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Let's talk Derringers

Dump1567

Dump1567

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So yesterday my local shop had a Cobra made .38 spl. Derringer for $100. I've wanted a larger caliber Derringer for awhile (I already had a Davis .32) so $100 was a no brainer. This morning I took it out to shoot. It was horrible. Super heavy trigger pull (that actually pulls rearward and down). And I had to aim at the stomach at 4-5 yards to get a head shot. Definitely not what John Wayne did in the "Shootist".

I haven't shot my .32 Derringer in a few years, but I remember much the same lackluster accuracy.

I see Bond Arms make Derringers that seem to be all the rage. Are these any better? Or just good marketing?

I also don't see where these really fit into a self-defense role. I guess after you miss with your two shots, you put it in your sock and swing it wildly at your assailant.

The one I bought probably weights close to what a 5 shot airweight does. But no accuracy, horrible trigger, and two single shot rounds. The Bond Arms are even bigger and cost as much or more than a small auto. Not to mention the weight.

I guess I'll limit mine to novelty/nostalgia item. Or a back-up to my back-up.

The only thing that didn't ruin my morning of shooting was the countless of flawless rounds I put through my Ruger MKIII 22/45 I also picked-up yesterday.

What's your opinion of Derringers?

Pics of my 3:
is1CMkM.jpg


The one I shot today:
3lfSN8X.jpg
 
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I have a number of derringers. Three 22 Mags, Two 32's, One each:38 Special, 357mag. I found I could get "Under the table" accuracy (6 to 8 inch 4 shot group at 6' or less) with almost any ammo/any gun. For "Pistol accuracy" (4" or less, 4 shots, at 7 yards), it took time to find the ammo each derringer liked. My 38 special is an American Derringer, on the lines and patent of the High Standard double action model.

1)Start with cleaning the internals of the gun and lubricate properly, with a gun oil or gun grease (white lithium will do fine)

2) take several types/brands/velocities/weights to the range. I try to take 15 or more for a good variety.

3)Fire three shots of each ammo through each barrel. Each barrel at a separate target, or aim point on a big target. Keep Notes!

**If you found an ammo that groups well and prints both barrels the same, you are done! If not:

4)You can't change the barrel's regulation, so mix and match ammo until you find the combo that makes on acceptable group.

Example: My American Derringer 357 mag (Looks just like a Bond)has the two barrels printing 17" apart in elevation at 7 yards(21') a 110 grain Winchester 110 grain 357 prints lower barrel dead on, but upper barrel 17" high. With 158 gr LSWC non+P , the lower barrel prints 17" low and upper barrel dead on! So I mix the ammo and get acceptable groups! WARNING: If I reverse the ammo/barrel up they shoot 34" apart at 21'!

Hints from experience:
If possible avoid +P.
Use soft lead bullets.
Use heavier weight bullets.

Slow, Soft, heavy bullets stabilize best in light weight short barreled guns.

If nothing works, get rid of the gun, FAST!

Ivan
 
I don’t mess with Cobras but the Bond and the American Derringer are for the most part fine pieces of work. I haven’t had either that failed to shoot well. Where derringers shine are with calibers you can’t get a small revolver or auto in like 45Colt or 45acp.
 
Based on what I've read, Bond Arms Derringers are about as accurate as you can expect a Derringer to be given their short barrels and adequate at best triggers.

Hickock45 on YouTube has done videos on a few of the different models/chamberings available, so you can always check those out to at least give you an idea of what an otherwise skilled shooter is capable of pulling off with one.
 
I loved derringers when Have Gun Will Travel was first broadcast.

Years later, I got to shoot some.

They are miserable things in the real world, Richard Boone aside.

The best of the bunch was the High Standard double action 22.

Bond Arms makes very sturdy, huge, heavy derringers: not useful for any application I can imagine. Paladin wouldn’t have one.

Derringers seem more useful in fantasy than real life.
 
I had a .38 SPL derringer many years ago - I think it was an American Derringer (?). Could only hit the ground if it were pointed in the air (nearly shot myself in the foot while pointing at a target 10' away). I got rid of it quickly.

Now a Bond Arms .410 seems to make sense as a "last backup". I would never try a .45 Colt in one, though.
 
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While not a true Derringer, I owned a NA Arms Pug that shot .22 mag. rounds into a pie plate at 7 yards. As a last defense, it would be better than harsh words. At least I was hitting what I aimed at, and while a .22 mag may not be the ultimate defense round, well placed rounds would definitely slow an assailant. NAA makes a good product.
 
I share the OP's opinion:
I also don't see where these really fit into a self-defense role. I guess after you miss with your two shots, you put it in your sock and swing it wildly at your assailant.
Click to expand...

I've never seen any point, beyond the riverboat gambler charm, in a two-shot gun that is nearly as big and heavy as a J-frame. Especially if it isn't accurate and has a trigger like rusty pliers. Or shoots a caliber that recoils like a pile driver in that frame shape. A five- or six-shot snubby isn't that hard to conceal, and the trade-off in firepower, accuracy and shootability is well worth it to me.

I'll pass.
 
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Since the Ruger LCP is on the market I really can’t find any interest to a derringer. Not accurate, bad in the hand, slow to shoot...
For me it nothing more than funny and attractive shooting toy.
 
They are a curiosity, made at a time when it was the only small repeating big-bore handgun (think Remington .41). I could see a tiny one as a third backup but a small .22 semiauto like a Beretta 21A would do just as well, if not better.

The original photo tells a lot - the percussion gun is probably the easiest to shoot, and the most effective, of the group. :)
 
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