Williamson .41 Derringer

PJ Hardtack · December 14, 2013, 05:22:04 PM

I just became aware of this neat little pistol.

The barrel slides forward and it uses either a .41 RF or steel chamber insert that takes a percussion cap. Might be time to offer repros of this little known derringer.
It's not a front stuffer and not a cartridge gun as we know them either. Of course, it would be banned in Kalifornia as it would be in Kanuckistan, but what a fun toy it would be.

ammodave · December 15, 2013, 10:44:57 AM

You mean like this http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/11/06/guest-post-the-williamson-derringer/. Kind of neat giving the shooter the option of using the percussion cap insert or firing the .41 rimfire metallic cartridge.

PJ Hardtack · December 15, 2013, 11:15:33 AM

Yep, that's the little gem! What a practical idea, offering the options of loose powder and ball or self contained cartridges. High time it was recreated.

I'm one of the few Canucks with a "grandfathered" 12(6) licence which allows me to own handguns with less than a 4" barrel, including derringers, snub nosed revolvers and .32 calibre handguns. The cut off date for this licence was 1995. These guns are MUCH more dangerous than my .44 magnums and guns with 4.14" barrels like my wife's Ruger SR9, dontchaknow .....

I've got a nice Great Western Arms derringer in .38 S&W (not Spl.) and I regard it as the ideal cartridge for the gun. Great fun with BP.
This "grandfathering" is little more than delayed confiscation as I can only sell it to another "grandfathered" owner. My wife cannot, inherit it unless the type predates 1945. In other words, my post 1945 PPK is a no-no, but if it was made pre-1945, it would be allowed.

Guns laws make a lot of sense, don't they? We better not pursue this topic as we'll get shut down for being too "political".

Blair · December 15, 2013, 02:17:19 PM

PJ,

Really neat idea!
.41 rim fire is not a very practical option these days.
What cal. would you suggest as an alternative that would be?
My best,
Blair

PJ Hardtack · December 16, 2013, 11:15:02 AM

.38 S&W, like my GW derringer. All the power you need in such a small gun. For the magna-maniacs, one chambered in .44 Russian might be the answer. Both could be loaded with bullets or RB.

I have fired a .45 Colt Derringer and I think it's a little over-the-top. Gives you hard smack on the palm and recoil recovery precludes a double-tap.

Blair · December 16, 2013, 12:45:07 PM

PJ,

I agree.
.32 or .38 S&W would be a good choice for the center fire cartridge in this small hand gun.
A round ball for the percussion insert "could" offer a challenge (buck shot maybe?). But then how accurate would one need to be within 6 feet?
It would be a fun firearm to play with, if for no other reason that to see what one could get out of it.
My best,
Blair

Pettifogger · December 18, 2013, 04:08:56 PM

Here's one that I have that was made in Texas. It is in .38 S&W. Only problem with these single shot derringers is that there is no market for them!

Blair · December 20, 2013, 05:24:50 PM

Pettifogger,

Makes it kind or tough to double tap a steel don't it?
Or is that just me?
My best,
Blair

Pettifogger · December 20, 2013, 06:15:41 PM

Nope, fire one round and then throw the gun at it.

PJ Hardtack · December 20, 2013, 06:53:54 PM

John Wilkes Booth wasn't handicapped with a single shot Derringer. One round is all it takes. Beats no gun at all.

Sort of like: "Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

Major 2 · December 20, 2013, 11:55:11 PM

This one is a 4 shot

Fox Creek Kid · December 21, 2013, 04:04:15 AM

At one time Wild Bill had a Williamson I believe in .41 Rimfire.

St. George · December 21, 2013, 11:15:40 AM

I think it was a .44 Hammond 'Bulldog'.

Scouts Out!

harleydavis · December 24, 2013, 09:52:35 AM

Quote from: Fox Creek Kid on December 21, 2013, 04:04:15 AM
At one time Wild Bill had a Williamson I believe in .41 Rimfire.

Wild Bill carried a pair of Williamson's at all times. It is felt that he may have had pockets sewn inside his waistcoats to carry them. I do have a pair myself. There are different versions of them, but they are all the percussion/rimfire.

PJ Hardtack · December 24, 2013, 06:51:01 PM

I'm glad we got that all straightened out ....

Now that we have established that single shot derringers were OK by Wild Bill, perhaps there might yet be a market for them today.

Pettifogger · December 24, 2013, 07:37:52 PM

Here's one you can stick in your waistband.

http://www.antiqueguns.com/auction/item.cgi?robles/robles-46046

PJ Hardtack · December 25, 2013, 10:57:46 AM

Great stocking stuffer for my wife!

I'll get right on that .....

harleydavis · December 25, 2013, 11:27:20 AM

hum,, only $10K? Well, pocket change I suppose. Now then, wonder how valuable my plain wood stocked versions are worth these day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PJ Hardtack · December 25, 2013, 03:01:24 PM

Something is worth what someone will pay for it. The market sets the price.

Who ever thought that clunker Winchesters and beat up Colts would be damn near worth their weight in gold?