Derringer Question?
I cant remember the brand name but they used to be called Davis Derringers. I would like one as a third backup gun, does anyone have one or have you shot one? I know there only made as close up last resort guns, but are they reliable to fire when you pull the trigger.
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Davis derringers are made by Cobra Enterprises of Utah. Great customer service, great warranty, cheap replacement parts, but not such a great pistol. They work, but they are not very ergonomic.
For a close-up, last ditch weapon, see if American Derringer is still making their version of the Excel derringer. They were chambered in good centerfire calibers, and were double action, like the old High Standard, so they were fast to put into action.0 -
American makes a nice Double action derringer, I have had one of the 38s for years:
http://www.amderringer.com/das.html
I fire it with my middle finger, while holding my trigger finger along the barrels. It is very stable that way.0 -
I have one. trigger needed stoning badly. it would totally miss the paper at 10 feet, I don't have a clue how that's possible but it did. so I wouldn't recommend it except as a last last ditch gun. the construction is about what you would expect on something that small, it's almost like a toy.
it has plenty of kick ('cuz it's so light) and a loud bang. it's a fun little pop gun. that's what I got it for, really. that's what it's good for.0 -
I looked through my 07 Shooters Bible and couldnt find the Cobra Derrenger in it. However I did find one with a $300.00+ price tag, thats not for me. I am wondering now what caliber I should buy, I like the .32H&R Magnum. I really wont a caliber you can buy Rat shot for,thats what I would load it with. I carry a Beretta 9000S and a NAA .22LR loaded with rat shot as backup. The shot would surely blind an attacker, and its there to dispatch snakes as well. They offer a 9MM as their most powerful Derringer, but seems with its size and the size of my hands it would be hard to hang on to. Plus I dont want to end up shooting my own fingers off.[B)] Thanks for nameing the brand I couldnt think of it. Now what caliber?[?] 0 -
Derringers are a mistake to own these days when there are small, powerful semiautos around.
The grips are too small to hang on to, slow & awkward to cock or shoot, sights are bad and the lack of triggerguard makes them easy to drop.
The best of them is probably the two shot, double action, HiStandard
in 22 Mag and the worst the Remington 41 short RF.
I sold a NAA 22lr recently because that kind of pistol is more of a novelty than a defensive pistol.0 -
I bought a Davis .38 derringer sight unseen when they first came out.
Didn't take me long to sell it when I finally saw it. Waaay to big & ugly. On the other hand I already had a Davis .32 derringer before that & I still have it. It has never failed to fire & it's small & light for the caliber. Surprisingly both barrels shoot close to point of aim but that may just be luck & others may not.
The only problem is that the ejector will always override fired cartridges. I learned long ago to never use it to eject fired cartridges as it creates a jamb that can be hard to clear.0 -
"The best of them is probably the two shot, double action, HiStandard
in 22 Mag"
I agree. I have one and it is a great little gun.0 -
bond
bond arms
http://www.bondarms.com/0 -
quote:Originally posted by HobbyGuy
Actually, the 9mm is less potent and easier to handle than the .38 special (but I wouldn't personally recommend the 9mm). Here's a long bore .38 at a good price, right here on GB:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=71530761
9mm weaker than a 38 special? Don't think so, look at the numbers:
Here is some info from Corbon's website:
9 MM LUGER+P 125 GR. JHP 1250FPS/434FTLBS 4.0" barrel
38 SPEC +P 125 GR. JHP 1125FPS/351FTLBS 4.0" barrel0 -
oh yeah, the D32 did misfire a lot. never had a problem with the ejector. 0 -
I have a Davis 22 mag, small gun makes a big boom. Love the hole it makes with hollow points. The new varmit bullets would be great.
the drawbacks:
1. This gun has about a 50# trigger pull.
2. The safety will slip just a tiny bit and catch the hammer when you want to fire, it is annoying to a point I may just take it out. The safety is a crossbar thing and when you grip the gun your hand will push it in just enough to FTF. The when you recock, if you shot the other barrle, you will be now sitting on an empty case. To me this would be the biggest reason to look at other brands.
3. This has been mentioned allready, they dont fit the hand very well at all.
The 22 mag is a great bullet for one of these but to be honest look into a different brand, these are not what you will want if you ever need it as a 3rd back up. I carry mine because I can drop it in my pocket and forget it, with the half cock and being a single action I wont shoot my dingy off. [:D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by HobbyGuy
quote:Originally posted by PC800
quote:Originally posted by HobbyGuy
Actually, the 9mm is less potent and easier to handle than the .38 special (but I wouldn't personally recommend the 9mm). Here's a long bore .38 at a good price, right here on GB:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=71530761
9mm weaker than a 38 special? Don't think so, look at the numbers:
Here is some info from Corbon's website:
9 MM LUGER+P 125 GR. JHP 1250FPS/434FTLBS 4.0" barrel
38 SPEC +P 125 GR. JHP 1125FPS/351FTLBS 4.0" barrel
Corbon isn't a realistic comparison, nor do their cartridges fall under a "typical loading guideline." It's not a good idea to try firing hard cast projectiles, or any +P cartridge out of Davis or Cobra derringers. * It's even stated in their manuals "DO NOT USE +P AMMUNTION." I reload just about every common caliber cartridge out there and use a chronograph at the range. I've found that the energy and velocity of most .38 special loads surpass most common 9mm loads. [;)]
Then you should say that in cheap Cobra derringers, where you have to use weak loaded ammo, the 9mm may be weaker than the 38. But generally stating that the 9mm is weaker than the 38 just is not true. It is very easy to find 9mm ammo that is much hotter than 38 special. If your 38 special handloads are hotter than 9mm, you must be loading very weak hand loads. Corbon and Buffalo Bore are just two examples of hot 9mm loads.
Buffalo Bore:(+P+) 124gr. Speer Uni Core @ 1300 fps 461 ft. lbs.
or: (+P) 124gr. Speer Uni Core @ 1225 fps 413 ft. lbs.
Corbon: 9 MM LUGER+P 125 GR. JHP 1250FPS/434FTLBS 4.0" barrel
those are real velocities, I have chrono'd Corbon and Buffalo Bore ammo, and if anything the stated velocities tend to be a bit conservative.0 -
One of my buddies had a derringer about 20 years ago but I dont remember the brand.What I do remember is it was a 38 and when he loaded it and closed it,one of the firing pins had stuck in the fire position and it went off in his hand.Nobody was hurt,but there was some stained underwear. 0 -
quote:
9mm weaker than a 38 special? Don't think so, look at the numbers:
Here is some info from Corbon's website:
9 MM LUGER+P 125 GR. JHP 1250FPS/434FTLBS 4.0" barrel
38 SPEC +P 125 GR. JHP 1125FPS/351FTLBS 4.0" barrel
Corbon isn't a realistic comparison, nor do their cartridges fall under a "typical loading guideline." It's not a good idea to try firing hard cast projectiles, or any +P cartridge out of Davis or Cobra derringers. * It's even stated in their manuals "DO NOT USE +P AMMUNTION." I reload just about every common caliber cartridge out there and use a chronograph at the range. I've found that the energy and velocity of most .38 special loads surpass most common 9mm loads. [;)]
[/quote]
Since you don't think Corbon is realistic for some reason, here are charts from Guns and Ammo on just about every 38 and 9mm load made. As you can see the 9mm factory loads will top 38 factory loads:
Wt. TYPE MFG (INCHES) MUZZLE 50yds muzzle
9mm
80 Safety (CB) 5 1650 1302 484
95 JSP (MT) 4 1345 1185 380
95 JHP (P) N/A 1250 1118 330
95 JSP (MT) 4 1345 1174 380
100 Fang (U) 4 1450 1272 467
100 PB (CB) 5 1450 1295 467
100 LF (Fi) N/A 1400 1231 435
100 JSP (F) 4 1230 1110 335
101 LF (R) 4 1135 1041 329
105 LF (W) 4 1200 1074 336
105 EFMJ (F) 4 1225 1105 350
115 JHP (CB) 5 1350 1172 460
115 JHP+P (BH) 4 1300 1155 431
115 FMJ (SB) 6 1280 1073 423
115 JHP+P (S) 4 1250 1113 399
115 JHP (S) 4 1250 1118 400
115 JHP (W) 4 1225 1095 383
115 JHP (C) 4 1200 1047 341
115 JHP (S) 4 1167 1057 350
115 FMJ (SB) 6 1280 1073 423
115 FMJ (Fi) N/A 1250 1118 400
115 FMJ (S) 4 1190 1088 362
115 FMJ (S) 4 1155 1047 341
115 MC (R) 4 1135 1041 329
116 JSP (N) N/A 1165 1038 349
116 FMJ (L) 4.25 1198 1056 300
120 FMJ (L) 4.25 1181 1055 372
123 JHP (L) 4.25 1165 1042 371
123 FMJ (L) 7.87 1312 1151 470
123 FMJ (Fi) N/A 1250 1125 425
123 FMJ (Fi) 4 1250 1110 425
123 TC (N) N/A 1099 980 331
123 FMJ (N) N/A 1165 1007 372
123 FMJ (L) 4.13 1050 970 301
124 JSP (MT) 4 1109 1030 339
124 JHP+P (R) 4 1180 1089 384
124 JHP+P (BH) 4 1250 1137 430
124 FMJ (SB) 6 1181 988 384
124 JHP (S) 4 1150 1030 367
124 JHP (S) 4 1110 1030 341
124 FMJ (S) 4 1110 1030 341
124 FMJ (C) 4 1090 989 337
124 LRN (SB) 6 1148 978 364
124 LRN (MT) 4 1109 1030 339
124 LF (S) 4 1120 1030 345
WT. TYPE MFG (INCHES) MUZZ. 50 YDS. MUZZ.
.38 Special
110 JHP (CB) N/A 1250 1106 382
110 JHP+P (B) V4 995 926 242
110 JHP (R) V4 950 890 220
110 JHP (W) V4 945 894 218
110 LF (W) V4 975 906 222
123 JHP (L) 3.94 1165 1042 372
123 FMJ (N) N/A 886 852 215
125 JHP (CB) N/A 125 1033 351
125 JHP+P (BH) V4 1050 973 306
125 JHP+P (S) V4 975 929 264
125 JHP+P (S) V4 945 898 248
125 JHP (MT) V4 1017 971 287
125 LF (R) V4 975 935 264
125 LF (R) V4 850 822 201
125 LF (F) V4 800 740 175
125 JHP+P (S) V4 975 924 264
125 JHP (S) V4 900 856 225
125 JSP+P (F) V4 950 900 250
125 JSP (W) V4 775 742 167
125 LRN (MT) V4 686 659 130
129 JHP+P (F) V4 950 910 255
130 JHP (W) V4 925 887 247
130 FMJ (S) V4 950 890 260
130 FMJ (U) V4 850 811 209
130 FMJ (W) V4 800 765 185
132 FMJ (P) V5.6 841 799 206
135 JHP (C) V4 975 916 285
140 JHP (H) 4 825 790 212
148 JHP (Fi) V6 820 775 225
148 LWC (H) V4 800 697 210
148 LWC (L) 3.94 755 672 187
148 LWC (P) V5.6 728 662 175
148 LWC (S) V4 710 634 166
150 JSP (L) 3.94 1066 987 374
150 L (W) V4 845 812 238
158 FMJ+P (C) V4 900 852 278
158 LSW+P (S) V4 890 855 278
158 JHP (Ag) 7.7 900 861 284
158 JHP (H) V4 800 765 225
158 SJHP (MT) V4 890 774 278
158 JSP (Ag) 7.5 925 888 300
158 JSP (P) N/A 836 797 245
158 SJSP (MT) V4 890 774 278
158 FMJ (L) 5.51 837 801 246
158 SWC (U) V4 800 765 225
158 LRN (Ag) 7.7 755 721 200
158 LRN (SB) N/A 872 827 269
158 LRN (L) 7.67 837 799 246
158 LRN (S) N/A 820 783 235
158 LFN (MT) V4 800 776 275
158 L (S) V4 760 720 200
158 LSW (S) V4 755 721 200
158 LF (MT) V4 755 723 200
158 FMJ (Fi) V6 960 910 320
Manufacturer/Bullet Key
Velocity figures are in feet per second. Energy figures are in foot-pounds.
Manufacturers: (A) = Aguila; (A2) = A Square; (B) = Weatherby; (BH) Black Hills; (C) = CCI/Speer; CB = Cor-Bon; (D) = Dakota; E = (Eley); (F) = Federal; (Fi) = Fiocchi; (H) = Hornady; (Hi)= Hirtenberger; (K) = Kynoch; (L) = Lapua; (La) = Lazzeroni; (MT) = Magtech; (N) = Norma; (P) = PMC & PMC-Eldorado; (R) = Remington; (RWS) = RWS; (W) = Winchester; (S) = Standard - Made to same ballistic specifications by two or more manufacturers; (SB) = Sellier & Bellot; (U) = Ultramax
Bullet Types: A = A-Frame (Swift); AECL = Accelerator Discarding Sabot; BP = Bronze Point; BTM = Boattail Match; BTSP = Boattail Softpoint; CP = Cone Point; FMJ = Full Metal Jacket; Frang = Frangible Projectile; HE = High Energy (Federal); HM = Heavy Magnum (Hornady); HP = Hollow Point [For Rimfire: HP = Lead Hollow Point]; JHP = Jacket Hollow Point; JS = Jacketed Lead; JSP = Jacket Soft Point; L = Lead; LWC = Lead Wad Cutter; LF = Lead Free (Non-Toxic); LM = Light Magnum (Hornady); LRN = Lead Roundnose; LSW = Lead Semi-Wadcutter; MB = Mulit-Ball (shot); MC = Metal Case (Full Metal Jacket); MP = Metal Point; MON = Monolithic Solid; NOS = Nosler; PB = Power Ball (Cor-Bon); PG = Partition Gold (Winchester); PP = Plastic Point; PSP = Pointed Soft Point; PT = Polymer Tip; S = Solid Lead; Safety = Glaser Projectile (Cor-Bon); SOL = Solid; SP = All other soft point bullets not otherwise identified; TBBC = Trophy Bonded Bear Claw; TBS = Trophy Bonded Solid; THP = Tubular Hollow Point; TRI = Triad Group (A Square); WLY = Woodleigh; X = "X" bullet; all types (Barnes); XTP = JHP (Hornady); #XX = shot size
Barrel: V = Vented test Barrel (to simulate revolver); N/A = Not Available0
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