In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Derringer Question

The DutchmanThe Dutchman Member Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭
edited February 2008 in Ask the Experts
Need a derringer. 38 Special. Any suggestions on waht to buy and how much I should pay?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • The DutchmanThe Dutchman Member Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A friend of mine is working for this older gentelman, cleaning out a garage for him. He found several pistols in a drawer and asked me to find out if any of them are worth salvaging. They are in varying stages of disrepair, down to one small semi auto that is a rusted piece of junk. I will be asking about several but this one was the first to catch my eye.

    It is a 4 barrel derringer with a rotating firing pin. I found a schematic for it at Numrich..It says that it is a replica Sharps 4 barrel derringer. Given the age of some of these other guns I am not sure that it is a replica.....anway, since I have not the ability to post a pic, this is my best description.

    - This is a 4 barrel derringer of .22 cal (not sure if short, L or LR)

    - The barrels are one piece and blued with serial # 312XX on the underside.

    - The frame is brass and marked "C. Sharps Pattent 1859" and 2 check marks on the left side of the frame and a matching serial number at the base of the grip.

    - The grips are plastic with a floral type of design.

    I am interested in knowing if this has any collecter value. The condition is fairly rough but it is shootable. My idea is more to clean it up and mount it in a shadow box. Just don't want to screw the guy if this is a real collectable. Thanks in advance for any help.

    NRA Life Member
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ruger41ruger41 Member Posts: 14,665 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    you can pick up a used Davis derringer for under $100 at gun shows or you can spend upwards of $300 for an American Derringer or Bond Arms Derringer. All 3 look like the Remington style double barrel derringer from the old west.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Henry0ReillyHenry0Reilly Member Posts: 10,892 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=92963976

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=92795378

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=92920262

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93089807
    I used to recruit for the NRA until they sold us down the river (again!) in Heller v. DC. See my auctions (if any) under username henryreilly
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slumlord44slumlord44 Member Posts: 3,702 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Davis is ok for the price. The Americian is a higher quality piece. I picked up one recently for around $280 as I recall. Like the quality. Works well. Accuracy is adequate for what it is. Barroom distances a man size target is no problem. I realy like the Bond, but they usually cost more.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,178 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Bond Derringer is built solid as a rock and has interchangeable barrels. I've got a 45 ACPand a 32 H & R Mag. About $375.00 so it's not the cheapest of the lot, but I think it's the best. Kind of on the heavy side also.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,159 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    One of my customers has been asking about a 410/45 colt two shot. I'd like to know what the recoil is like when lighting off the 410 buckshot loads. He seems to fixated on the buckshot thing but I really don't see it as all that good.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • XracerXracer Member Posts: 1,990 ✭
    edited November -1
    I fired a .38 Special derringer.....once!

    I don't even want to think about shooting a .45 or .410 one! [:0]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • iwannausernameiwannausername Member Posts: 7,131
    edited November -1
    Mobuck - someone I knew from the range used to carry one, he loaded the first barrel with #6 birdshot and the second with a 45lc. He figured a face full of birdshot would give him an excellent chance to get the f**k out of the situation...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Seriously, rethink a derringer for self defense.
    They look cool in the movies but are slow to get into action and line up, heavy for what they are and very easy to drop due to grip shape and absence of trigger guard and they are only two shot.
    The D.A. 22mag HiStandard at least allowed you to keep a secure grip while shooting.
    These guns are novelties that have been superseded by small, lightweight autos and revolvers that suit self defense better in every respect.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • glabrayglabray Member Posts: 679 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Small, light, and easy to carry in a belt holster. You won't even notice you are carrying it. You'll still be carrying it long after you'd have given up on carrying a big lump of steel. Recoil is no problem with either the .45LC or the .410 000 buck. They tend to shoot high, especially the upper barrel due to its positioning above your hand and the small grip. Only 2 shots but given that the probability of needing a gun at all is very small, needing more than 2 shots is even much smaller. At least you'll have it with you instead of home in a drawer.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stankempstankemp Member Posts: 509 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My advice - they really are marginal. Better to go with one of the Kel-Tek autos for small CC. If you wnat one for fun , try a Davis in 22LR (I have the Davis in 22WM and the short barrel just dosen't need the extra powder-can't get the pressure up for higher velocity). 22LR will be less pain too. Even the 22WM has a bit of a kick. Personally I like the look and quality of the better Derringers but they are heavy as pointed out previously.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.