Derringer as a bug

derringer as CCW

A derringer will fullfill rule #1 of a gunfight-have a gun. Mayber not in .357. What other guns do you have? If you already have a handgun, buy a derringer in the same caliber.
 
well, if i can get my hands on an LCR to try it out I may buy one. Otherwise I am in the 9mm camp for CCW. A few derringers available in 9mm. I would load with 38 even if i gpt a 257. I have a 6 inch GP100 for hunting and it is not easy to shoot, I cant imagine a 357 out of a derringer. But I prefer to buy the most verstile gun available which meets my needs.
 
Only 2 shots single action and slow into use. Lot better choices in a small BUG I carry Kel Tec 380 more shots, lighter ,yet controlable 38spl from derringer not going to be a power house.
I belive derringers have had their day To many small pistols out their
 
IF I carried a backup, it would be the same as my primary. My theory is, if you have to resort to a backup, the situation has really gone to hell and you need major firepower - at least as much as you started with.
 
I have a .32 Davis Derringer. I carried it when I couldn't carry a gun, when my S & W .38 snub was just too big to be absolutely positive that I could not be made. The Davis isn't made any more but the same gun is now being made by I think Cobra? It is so small and light that it just disappeared in my pocket. At least it met the first rule of a gunfight when I could not take the chance on the people around me knowing I was carrying.

However, I almost never carry it anymore. I acquired a Ruger LCP .380. It is so small and light that it is almost as concealable as the derringer.

I would recommend one of the small .380's over any derringer. A derringer in a major caliber is going to be at least as big as a small .380 and you are limited to two shots. The recoil has got to be pretty bad too.
 
I think that derringers are poor choices for any "serious" use compared to the field of options available in today's market.
 
Let's face it, if you've emptied you main carry, chances are the distance has gone from yards to feet! My Bond in 45LC/.410 is my choice.

At that distance even a 9mm to the head is gonna ruin someone's day...but I just prefer a bigger caliber. Since you already have a .357 I would go with that of the choices you provided....just my 2 cents and worth everything you paid for.;)
 
Given the development of the smaller 380s and light J frames - the derringer is at best obsolescent. Not to say that it wouldn't work.

The Bond derringer is a cool, big gun. Would it work sure - but there are better choices.
 
I have a Davies .22LR two shot derringer.
I always wanted one ever since the days of the old Tv series Yancey Derringer.
Cool little gun, but not much good for anything.

The short barrels/sloppy chamber/oversized bore/terrible rifling result in extremely poor performance.

I had a high speed .22lr come back and hit me in the arm, when fired at about 3 feet away at a soft pine 2x4. The mark on the 2x4 showed the bullet had tumbled.

I believe thick clothing would be enough to stop a round fired from it - and no- I'm not going to test out the idea...

If you plan on usiing one for carry, regardless of caliber, make sure you wring it out well to see how it performs
 
If you can find one of the old High Standard .22 MAG two shot versons, they are pretty cool. I've owned some of the American Derringer Corp guns in .45 LC and .38 Special. They are incredibly heavy and bulky for what they are and staggeringly slow to get into action.
 
The Bond derringer is a cool, big gun. Would it work sure - but there are better choices.
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Agreed 100%, just named that since the OP was talking derringer. My bug is either a 642, or a HK 4 in .380...but if all I got is 2 shots, I like a 45 LC at point blank range. Makes a nasty head wound.
 
Derringers make good toys and range novelties. If I need small, a NAA .22 mag with a boot grip, followed by a Seecamp. If I can go a bit larger, a J frame Smith Airweight.
 
Taurus Judge is a good alternative to the derringer. The Ruger LCP/LCR and Kel-Tec are great bugs but finding one that is reasonably priced is a stretch. I refuse to pay $100 premimum just because of this current market.
 
I dissagree i ride and inside vest pocket is big enough just for a derringer then the the snap enclosure pockets on the inside are big enough for a mak then i can carry a spare mag in two other pockets wether it is for it or my glock 19 wich i carry strong armed in the waiste. this is untill i can get a holster made for a 3 inch smith model 60 with high vis sights. So i allways have that derringer tucked deep incase i have to pull a rabbit out of the hat, or two shots out of the vest! Better to be over gunned than undergunned. Does anyone know any good inexpensive holster makers that can break a holster apart and put a channel in for the sights?
 
The Bond derringer is a cool, big gun. Would it work sure - but there are better choices
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.

And dont forget heavy. Very limited capacity as well. Like Glen said, you can do allot better than a derringer these days, size, weight, capacity and price wise. Those things are not cheap.
 
jw062 doesn't need any more convincing, but for the sake of anyone else who thinks the two-shooter makes sense, read the post 'my 68 y/o neighbor saved by his Sig". Four bad guys into two shots don't go.
 
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