Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-14-2023, 12:37 AM
dsf dsf is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Escaping CA to OR in 2024
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1,165
Liked 1,466 Times in 592 Posts
Default Derringers

I have a Bond in 45 Colt and an American Derringer in 45 ACP, just bought this Remington made (batch #728) in 41 Rimfire -

IMG_0852.jpg

All original, everything works.

I went into it knowing that getting ammo would be a PITA. A few on line companies sell brass modified to take 22 blanks as primers. Best one is in France, can't figure out how to get them to ship to US. They have every country in the world listed, but not US.

Anyone else have a a 41 and reload for it?
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 11-14-2023, 01:07 AM
45Smashemflat 45Smashemflat is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 144
Likes: 40
Liked 278 Times in 80 Posts
Default

I had an ADC M1 in 45ACP. Quite the brick!

Neat gun, not the CCW I thought it might be. Traded it for a Benelli M1 after a few years.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-14-2023, 11:44 AM
sigp220.45's Avatar
sigp220.45 sigp220.45 is online now
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 27,927
Liked 33,852 Times in 5,285 Posts
Default

I have one, but I haven’t tried the french set up for the same reason as you.

Mine has the cracked hinge and a period repair, so I wouldn’t shoot it much anyway. I found some of the Navy Arms rounds and shot it a couple of times just to say I did.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4320.jpg (85.4 KB, 41 views)
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 11-14-2023, 06:06 PM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Demon-class planet
Posts: 7,403
Likes: 29,169
Liked 8,461 Times in 3,772 Posts
Default

I've never seen a Remington D/D in such great condition. There was .41RF ammo available at one time. Old Western Scrounger might have carried it. IIRC, Fiocchi may have produced it.

Lovely gun, but of course it's a relic. That hinge is the weak point in the design. I might fire a couple of factory rounds just to say I did it, like the above poster. But that's about all.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-15-2023, 11:35 AM
desi2358 desi2358 is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 36,401
Liked 936 Times in 497 Posts
Default

I own one but I've only shot 41 rimfire out of it. Since I also collect and sell ammo I often find partial boxes so I have built up a small stash for occasional use (full boxes have gotten too pricey for me to break into for shooting).

Dixie Gun Works had the cases that used a 22 blank for a primer for years. Have you checked there? I considered buying some a while back, just never got around to doing it. Considering the design of the gun I would simply stick with black powder and a round ball if I ever do start loading for it. It's a simple, easy to clean design even with black powder. Some of the original loads I've shot through mine were black powder and cleanup was simple.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-15-2023, 01:08 PM
Old cop Old cop is online now
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,814
Likes: 4,242
Liked 15,220 Times in 4,166 Posts
Default

Anyone remember Yancey Derringer, the TV cowboy/gambler from the ‘50s that made the derringer stylish? They are a very cool piece of history but there are much better choices for EDC.
__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Last edited by Old cop; 11-15-2023 at 09:00 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 11-15-2023, 03:45 PM
ISCS Yoda's Avatar
ISCS Yoda ISCS Yoda is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 2,499
Liked 13,208 Times in 4,578 Posts
Default



I've had that derringer for many years, with that original box of ammunition. To me it's just a historical novelty and I would never consider firing it.

Back in my cowboy action days we ran side matches with derringers and you could use almost anything in the right caliber and I can tell you that I wouldn't own or shoot any of those modern derringers because outside of competition for fun I think they're useless. Hard to cock hammers, nasty recoil, who needs that in a defensive handgun?

Then there is this but that's a whole nuthuh smoke as we say.....





And, yes, I have the AOW tax stamp and..........

YES! I remember Yancy Derringer, I loved him and Pahoo, and around a year or so ago I watched every episode on TUBI.
__________________
Come and take it!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 11-15-2023, 04:03 PM
ISCS Yoda's Avatar
ISCS Yoda ISCS Yoda is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 2,499
Liked 13,208 Times in 4,578 Posts
Default

Side note:

John Wayne's character in the Shootist carried a derringer that was probably a .41 rimfire and that's probably what Richard Boone carried as Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel. Gene Hackman ("John Herod") had a .41 rimfire derringer also in 1995's The Quick and the Dead. Although from the pictures one could surmise that he was actually holding a .22 caliber gun.

I checked the IMFDB and I am correct about the three 1866 Remington derringers in .41 caliber except for the visual noted above in re Gene Hackman's actual gun rather than what it was supposed to be.
__________________
Come and take it!!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-15-2023, 06:11 PM
locolobo56 locolobo56 is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Angleton Tx
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
Liked 123 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Daughter-in-law has a Bond, I think, 44 mag/410. Damned thing kicks like a mule. Coupla rounds, one each 44/410, was all I could take. I guess 2-1/2" shot with #1 buck might do the trick though.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-15-2023, 09:01 PM
nutsforsmiths nutsforsmiths is offline
SWCA Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 220
Liked 1,315 Times in 356 Posts
Default

I have a Remington Model 95 Derringer that looks a lot like the one Sigp220.45 posted above. It too had a cracked hinge. It came with a bunch of non-working pistols and frames. Didn't have any grips when I got it, so bought some reproduced ones. Everything was frozen, so cleaned it up and it functions fine now.

Don't think I'd shoot it, but would love to find some ammo to display with it.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-15-2023, 09:13 PM
S-W4EVER's Avatar
S-W4EVER S-W4EVER is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 8,617
Liked 1,662 Times in 604 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
Anyone remember Yancey Derringer, the TV cowboy/gambler from the ‘50s that made the derringer stylish? They are a very cool piece of history but there are much better choices for EDC.
Yup, like a J Frame...
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 11-16-2023, 02:32 AM
dsf dsf is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Escaping CA to OR in 2024
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1,165
Liked 1,466 Times in 592 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45 View Post
I have one, but I haven’t tried the french set up for the same reason as you.

Mine has the cracked hinge and a period repair, so I wouldn’t shoot it much anyway. I found some of the Navy Arms rounds and shot it a couple of times just to say I did.
Funny thing. On my work computer I can't get to a US address. On my home computer (Chrome) the info auto-completes when I enter my name. I bought the kit, although I think with all my reloading stuff I could cobble together something and some extra cases, bullets. Just need to find some GOEX and acorn blanks.

Guess this makes my reloading for the 25 ACP pretty mainstream.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-16-2023, 02:35 AM
dsf dsf is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Escaping CA to OR in 2024
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1,165
Liked 1,466 Times in 592 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by desi2358 View Post
I own one but I've only shot 41 rimfire out of it. Since I also collect and sell ammo I often find partial boxes so I have built up a small stash for occasional use (full boxes have gotten too pricey for me to break into for shooting).

Dixie Gun Works had the cases that used a 22 blank for a primer for years. Have you checked there? I considered buying some a while back, just never got around to doing it. Considering the design of the gun I would simply stick with black powder and a round ball if I ever do start loading for it. It's a simple, easy to clean design even with black powder. Some of the original loads I've shot through mine were black powder and cleanup was simple.
Checked Dixie, out of stock.

You'd think someone might make a chamber & barrel insert to shoot 22 Mag from the thing.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-16-2023, 09:02 AM
Greyman50's Avatar
Greyman50 Greyman50 is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,762
Likes: 13,026
Liked 6,169 Times in 2,430 Posts
Default

Many years ago a good friend LEO was awarded a 45 Colt derringer by a judge. He brought it over to my range and we shot it. 1 round was all either of us could manage. Grip is just too small and cartridge has unmanageable recoil. Most
LEO’s I knew carried a Hi Standard 2 shot 22 Mag in an “ extra” handcuff case on duty belt, this was in the 70’s.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 11-16-2023, 09:24 AM
Glenn R. McMannly's Avatar
Glenn R. McMannly Glenn R. McMannly is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: Missouri
Posts: 254
Likes: 514
Liked 801 Times in 161 Posts
Default

I’ve got a bond in .410 and loaded with buckshot defense ammo, it is NOT something to sneeze at.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-16-2023, 03:44 PM
alwslate alwslate is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 3,726
Liked 7,235 Times in 3,015 Posts
Default

Way back in the late 60s I had one of the cheap import derringers in .22 LR. Usual point of impact difference between barrels, a toy, not for SD at more than arm's length but better than nothing. A .25 auto is a better choice.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-16-2023, 04:04 PM
deadin's Avatar
deadin deadin is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ocean Shores, WA, USA
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 201
Liked 5,067 Times in 1,770 Posts
Default

I tried to import a 9mm Pinfire reloading kit from France. (Cases, pins, primers, primer holder, slugs and a couple of tools.) I knew that they wouldn't be allowed to ship the primers, so I had a friend in France pick up a kit and remove the primers before shipping it to me.
Anyway the shipment was turned back by US Customs because they don't allow cases or slugs to be imported without a special license.
Could be that HC-collectors just don't want to fool with our customs.....
__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-16-2023, 09:43 PM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is online now
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,720
Likes: 12,861
Liked 39,494 Times in 10,053 Posts
Default

I came across a used Cobra with both 22lr and 22 mag barrels for $120 in a shop. I got another project up my sleeve
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 11-16-2023, 10:35 PM
sigp220.45's Avatar
sigp220.45 sigp220.45 is online now
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 27,927
Liked 33,852 Times in 5,285 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greyman50 View Post
Most LEO’s I knew carried a Hi Standard 2 shot 22 Mag in an “ extra” handcuff case on duty belt, this was in the 70’s.
Yep, Onion Field guns.

I knew undercover guys who carried the HS .22 Magnum because it didn’t look like a cop gun and it was so loud if they corked one off they were sure their backup guys would hear it.
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 11-17-2023, 12:47 AM
dsf dsf is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Escaping CA to OR in 2024
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1,165
Liked 1,466 Times in 592 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by deadin View Post
I tried to import a 9mm Pinfire reloading kit from France. (Cases, pins, primers, primer holder, slugs and a couple of tools.) I knew that they wouldn't be allowed to ship the primers, so I had a friend in France pick up a kit and remove the primers before shipping it to me.
Anyway the shipment was turned back by US Customs because they don't allow cases or slugs to be imported without a special license.
Could be that HC-collectors just don't want to fool with our customs.....
Well, I'll find out shortly. They shipped, without the 22 acorns.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-17-2023, 12:52 AM
Glenn R. McMannly's Avatar
Glenn R. McMannly Glenn R. McMannly is offline
Member
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: Missouri
Posts: 254
Likes: 514
Liked 801 Times in 161 Posts
Default

I owned one of the High Standard .22 Win Mag derringers for some time.

It was junk. Light strikes and the barrels hit about a foot apart at 5 yards.

I would MUCH, MUCH rather have a Bond Arms loaded with 3” .410 buckshot ammo as an “onion fields”.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 11-17-2023, 02:11 AM
Imissedagain's Avatar
Imissedagain Imissedagain is online now
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 3,488
Liked 4,245 Times in 1,902 Posts
Default

Our HS 22 Mag has always fired in over 4 decades.
Keep ammo in the range bag and take it often.

Would be nice to test in a Ransom Rest.
Might need a Dodge Hemi and some 1/2" anchor chain,
to pull the trigger.
__________________
Have Fun/Stay Safe

Last edited by Imissedagain; 11-17-2023 at 02:14 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 11-17-2023, 02:47 PM
deadin's Avatar
deadin deadin is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ocean Shores, WA, USA
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 201
Liked 5,067 Times in 1,770 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dsf View Post
Well, I'll find out shortly. They shipped, without the 22 acorns.
Interesting...
Are they shipping to someone with an Import license?
(ATF Fortm 6 Part 1 (5330.3A)
Submitted in triplicate (3 pages)
__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 11-17-2023, 05:15 PM
ISCS Yoda's Avatar
ISCS Yoda ISCS Yoda is offline
US Veteran
Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers Derringers  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 2,499
Liked 13,208 Times in 4,578 Posts
Default

Quote:
Glenn R - It was junk. Light strikes and the barrels hit about a foot apart at 5 yards.

I would MUCH, MUCH rather have a Bond Arms loaded with 3” .410 buckshot ammo as an “onion fields”.
I have two, one is completely NIB, the other is shown above. These are NOT five yard guns if you're talking target accuracy but they are not junk.

Here's an interesting quote:

Quote:
Bear in mind that this was not designed as a target pistol, but rather a deep concealment or back up carry piece (also called a BUG, or Back-Up Gun). It’s intended for use at bad breath distance while under stress. Match grade triggers and sights are not needed with these little guns.
© Breach Bang Clear

I have mentioned this before but it is a story worth repeating. Quite a few years ago these High Standard .22 magnum derringers were under discussion on this Forum and a Forum member, whose "name" I have forgotten, told the following story:

He was shot down over Vietnam and captured. Two NVA soldiers were escorting him to a POW camp somewhere and they had disarmed him. However, they missed the derringer in his flight jacket's breast pocket. During their long walk one of the NVAs went behind a bush to relieve himself. Our Forum member pulled his derringer and shot the one captor that was with him in the eye, killing him instantly. The other came running but it was too late, our pilot already had the first guy's AK up and ready and it was lights out.

THAT is the correct use of a derringer - "bad breath distance".
__________________
Come and take it!!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 11-17-2023, 05:30 PM
rockquarry rockquarry is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,590
Likes: 4
Liked 8,935 Times in 4,144 Posts
Default

I bought a new High Standard .22 Magnum derringer around 1972. They were around forty or fifty dollars at the time. I bought one box of ammo with the gun. Right at dusk, I went to a large vacant field behind my apartment house to fire the gun, making sure it worked properly. I fired at a large paint can up close, missed it both times.

The blast and fireball were incredible. Never fired the gun again and sold it years later at a gun show.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Derringers..anybody like em? Backlighting Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 48 06-02-2019 08:10 AM
Let's talk Derringers Dump1567 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 64 04-20-2019 12:40 PM
Anyone like derringers? David LaPell Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 86 10-04-2018 10:12 PM
High Standard Derringers 6thtexas Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 54 08-22-2015 05:38 PM
Derringers Stevens Concealed Carry & Self Defense 45 11-08-2014 05:29 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:51 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)