Poll: Would you carry a derringer for defense?

[CountryGent]

The thread title kind of says it. Would you conceal carry a derringer for defense against two-legged varmints or other critters? For the sake of discussion, derringer will be broadly defined as:

• Single or multi-barreled handgun, that is not an automatic pistol, revolver, single-shot target handgun, or machine-pistol.
• Single or double-action.
• One to four barrels.

So, do you pack one? Why or why not? If in the affirmative, what do (or did) you carry? Thanks for sharing!

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[ilikegunspdx]

No way in hades for me. Similar sized guns have more capacity, better sights and ergos, and don't keyhole. They are often lighter than derringers too, at least bond arms derringers. Crappy choice in this day and age imo.

 

[1911Fanatic]

Only if that was all I had.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Sure....
Especially if in a job or area that restricted firearm carry.
A small , easily concealed firearm , like a Derringer , may work for someone in that situation.
Especially if the goal here is self defense ...and not "Cleaning up Dodge City" , so to speak.

Granted...
If one takes a long , thoughtful pondering about self defense...
At certain times and places...a crew served weapon ain't "enough gun".
So there may be better options ...
But...

A gun in the hand , when needed...is better than 100 in a safe at home.

In any event....
Please note that I am not advocating breaking a law or workplace rule / restriction here.
I am sayin' that I understand doing so....As always...risk versus reward...and choices have consequences.

Andy

 

[thorborg]

No, (for me) I've played around with a couple derringers, even two shot 45 loaded are heavy, tough trigger, hard to hold in a big hand, and over double the weight of a Keltek p32 loaded. fatter too! Yah, a p32 is a pop gun, but with the new self defense ammo available, still can make a nasty hole, and way easier to pack and conceal, plus six more shots than most derringers if you miss. If I'm going to carry a toy. I'd rather irritate one to death with a light weight plastic 32 and 8 rounds. If a 32 too small, with most double shot derringers @ about 19 oz loaded, , Just 8 more ounces you can pack a loaded 357 Sp101 and not all that much bigger plus have 5 rounds and a nice trigger and hand fit.

 

[Koda]

Never understood the appeal with only 1 or 2 shots when there are normal options in the same size.

 

[Joe13]

Most likely not.

.38sp ultralight seems to be the least amount of gun I'm willing to carry on a regular basis it (as of now) seems.

I've carried small .22's but for obvious reasons I'll take 6 .38sp+p over 10 rounds of .22lr in a slightly smaller package and same or less weight in my pocket.



If I didn't have ANYTHING else I could carry then yes, I'd rather have that and a stabby thing then just a stabby thing alone.

 

[1775usmc]

Only if it was my only option.

Outside of that. Nope.

 

[CO136]

As a primary weapon ... no way, Jose'! However, I find it easier to slip a Bond Arms 3.5" derringer into my pocket than strap a J-Frame to my ankle for a backup. Have multiple Bond Arms, love the .45/410 models. Have a .38/.357 Snake Slayer as well 'cause my wife really likes the Bond Arms derringers, and that ain't a bad thing for me. Sorta challenging for my checking account but ain't complaining.

 

[albin25]

Wellll… I suppose that their shape and weight might make them a good choice to throw at an attacker.
Plus…
By the time the now bruised nosed attacker finds it on the ground, you'll have time to run far enough away, that he'd never be able to shoot you with two rounds out of a 1" barrel.

 

[1775usmc]

Most likely not.

.38sp ultralight seems to be the least amount of gun I'm willing to carry on a regular basis it (as of now) seems.

I've carried small .22's but for obvious reasons I'll take 6 .38sp+p over 10 rounds of .22lr in a slightly smaller package and same or less weight in my pocket.



If I didn't have ANYTHING else I could carry then yes, I'd rather have that and a stabby thing then just a stabby thing alone.

A stabby thing is essential no matter what gun you carry!

Ideally a fixed blade.

 

[Belial]

Any firearm is better than no firearm...

 

[Capn Jack]

Almost anything beats a sharp #3.

But a sharp #3 will work, someone told me....

 

[orygun]

Sure I would carry a derringer. A two holer, please.
I have a copy of a Sharps 4 barrel derringer. If it had the firing pin, there would be times I would carry it.

 

[Stomper]

The thread title kind of says it. Would you conceal carry a derringer for defense against two-legged varmints or other critters? For the sake of discussion, derringer will be broadly defined as:

• Single or multi-barreled handgun, that is not an automatic pistol, revolver, single-shot target handgun, or machine-pistol.
• Single or double-action.
• One to four barrels.

So, do you pack one? Why or why not? If in the affirmative, what do (or did) you carry? Thanks for sharing!

(At a minimum) NAA Pug in 22WMR, everywhere, everyday, all day.

 

[10mm]

I used to carry a .38 spl derringer. Got good enough to be confident with it. The top barrel throws high, keep it set to shot the bottom barrel first.
Better options in .380 now.

Good points- no jamming worries, lint, water, etc. no problem. Sand or excessive gritty particles could be a potential problem.
Concealable "palm burier". You have to Really want to shoot something with one to do it. Keeps the Rambo mentality from popping up unexpectedly.
Nothing for a legal type to bite into re: high cap offensive weapon. A derringer is universally thought of as a last-ditch defensive tool.
Fit perfect and secure in Levi's watch pocket. I no longer wear Levi's. A .410 model with defensive disc load would surely increase hit probabliity.
Looks "1880's" if that is your theme.
I bought a .22 mag version for an Ex-GF many years past, gun shop salesguy "At least you don't have to worry about her killing you with it when she gets mad."
Reply " I don't want her to be able to kill anybody with it, but I also don't want her completely defenseless, or pepper spray/ stun gun only."

The bad- Other options abound nowdays.

The ugly- Takes some practice to be proficient. Gotta aim real low to hit with the top barrel. Slowww reload under stress. 12 lb trigger.
Short barrel doesn't give much shock spin on a bullet. Performance may suffer against an adrenalized attacker. And difficult to beat someone with empty.
No shots connecting much past 15 yards except pure luck, with decreased spin and energy making the round even less lethal.

What if the attacker doesn't think you capable of defending yourself? No warning shot capability. Pulling a Jesse Duke " I got another barrel" but not a 12 ga.
Tricky to place a shot with much certainty past tabletop distance for most people.
A 300+ pound drugged up psychopath might soak up both .38 rounds and still stab you enough times to put you on your way to Heaven.

Great poll, Gent. Thanks, and I do really enjoy all of your posts!

*Edit- I replaced the derringer with a NAA .22 mag, until I shot a racoon that had been ran over in front of my driveway with it. Not dispatched, it still snarled at me.
.22 mag needs a rifle length barrel to make it extra special. Dropped the NAA from the 3rd gun rotation immediately. Zero confidence in the bullet performance.

 

[trukinbear]

Well... Once upon a time doing deep undercover - I am sad to say that it's probably the only firearm you can 'hide' you know where. Only recommended if you REALLY need one.

 

[Member 45541]

No


But, as others have stated, if it was all I had on hand. LIke the old saying goes, "A bird in the bush, is better than a Swiss Army knife cutting cheese." Or did I just make that up?

 

[lucusloc]

The answer entirely depends on the constraints of the question. I voted "no way" but that is because I assume something better is available. I would carry one if there were no other options available, perhaps due to legal or technological restrictions. At that point it really depends on the construct of your hypothetical what the best option would be.

I will carry the best option I have available, all compromises considered. Today that is a semi-auto pistol of some kind, but if you change the constraints or available technology that could easily change. When I was much younger and lived in SF I forgo a firearm of any kid and carried a large concealed blade. This is because the legal constraints made that the best compromise for me. Guns were felonies to carry, while blades (no matter what size) were only a misdemeanor, and while the results of getting caught with a gun were at minimum arrest and detainment, getting caught with a blade most often only resulted in confiscation and not even being cited. The legal landscape set the terms.

But to answer this in my existing reality? Well that is answered by what I do carry. I own a derringer or two yet I do not carry them. I do not even have them ready as backup guns, or stash them in a ready to use manner. They sit in the safe, buried about as deeply as they will go because I only view them as range toys, and pretty limited ones at that. They are a novelty I only really pull out if a buddy had not shot one before because (for me) I have other much more fun range toys I enjoy shooting far more. Hell, the only reason I got them in the first place was a functional props for a costume set, which is the only way they actually got carried (and even then it was unloaded and I had an actual carry arm concealed under the costume, so it hardly even counts). Derringers simply lack functionality compared to any modern arms. You might as well ask about carrying a sharp stick.

 

[CountryGent]

Well... Once upon a time doing deep undercover - I am sad to say that it's probably the only firearm you can 'hide' you know where. Only recommended if you REALLY need one.

Here's hoping not a derringer with exposed hammer.