Any Derringer fans out there?

[silentargus]

These two Butler .22 Short derringers (sorry for the fuzzy picture; taken with my netbook's webcam) have recently been passed along to me. I'm given to understand that they're not particularly valuable, but they have enormous sentimental worth.

I don't and wouldn't carry these or use them for self-defense or any other practical purpose, and I don't count them as part of my regular collection of guns for that reason. I don't want to subject them to that sort of wear and tear. They wouldn't be safe to carry by my standards in any case- the half-cock notch isn't very deep, and the guns have very light triggers.

They are, however, rather fetching to look at and fun to shoot... I've only shot them a few times, however, in part because they're in outstanding condition and I'd like to keep them that way.

I would like to get my hands on one of those NAA mini-revolvers though. I love little mechanical things and a miniature revolver to me would be just about the coolest thing ever next to my growing collection of z-scale model trains. I remember seeing even smaller revolvers in Liliput catalogs when I was way too young to buy guns, and I was absolutely devastated when their catalogs stopped coming because I figured I'd never get a chance at anything like that again. When I found out about the NAA minis they jumped onto my wishlist instantly. Would I carry it? I'm not sure- but everyone needs a fun gun or ten.

 

[biohazurd]

I got a .357 bond arms derringer but its more of a novelty then an actual defensive weapon. You guessed it, gift.

 

[NightSleeper]

I've fired 3 or 4 different derringers over the years ....and I don't get the attraction ...??

Because you're not firing the right kind. A .45 derringer?? C'mon people ....

Derringer's are very small guns. They aren't easy to manage in larger calibers. I own a Cimmaron in .22 Win Mag (with exchangeable .22 LR barrels). It handles like a dream, one handed, extremely accurate at 10 yards or less.

I know most people are caught up in the 'bigger is better' mentality when it comes to handguns. It's best to keep that mentality for full frame semi-autos or revolvers (like I do). For a derringer, smaller caliber is better.

 

[breed]

i paid a little under $100 out the door for my cobra .38 and have no problem what so ever slipping it in my back pocket and running to the store. I've got my self out of some pretty bad spots with a lot less.