him out of the fight. A range master showed me how to use a derringer. You basicly punch the guy with it and pull the trigger on contact. Other than that they are basicly useless.
theotherwaldo
Member
I still want one that works. I've dug up two while panning for gold in Southern Oregon - one from Louse Creek near Merlin, the other from Cow Creek at a site that's now a state park. They interested me enough that, when my 91-year-old neighbor gave me a steamer trunk that had a box and a half of .41rf, I borrowed an old Remington derringer from a friend's father and fired the half-box instead of selling them. I really liked it and I wish that someone made something similar today. The fairly large, soft, slow slug looked like it would do the job, if you did your part.
PRM
Member
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- Apr 14, 2008
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American Derringer
I have had one of the American Derringer's chambered in 45LC/410 for close to 19 years now. It has its place for what I primarily use it for. Loaded with .410 field shot it makes a great snake charmer out to about 5-7 yards. The .410 seems to be more comfortable to shoot in this gun than the 45LC. On times when I have carried it, other than on trips to the woods, I have loaded it with .000 buck. I have gotten good results with the .000 Buck at 7 yards on the range.
It a fun gun to shoot - I have loaded some 45LC cartridges with black powder and that is like the 4th of July every time you shoot it.
It would not be my first choice as a defensive weapon. No arguing, at the price they sell for today, there would be better options for the same money. But, my American Derringer has a unique place in my collection and most likely will continue to go on both field and fishing trips with me.
I have had one of the American Derringer's chambered in 45LC/410 for close to 19 years now. It has its place for what I primarily use it for. Loaded with .410 field shot it makes a great snake charmer out to about 5-7 yards. The .410 seems to be more comfortable to shoot in this gun than the 45LC. On times when I have carried it, other than on trips to the woods, I have loaded it with .000 buck. I have gotten good results with the .000 Buck at 7 yards on the range.
It a fun gun to shoot - I have loaded some 45LC cartridges with black powder and that is like the 4th of July every time you shoot it.
It would not be my first choice as a defensive weapon. No arguing, at the price they sell for today, there would be better options for the same money. But, my American Derringer has a unique place in my collection and most likely will continue to go on both field and fishing trips with me.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
I think mine sucks mainly because it is a smooth bore, not to mention there is no real sight.
Low Budget Shooter
Member
Dear THR,
Here's a bit of experience that might be helpful: On my first trip to the range with my derringer, I had a very tough time cocking, aiming, hitting, etc. But it didn't take much practice to get lots better with it than I was at first. So if you decide to try one, be sure to use it several times for your best feel of what it is like.
LBS
Here's a bit of experience that might be helpful: On my first trip to the range with my derringer, I had a very tough time cocking, aiming, hitting, etc. But it didn't take much practice to get lots better with it than I was at first. So if you decide to try one, be sure to use it several times for your best feel of what it is like.
LBS
Carl N. Brown
Member
I had a .38 derringer years ago. The barrels were not well regulated. At 60 yards, the centers of "groups" of the top and lower barrel were about eight to ten feet apart. With two .38 shotshell loads for closer shooting, it did ease my fear of snakes in the grass.
sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
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- 2,114
I have had at least one HS derringer around for years. I currently own two, one brand new in the box in the safe. The other rides in the shirt pocket of my uniform, accessible with either hand. With the grips taken off (the best modification you can make to one of these guns IMHO) It is the flattest, fastest and most reliable last ditch gun I have ever owned.
A contact shot would likely poke a pretty nasty hole and inflate your adversary to 30 PSI based on the horrific muzzle blast of the .22 Magnum out of that short barrel....Nothing to cock or manipulate, shoot out of a pocket if you need to and smooth and snag free on the draw. Its not really fun to shoot, somewhere around 14 rounds, I get a bruise on the palm of my hand and, I'm done playing with it.
Primary gun? No. Secondary gun? Maybe. Last ditch gun? Yeah, its not bad.
A contact shot would likely poke a pretty nasty hole and inflate your adversary to 30 PSI based on the horrific muzzle blast of the .22 Magnum out of that short barrel....Nothing to cock or manipulate, shoot out of a pocket if you need to and smooth and snag free on the draw. Its not really fun to shoot, somewhere around 14 rounds, I get a bruise on the palm of my hand and, I'm done playing with it.
Primary gun? No. Secondary gun? Maybe. Last ditch gun? Yeah, its not bad.
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