American Derringer

[Joe S.]

Anyone use them? A buddy is giving me a shot at a 45/410 model M-1 with 3" barrel. It seems really solid, not quite as much as a Bond, but still solid. What yall think?

 

[Naphtali]

I owned one for several years in 44 Special. Probably because rifling was cast into the barrels, accuracy was appalling at seven yards. I kept it because, of course, no one in his right mind would use a derringer beyond "sticking in the victim's chest" range. You are correct that the machine is sturdy, reliable, and very safe.

Hope this helps.

 

[Joe S.]

Much obliged. Yea especially in the 45/410, with about an inch (maybe) of rifling, i am not expecting a tack driver. But for what it is, i think it'll do fine. Also may be good snake medicine with #6 birdshot

Anyone else?

 

[m657]

I've only fiddled with the 22 derringer styles.

Of variable quality depending on era and maker, the small caliber units occupy an odd position I once heard described in unflattering terms, something on the order of 'all the disadvantages of inadequate caliber yet with all the liability of an actual firearm'.....

but those were the 22s....

Have you shot this one enough to determine what it will do across the poker table?

 

[eveled]

I like derringers, I have always wanted one, but when I have the chance to get one I always let it slip by. I don't want to be tempted to carry it, when there are such obvious better choices. They aren't much smaller than a J frame or LCR. Not saying you can't have a gun just because you want it, just saying they aren't real practical. Ed

 

[Joe S.]

My EDC is a LCR. It wouldnt be replaced. But the 45 would just be another one to carry. LCR in waist/ pocket, 22 mag in other pocket, 45 in ankle holster or if in the woods on my hip loaded with birdshot for snakes. Haha

No really...


I havent shot it yet because my wife dont let me play poker and i dont want to dirty it up before it is actually mine. As it is unfired.

 

[George Tucker]

I have one in 45ACP, have had it for quite a spell, very well made, there made in Waco Texas, George.

 

[Ruger Packer]

I had one in .38 Special for a long time before I obtained my CCW permit. Then I carried it in an inside coat pocket. I sold it about a year ago ONLY because due to a pinched nerve in my arm/hand it got to the point I didn't have the strength to cock it with just one hand. It was accurate enough at 5 yards for its intended purpose. I could hit a paper plate all day long. As George said, very well made and made in Waco, TX. When I sold it I got more for it than what I paid for it. So I was happy with the deal.

 

[Joe S.]

Good deal. Thanks yall!

Looks like this one is from around 1995 according to some accessory paperwork it comes with.

 

[mohavesam]

Had one in 357M, but I never fired anything but 38+P good stuff through it. Built like a tank. These guns are hand-built, one at a time.
BTW, I've never seen one with "cast-in" rifling. Mine was accurate enough for "press against target" range, and that is what they can do. I guess some buy them for other reasons, like dress-up cowboy shoots. They are not target guns, if anyone here needs to be told.

 

[Joe S.]

Yea the accuracy doesnt bother me too mic. I'd imagine a smoothbore would be good to 5-7 feet or so. Just dont want the trigger falling out when i cock it. Lol

 

[Number9]

Ya never say never! :mrgreen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKkKcWA1UMo

 

[protoolman]

I am not familiar with cast rifling. It doesn't sound right. I'm not even sure how it could be done? Anyway, just like the video someone posted of Bob Munden shooting at 65 yards, don't give up yet! No one ever told me when I was younger that derringers were supposed to be inaccurate. I had an old .38 special FIE derringer (cheap) that I regularly shot at 25 yards with 5" accuracy. My father in law told me he didn't like derringers when I showed it to him one day. He said they were too innaccurate. So I paced off 25 yards, put a softball sized snowball on top of a snowbank and returned to the porch. I then fired one shot with the top barrel exploding the snowball. I suggest you steady up you hand on a bench and sight carefully and see what it will do. You may be pleasantly surprised. Check both barrels shoot about the same place too. If they don't practice with the top one and keep the lower barrel as your second shot or vice versa.

 

[Joe S.]

Thanks for the tip. I have no doubt that accuracy can be achieved but most folks dont shoot enough to become familiar so the gun gets blamed. At least thays how it is with my Charter 22 mag Dixie Derringer.

 

[Richbaker]

Yea the accuracy doesnt bother me too mic. I'd imagine a smoothbore would be good to 5-7 feet or so. Just dont want the trigger falling out when i cock it. Lol

A smoothbore would constitute a "short-barreled shotgun"...

 

[Ugly Hombre]

Mr. George how is the recoil on that 45 ACP ADC thunder stick.?

Do they have to call you "shatter hand" after you touch it off??

Always thought one of those would be fun to have.

 

[Joe S.]

I said that more for making a point that precision accuracy isnt necessary for the range this gun is likely to be used at...

 

[George Tucker]

Mine has Rifling. Recoil is not that bad.