Can anyone identify this critter?

[quinn]

This is way out of the usual forum postings. You all know the story. Went to the gun show last weekend. Got home and unpacked and... oh, what was I thinking?!?

This is a double (swivel) barrel muzzle loaded black powder derringer in the 36 cal. (31?) range. Aside from the rough millwork on the sides, it is pretty well made. There is a latch underneath that allows the barrels to rotate and slide forward. This exposes the nipples. The hammer has a very solid carry notch allowing safe carry in capped/loaded mode. Aside from a serial number on the butt, there are no markings of any kind. The grips are molded plastic. The gun is steel... appears to have been cast then touched up with a coarse mill.

Did some research on the web. The profile and operation looks like the old Frank Wesson derringer. Other than that??? Any info would be sorely appreciated.

 

[gwpercle]

Looks like a Classic Arms Twister Pistol derringer. Dixie Gun works sells a kit with white grips just like the one in photo. $155.00 for the kit. Not sure if they sell a completed gun. Skill level for assembly of kit is 1, can't be too hard.
The one you have is in need of some polishing and a finish and you will be good to go. It is 36 cal. and is a smoothbore. Dixie has instructions on finishing it. Nifty little piece , should be a lot of fun !
Gary

 

[quinn]

Gary. Thanks for the info. I had looked at Dixie's web site to see if I could find anything like it but didn't see the one you are talking about.

PS. Ain't this forum wonderful?

 

[Muley Gil]

Gary. Thanks for the info. I had looked at Dixie's web site to see if I could find anything like it but didn't see the one you are talking about.

PS. Ain't this forum wonderful?

Page 104 of my 2014 Dixie catalog. Item number PH1403.

 

[Frank46]

The reason it looks so rough is that the owner was/is supposed to do the actual finish work. Bought a few like that, finished them up and gave them as Christmas presents.

 

[gwpercle]

Gary. Thanks for the info. I had looked at Dixie's web site to see if I could find anything like it but didn't see the one you are talking about.

PS. Ain't this forum wonderful?

Dixies internet catalog isn't worth doodly-squat, I saw it in their kit section but couldn't get to anyplace else on that site to see if they sold a completed Twister.
I need to buy a new paper catalog, they got all kinds of neat stuff in there....net catalog sucks.
Gary

 

[gwpercle]

The reason it looks so rough is that the owner was/is supposed to do the actual finish work. Bought a few like that, finished them up and gave them as Christmas presents.

How do they shoot ? Seems like an interesting/fun gun.
And they look good to boot.

 

[Frank46]

Really don't know how they shoot. Guys I gave them to hung them on the wall and as far as I know they are still there. I did do up a pepperbox for a friend and cautioned him to use wads on top of the ball to prevent chain firing. He took it with him when he went hunting and shot it in the woods. No problems. Frank