Different roles
JimmyR hit a bit of truth there, "self defense" is so broad, whoever you heard it from could have just left it out because it leaves so many gaps in whatever statement follows it next. A SxS would be inconvenient for concealed carry so 1 point for a derringer there, yet more devastating when fired. The longer barrel, larger bore allows for much more output.
A little bit of perspective from firearms history. The side by side or over under WAS the bee's knees.... in comparison to a single shot. Why you get a WHOLE 'nother round!!! that's twice the firepower! Same with the derringer. But instead of stacking more barrels (although its been done) like a certain razor brand, it's now just 1 barrel with stacking rounds in a mag.
Both are an antiquated design and most carry more modern designs. What do the "lawmen" and "outlaws" of today carry? Not these anymore. They did, but not anymore.
If all you had was a derringer that was left to you by a relative, you could try to practice with it however spare parts will be harder and harder to find as the years go on. Metallurgy has improved over the years.
Be careful what you hear. When I purchased my Remington 870, I was deciding between a semi-auto shotgun and eventually went with a pump just to learn the classic system. The man behind the counter was trying to argue that pumps are better because you have "more control" over how fast you use up your rounds in the shotgun. I for one am glad we don't try to send our soldiers out there with pump action AR's so they have more "control"
That being said, I have carried a little mini-revolver in 22 LR when I couldn't carry anything else. It's not my primary. It's not a back up gun, it's a pea shooter. I don't think anyone should try "fight" with it, however it could buy me a few moments time if I needed help fleeing. You could carry a derringer, as long as you acknowledge its limitations.
JimmyR hit a bit of truth there, "self defense" is so broad, whoever you heard it from could have just left it out because it leaves so many gaps in whatever statement follows it next. A SxS would be inconvenient for concealed carry so 1 point for a derringer there, yet more devastating when fired. The longer barrel, larger bore allows for much more output.
A little bit of perspective from firearms history. The side by side or over under WAS the bee's knees.... in comparison to a single shot. Why you get a WHOLE 'nother round!!! that's twice the firepower! Same with the derringer. But instead of stacking more barrels (although its been done) like a certain razor brand, it's now just 1 barrel with stacking rounds in a mag.
Both are an antiquated design and most carry more modern designs. What do the "lawmen" and "outlaws" of today carry? Not these anymore. They did, but not anymore.
If all you had was a derringer that was left to you by a relative, you could try to practice with it however spare parts will be harder and harder to find as the years go on. Metallurgy has improved over the years.
Be careful what you hear. When I purchased my Remington 870, I was deciding between a semi-auto shotgun and eventually went with a pump just to learn the classic system. The man behind the counter was trying to argue that pumps are better because you have "more control" over how fast you use up your rounds in the shotgun. I for one am glad we don't try to send our soldiers out there with pump action AR's so they have more "control"
That being said, I have carried a little mini-revolver in 22 LR when I couldn't carry anything else. It's not my primary. It's not a back up gun, it's a pea shooter. I don't think anyone should try "fight" with it, however it could buy me a few moments time if I needed help fleeing. You could carry a derringer, as long as you acknowledge its limitations.
Last edited: