I'm so confused!

[Deceasedeye]

As there is to much technical info for me in regards to ammo I know many of you love it. So here goes, I have a Bond Arms derringer, it has two barrels each has two chambers, one is 357/38 the other 45/410. My question is which one or which combo is best for SD? I have some 410 SD ammo and all the other rounds, I never quite know how to load up, to many choices. What's your choice and why? I use it as a back up.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Not a fan of derringers. I would tend to agree with 16thVACav that controllability should be the first priority. I don't know what kind of SD ammo you have for the .410 but I would stay away from shot loads. I seriously doubt they'd have much effectiveness from such a short barrel, except maybe as a snake load if that's a concern.

Like with any gun, it would probably be best for you to get a variety of SD ammo that interests you and try them in your gun to see what you can handle and what you can hit your target with. Of course, that's easier said than done nowadays.

Just my opinion.

 

[Nevada Ed]

As mentioned, just two (2) shots for a SD weapon !! ??

Today, that style of weapon is mostly used outdoors by people as a light weight, easy to carry, "Snake Gun"............
if you HAVE to shoot the poor thing and not give it a chance to slither on, to help rid man of rodent problems.

Now if that snake follows you home.........
that is a very different ball game.

Best know what you are getting into if you do use it for SD......
if two shots don't end the problem or problems !!

 

[robertrwalsh]

I would not use EITHER for SD except in cases of extreme emergency and that was all I had available. That being said, if that's what floats your boat I would go with .38 special wadcutters. At least they won't break your fingers so you can practice with it a little bit without feeling stoopid.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Best know what you are getting into if you do use it for SD......
if two shots don't end the problem or problems !!

Or one shot because the gun went flying out of your hand after firing.

 

[s&wchad]

If I was going to limit myself to two shots, I'd choose the larger caliber (.45/.410). I'd probably use .45 Colt for SD and .410 skeet loads for snakes. I assume you've fired the gun with both barrels, shoot them reasonably well and can handle the recoil.

A friend of mine has a Bond .45/.410 and carries it out west for snakes. It's marginally smaller than a J frame, but it's heavy and requires cocking the hammer for each shot. The trigger pull really isn't conducive to accurate shooting. I looked up the specs and the 3-1/2" barreled version comes in at 21 ounces empty.

I think you'd be much better served carrying a five shot J frame in .38 Special or a compact semi-auto in 9mm. The titanium cylinder J frames only weigh about 12 ounces, they conceal nicely and they're much easier to shoot well.

 

[mikerjf]

I remember the first time I saw a 357 derringer. The guy said "Fire that and you'll never find it again."

 

[Deceasedeye]

I remember the first time I saw a 357 derringer. The guy said "Fire that and you'll never find it again."

Surprisingly enough due to it's weight the recoil is very manageable and it is fun to shoot in every calibre. It's like a block of stainless steel with a henge. I do understand all the disadvantages but if you are a freak for fine craftsmanship and made in America products don't pick one up (you have been warned)!

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Up close use the .410's made for SD . They have some Buck shot and some flat wafers . Up close they would be deadly , across a parking lot not so much . Anything much over 20 feet and I'd want a gun with more rounds . Derringers were originally made to be a last ditch weapon and were never meant to be a primary self defense weapon . Enjoy it for Yuk's but carry something else .

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Enjoy it for Yuk's but carry something else

Yup, high quality yuks is where it's at with derringers.

The only derringer I keep around for defensive purposes is an old High Standard .22 WMR 2-shot and that's because it drops into a robe pocket easily. But it never leaves the house and there are much bigger and better home defense guns strategically located. As noted, it's in a robe pocket only. Once I'm dressed it's hanging in a closet.

ATF approved: