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Derringers

A derringer is a small handgun that has a short barrel and is only single or double shot. The derringer pistol is great for concealed carry, and often considered a great handgun for women due to its small size, but powerful shot. Fin Feather Fur Offers leading brands like Bond Arms & North American Arms in .22 LR, .45 Colt, and .357 Mag and other options of derringers for sale.

Derringer Pistols

Derringers are small, easily concealable handguns known for their compact design and limited ammunition capacity, typically holding one or two shots. They were first introduced in 1825 by Henry Deringer, a Philadelphia gunsmith, whose name is often misspelled with two "r"s which became synonymous with the style. The derringers gained fame for their use in personal defense and discreet carry, especially in the Wild West era, where they were nicknamed "pocket pistols" or "hideouts." Despite their small size, many derringers were chambered in powerful calibers for close-range effectiveness. Today, modern versions are still produced and valued for backup carry or deep concealment.

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Buying Derringers For Sale

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When buying a derringer online, it's important to consider both legal and practical factors. First, ensure the firearm complies with your local, state, and federal laws, most online purchases must be shipped to a licensed FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer for background checks and transfer. Luckily Fin Feather Fur Outfitters is a certified FFL dealer that you can either pick up your derringer at one of our locations or ship it to your local FFL dealer. Check the caliber and intended use, derringers come in various calibers, from .22 LR to powerful .45 Colt .410 Bore, and some may have significant recoil despite their small size. Pay attention to build quality, safety features, and trigger design, as derringers can vary widely in reliability and ergonomics. Lastly, read reviews or watch demonstrations to ensure you're getting a model that suits your needs, whether for concealed carry, novelty, or backup protection. Feel free to contact our derringer experts from our firearms team with any questions you may have.

Benefits of Shooting Derringers

There are several benefits to carrying and shooting a classic derringer pistol from historic relevance, concealability, and general ease of use.

  • Derringers for Concealed Carry :

    Derringers are small pistols, because of this they are incredibly compact which makes them ideal for deep concealment or optimal for a backup firearm.
  • Simple Design of the Derringer :

    Most derringers are a break action design with very few moving parts. Most of them are essentially like an over under shotgun in pistol form.
  • Derringers for Classic Shooters :

    The design of derringers does give them a nostalgic feel. Shooters that enjoy history can absolutely feel the old western charm of a derringer which also makes them great for reenactments and other firearm enthusiasts.

Advantages of Derringer Pistols

Derringer pistols offer a unique set of advantages that make them appealing for specific users and situations. Their most notable benefit is compactness and concealability, derringers are among the smallest firearms available, making them ideal as a discreet backup or deep‑concealment everyday carry option when larger pistols are impractical. Their simple mechanical design (often single‑ or double‑barrel configurations) means fewer moving parts, which translates to high reliability, low maintenance, and long shelf life. For many buyers searching derringers for sale, affordability and straightforward operation are attractive: these pistols are typically easy to load, easy to clean, and do not require complex magazine systems. That said, derringers trade capacity and range for portability, so they’re best used as last‑resort defensive tools rather than primary duty firearms. To ensure safe, effective ownership, purchase from licensed dealers or a reputable online gun store, verify local legal requirements, and invest in training and secure storage, these steps protect you legally and help you maximize the practical benefits of a derringer.

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Types Of Derringers

Type of Derringer Most Common Use Popular Model (Example)
Classic Double‑Barrel (Over/Under) Concealed carry, personal defense; also collectible / historical interest Remington Model 95 (classic example)
Modern Over/Under Derringer Everyday carry / backup sidearm with modern materials and safety features Bond Arms Backup (modern over/under)
Side‑by‑Side Double‑Barrel Derringer Traditional carry, historical reenactment, and collectible use Period replicas / vintage side‑by‑side models (commonly found as collectible pieces)
Single‑Shot Break‑Action Derringer Ultra‑compact backup or survival carry where minimal size is critical Single‑shot break‑action models (various makers / custom options)
Pocket / Polymer Compact Derringer Deep concealment and last‑resort self‑defense in highly compact packages Cobra DB series (compact modern pocket derringers)

Best Derringer Brands

There are plenty of manufacturers that make derringers, many of them reliable and creating beautiful and historic derringer pistols.

  • Bond Arms Derringers :

    Bond Arms is commonly known as the best modern derringer manufacturer. With stainless steel construction and chambered in calibers like .45 Colt they are excellent for self defense and reliability. Check out the Bond Arms Snake Slayer .357 Magnum Derringer.
  • American Derringer :

    American Derringer makes classic style derringers made with stainless steel that have a high focus on craftsmanship. They are excellent for collectors who are looking for a show stopping piece.
  • North American Arms Derringers :

    North American Arms is known for exceptional build quality, innovative safety features, versatile caliber options, and are ultra concealable. Check out the NAA 22LR Mini Revolver Derringer.

FAQs About Derringer Pistols

What is a derringer, and how is it different from a revolver or pistol?

A derringer is a very small, typically single or double shot pistol with minimal parts. Unlike revolvers or semi auto pistols, derringers don’t have a rotating cylinder or magazine, they are break-action and manually reloaded.

How many shots does a derringer fire?

Most derringers fire one or two shots before needing to be reloaded. Some models have interchangeable barrels or multi-barrel setups.

Are derringers good for beginners?

Not usually. Their small size can make them harder to control, especially with larger calibers, and they require careful handling. They're better suited as backups or for experienced shooters.

Talk To The Derringer Experts

Across the board, derringers are a beautiful handgun that scratch the nostalgic itch while still being a durable and reliable firearm. If you are looking for a beautiful collection piece or a highly concealable handgun, the derringer is the way to go, with a short barrel and high caliber capabilities, these derringer pistols can really pack a punch. If you are unsure of something or have any questions talk to our derringer pistol experts behind our gun counters by calling or filling out a contact us form.

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