Checked out a Double Tap .45 ACP

[mc5aw]

At the LGS this weekend I came across a new Double Tap in .45 ACP. Intriguing little gun that piqued my interest a couple years back when it was first promoted. It was a bit larger than expected, but maintained a flat profile, and seemed well suited for concealment. The most obvious drawback is its two-shot capacity, which makes it a modern age derringer. Beyond that limitation, it is a well crafted (aluminum or titanium) and easily alternates barrels (.45ACP and 9mm) by dropping a single pin. From what I have read and watched, recoil is stout, akin to a J-frame with hot loads and open backstrap or wood grips. It's designed as the ultimate back-up gun, so shooting a lot is not part of the equation. The model at my LGS was priced at $500, so it's roughly half of any S&W big bore snub, which was why I even ventured a glance. After actually handling the Double Tap, I think it's a fascinating update on the time-honored derringer, but question the overall practicality of buying one. My J-frames carry more rounds, are more comfortable to fire, and conceal well based on what grips they're wearing. That said, the DT might be a worthwhile investment for a back-up to the back-up, especially if a large caliber in a small package is the goal. For comparison purposes, I can't accurately put the DT up against a revolver, but rather something like the Bond Arms line of big bore two-shooters. The DT is significantly lighter (13oz-15oz) than any of the Bond offerings, and isn't nearing as clunky to carry. The interchangeable barrel idea is an excellent selling point for both the DT and Bonds, though alternate barrels aren't inexpensive. I've handled Bond derringers before, and though they're extremely high quality, the DT is definitely more ergonomic and better balanced for carry.

Just some thoughts on an oddity I came across.

The Double Tap site has some videos showing the DT in action.

DoubleTap Defense - Creators of DoubleTap?

 

[Kanewpadle]

I put one round through one a couple months ago. Just one.

No thanks!

 

[shouldazagged]

I put one round through one a couple months ago. Just one.

No thanks!

I'm sure .45 ACP out of a small 13-15 ounce gun is brisk. And is there a Pulitzer for euphemism?

 

[kaaskop49]

attn mc5aw

Hi again. Many thanks from a derringer fan for your informative post. While the Double Tap is thin and lightweight, I was surprised by the large 'footprint' of the gun when I inspected it at my LGS. The American Derringer and Bond offerings are thicker in the grip, helping to deaden recoil a smidge.

Thanks for agreeing the Bond is too heavy for useful pocket carry. I removed the trigger guard on mine, had the frame shortened by Bond, and installed the short .45LC barrel. Still too heavy. My ideal is my ADC Model 10 in .45ACP. Custom built, aluminum frame, about 11oz. Nice.

Don't see myself getting the Double Tap, but thanks again for your write-up!

 

[Bugkiller99]

I'm sure .45 ACP out of a small 13-15 ounce gun is brisk. And is there a Pulitzer for euphemism?

Hmmm. BRISK you say? That's a good word. Might be better, but not here.
..

 

[kaaskop49]

Big bore derringer recoil

.45 caliber in a derringer? It CAN be managed if you want to do so. Elizabeth Saunders of ADC recommends 6 rounds max at a session and she is correct. There are too many "old wives' tales" that influence us unduly. "The .22 rimfire mag in a handgun will deafen you even with ear protection" is another. Enjoy our hobby wisely and responsibly and leave these old saws at the door to the range.

 

[eveled]

I have always wanted a .38 special deringer, but passed one up last week. The j frame makes so much more sense when you look at the big picture.

I would pass on any deringer at this point in my life. 5 shots of .38+p in almost the same sized package beats 2 shots of anything IMHO. Ed

 

[MOONDAWG]

I'll pass on this one; they're as much fun to shoot as punching a brick wall with bare knuckles.

 

[A10]

I'll pass on this one; they're as much fun to shoot as punching a brick wall with bare knuckles.

Punching a brick wall with brass knuckles CAN be managed if you want to do so. Wile E. Coyote of WB Corp recommends punching no less than 6 times per session and he is correct. It is important that we not pay attention to some of the "old roadrunners tales" associated with our hobby.......

 

[shouldazagged]

There are too many "old wives' tales" that influence us unduly. "The .22 rimfire mag in a handgun will deafen you even with ear protection" is another. Enjoy our hobby wisely and responsibly and leave these old saws at the door to the range.

As someone who is damn near stone deaf in his left ear and has substantial high-frequency hearing loss in the right due to many years of unmuffled muzzle blast, I think shooting any handgun without ear protection, except when it's necessary to save one's butt, is foolish at best.

I wish I'd known as a youngster that it does cumulative, irreversible damage. It wouldn't have affected my hunting, but I'd have done a lot less casual handgun shooting without at least a good set of earplugs.

The .22 Magnum round in a revolver is loud and sharp--at 157 decibels, it's slightly louder than a .44 Special, or .308 or .30-30 rifle. Those who don't care about cumulative hearing loss are welcome to shoot it without ear protection. This deaf old man doesn't do stuff like that anymore.

 

[Waywatcher]

I would think that a .45 doubletap, using handloads of a DEWC at moderate velocity would make for a potent combination that is at once easier to control than factory hardball and hits with more authority on the other end. Loads do exist for the Auto Rim, it would be as simple as loading them into ACP brass.

 

[mc5aw]

Capacity-wise the DT reminds me of a derringer ... aesthetics-wise it is reminiscent of the Liberator. I wonder if 185s would be much tamer than 230s.

 

[Ranger514]

That thing makes a Glock look pretty

 

[Stephanie B]

I think there was video last year of a Double-Tap .45 doubling.

 

[getoff]

a friend of mine, 6'4" and every bit of 250 lbs got one. he has worked in LE and is prior spec ops. he put 1 round through his. 1. it promptly went up for sale...

 

[texmex]

I have one of these in 45ACP. It is a lot of fun to let someone else shoot it. Then that person always gets someone else to try it. The fun just goes on and on. The gun does not move much in recoil. It is actually painful to shoot. 4 rounds is the most I have fired in one session. A glove helps. I have noticed on their web page, there is a rubber sleeve available to give it a little more substantial grip. I also noticed they are sold out of them. Duh! To me, this is purely a back up gun. If you are carrying a 45ACP or 9MM pistol as primary, it makes a pretty good back up. It is ambidextrous and it could be reloaded from the magazines of the primary weapon. There are small 9 MM autos that would also fill this role, but in 45ACP, it is about as small as it gets. It may not be pleasant to shoot, but it would be much more unpleasant to be shot with. As a last ditch backup or hide out gun, it has a lot of bang for the buck. As an off duty or pocket concealment piece, I'd rather have a J frame Airweight 38 or even 357. The Doubletap does have it's niche.

 

[Cyrano]

I'm sure .45 ACP out of a small 13-15 ounce gun is brisk. And is there a Pulitzer for euphemism?

General Hatcher called it 'brusque".