The word "derringer" was a generic name for super-compact pistols of the 19th Century. The title stemmed from the surname of the father and son gunsmith team made up of Henry Deringer, Senior and Henry Deringer, Junior. The pair plied their trade out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from the early part of the century into the late 1860s. Despite their name becoming associated with the handy, concealed-carry pistol, their trade also involved rifles and dueling pistols though it is their pocket designs that were openly copied throughout the industrialized world. For reasons lost to history, the name of the weapon "derringer" adopted a second "R" unlike the actual "Deringer" family name. Henry Deringer, Jr survived until 1868 to the age of 81 by which time the family business had suffered enough to close down forever. No patent was ever filed for the derringer designs which proved popular with the masses.
Generally, derringer pistols were large-caliber weapons utilizing very compact frames. They were often of single-shot or even twin-shot configurations actuated by a trigger pull and a flintlock or percussion cap arrangement (the latter seen in later models). Due to their compact size, they were perfect guns for concealment in a coat pocket, or a lady's purse, and useful in extremely close-range confrontations. Deringer produced their small pistols in matching pairs typically delivered in ornate showpiece boxes (consistent with pistols of the period). Each design varied in caliber and barrel length.
Derringer pistols have proven equally popular in Hollywood Westerns where the gambler or hero usually carries one, or a pair, in a spring-loaded contraption hidden under the sleeve or simply in a leg boot though it is reasoned that their use in real life was far more conventional.
According to sources, derringers were used to a certain extent in the American Civil War despite their not being true "military-minded" weapons.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Pistol / Sidearm
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.
Overall Length
90 mm 3.54 in
Barrel Length
76 mm 2.99 in
Sights
Front Fixed
Action
Flintlock- or Percussion-based System
Percussion Cap
Utilizes the percussion cap system of operation to actuate ignition of propellant; much like a child's cap gun, small explosive caps are set upon nipples and these are actuated by a falling hammer previously cocked.
Flintlock
Popular system of operation for some 200 years preceding the percussion cap, this action involves a piece of flint rock and falling hammer to generate sparks / ignition, therefore lighting propellant charge to drive ammunition from the chamber down the barrel and out through the muzzle.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
.45 cal
Rounds / Feed
Variable, typically single-shot
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
30 ft (9 m | 10 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
1 rds/min
Derringer - Base Series Designation
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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