Derringers? Opinions?

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

I'm kindof interested in a very small pocket gun. The .41/.410 caliber is of particular interest to me. I'm curious for those that have them or have shot them (any caliber), what their opinions are?

-DallanC

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

My advise is to shoot one before you buy !!!

I shot a Bond Arms in .38 special with lightly loaded 158gr bullets...... wtf

I thought someone slipped a full tilt .357mag in the damn thing !!! Shocked

Don't think I care to ever pull the trigger on another one.
And as far as pulling the trigger goes...... better have a strong finger.

We had a guy come to the indoor range I go to with a pair of them in 410/45 Colt, had a really cool leather vest set up for cross drawing.
When he left he had 3 band aids and a dislocated finger !!!

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Really? It was that stout? I've watched a couple youtube videos of people shooting them and while it did look snappy, it didnt look unreasonable. I will take your advice though and shoot one before purchasing.

Thanks

-DallanC

slimjim · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:26 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

chambered221 wrote:

My advise is to shoot one before you buy !!!

Good advise. I took my son to the indoor range Wednesday to learn and shoot some .45 autos. The guy in the lane next to us had a whole bunch of new pistols and revolvers. He asked if I wanted to shoot them. The first was a .22 Magnum 5-shot revolver that fit in the palm of my hand. At 5 feet, the shot pattern looked like a shotgun at 25 yards. It was a challenge to hold on to but I could. Then he pulls out a new mini 9mm Kahr. I've been looking at this one with interest. It was too much to handle with one hand. It kicked up so much, the trigger guard was hurting my finger during recoil. Next was a Ruger LCP in .380. I thought the .380 would be better - NOT! I carry a Glock 9mm G26 sub-compact and was surprised how much more these kicked. Think I'll stick with my G26 as I can shoot it soooo much better.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

I thought about a .38 Special derringer but the LCP isn't much larger and holds 6 + 1. Not to mention you can fit a laser on it, which is a big plus! I've never found the recoil from it abusive.

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:15 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

I have several to include ;22lr,9mm,357mag,44mag,45 auto.The .45 auto is the most abusive with full house loads(7.0 grns of unique behind 185 gn jhp.22lr and 357 most accurate! Laughing

Vince · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:53 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

Rather than going smaller, I would be thinking about what is the biggest/bulkiest handgun I could carry comfortably concealed. I think a short barreled .45 auto is the way to go myself...but it all comes down to how well it needs to be concealed and how easy it will be to access if, heaven forbid, you ever need to draw it. If you aren't comfortable with a .45, then consider a .40 and so on until you decide on the biggest most brutal calibre you can carry, control, and that will do the job. Also, think about your wife...consider that she may wish to carry or need to use your gun one day...will she be able to use what is comfortable with you mate.

Good luck with your search for a carry gun Dallan.

Cheers, Vince

Ominivision1 · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 8:27 am Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

I also advise shooting one first before buying, I shot a Bond 45 colt using factory ammo and one shot was enough!!

44marty · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 8:49 am Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

DallanC wrote:

Really? It was that stout? I've watched a couple youtube videos of people shooting them and while it did look snappy, it didnt look unreasonable. I will take your advice though and shoot one before purchasing.

Thanks

-DallanC

For a small and very easily concealable handgun, I would recommend the Ruger LC9 instead of a derringer. Ruger got the grip (and grip angle) just right, so it is easy to shoot and follow-up shots are quick. The pistol has been nicely finished, with all possible "snaggy" edges rounded off. The safety is also snagproof yet still easy to work. Try shooting one and you will want to bring it home.

Contrast this with the S&W Bodygaurd .380. The safety is difficult to work, grip feels small in the hand, and felt recoil is much sharper. The laser button is also too hard to work in an emergency, unless you have some extra time to activate it. My girls love shooting mid-size .40's (Sig, S&W) but a couple rounds with the Bodygaurd, and they were done with that. They like the LC9 OK, but felt it does still have more recoil than the .40's.

Derringers look cool - the smaller the cooler-looking - but they belong in a display case.

chambered221 · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 10:26 am Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

Anything compact and easy to carry will come with a trade off !!!

It's a matter of finding what will work for you.
I carry a Kahr MK 40 most of the time (don't get a PM in the 40) and will admit it's a handful. Although I do practice with it I limit how many rounds I shoot at any given time.
My point is you should expect some discomfort and realize your not going to be able to control it as you would a full size.

Of all the compacts I've shot the Kahr has a unique way of getting back on target. Most compacts generally jump all over in an inconsistent manner. The Kahr seems to find it's way back on target rather easily.
Friends have watched me shoot it and always comment on how I'm capable of handling it. They'll shoot a few rounds and be done with it.
I try to explain to them to quit fighting it, accept it for what it is and ride it !!!

PaulS · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

Dallan,
I own a small 45 colt/410 single shot derringer made by Cobray.
It is not a "quality" firearm but it is great for when you don't want to leave enough evidence so you have to wait for and explain to the police why you had to dispatch some mad dog. (also good for snakes with a 410 shotshell) I keep it loaded with a 410 slug which exits the very short barrel at nearly 800 fps and keep a couple of 45 colt "second shots" in the holster. The 45s leave the muzzle at 600 fps.
You may have trouble keeping it printing to a 2x2 foot target at 25 yards but at the ranges it is made to be used (poke and pull) it is lethal.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

44marty wrote:

For a small and very easily concealable handgun, I would recommend the Ruger LC9 instead of a derringer. Ruger got the grip (and grip angle) just right, so it is easy to shoot and follow-up shots are quick. The pistol has been nicely finished, with all possible "snaggy" edges rounded off. The safety is also snagproof yet still easy to work. Try shooting one and you will want to bring it home.

As much as I feel like a traitor to my beloved .45s, I agree with Marty that the LC9 is a perfect solution for those times when smaller is better. It completely disappears under even the lightest summer clothes and has reasonable horsepower (especially with Hornady Critical Defense ammo) combined with accuracy to solve most emergencies. I have put over 300 rounds of various makes through mine without a single failure. It isn't a "shoot a lot" pistol and can't match my 1911s for overall accuracy, but easily shoots into "minute-of-felon".

stovepipe · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

Up-close gut-gun time? Ya got two choices.

BOND: in 44spl or 45LC/.410

End of story.

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Derringers? Opinions?

I see where some manufacturer(s) are putting 3 to 5 OO buck into a 3" 410 shell-tie that with a bondarms derringer.......your gonna tear up something that your shooting at @ bellygun ranges! Shocked