Derringer Info

[Modoc]

Hey Pards,

I'm looking at getting a Derringer and wondering which one to purchase.  I am looking at a 32 H&R mag, because we already have a supply of 32 S&W Shorts for my father's top-break.  This will be primarily used for CAS and as  a back-up for CCW when the primary is too large.

Thanks,

[Rusty Spurr]

I saw a deringer in 32 H&R called the Cobra at our local gunshop.
It was a 2-shot tip-up like the remingtons.
I'm thinking about getting one in either 38 or the 32 like you.
It looked like it was well-made, looked good, and was very affordable at around $120.00.
Check out all their deringers on their website.
They have quite a few different calibers and barrel lengths.
They also have some nice looking semi's
Hope this helps you.

[PlacitasSlim]

I have two American Derringers and am very happy with them. They are built like tanks, but smaller than the Bond. I have heard negative comment about the Cobra over the years, but personally have nothing to base that on.

[Doc Neeley]

I had a cobra and sold it. It's fine but has a trigger of about a 20# pull. I prefermy little S&W new departure for side matches and dog walking.

[Driftwood Johnson]

I have a Davis in .38 Special. The Davis is the same as the Cobra, new company name, same gun.

The Davis does indeed have 20 pound trigger pull. I would put it closer to around 30. The angle on the sear has been purposely cut so that pulling the trigger back is forcing the hammer back a little bit farther against its spring. Most guns have this feature to a small extent, the Davis (and Cobra) have it to an extreme. I suspect they did it to keep accidental discharges to a minimum with such a small gun. By pulling down slightly when pulling the trigger, one can compensate slightly for this design defect/feature. I usually pull the trigger with the index fingers of both hands. In addition my Davis is highly innaccurate, the two barrels do not print anywhere near the same spot. I have difficulty hitting the side of a barn with it from inside the barn.

In truth, I don't shoot my derrigner very much, it is part of my costume and I carry it in a holster built into my suspenders but I seldom shoot it. I only paid around $100 for it, used. I don't think a derringer makes a particularly good self defense gun, they are innacurate and you must be very carefull when loading them. Be sure the hammer is on half cock when loading. Otherwise, one firing pin will be shoved forward by the hammer when you close it. Closing it too quickly could be a problem. Personally, if I was walking the dog, I would slip my S&W Chief's Special, or Browning Pocket Auto in my pocket. More firepower and safer.