Deringer Model 1842 Navy

Percussion Cap, Rifled Barrel Pistol [ 1842 ]

The Deringer Model 1842 Navy percussion pistol became the first US government-purchased pistol to feature a percussion cap action and rifled barrel design.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/26/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

Henry Deringer was well-known for his pocket pistols to the point that many eventually carried the generic (and misspelled) name of "derringer" (note double "R"). In 1842, he contracted with the United States Navy to deliver its first percussion cap-based pistol featuring a rifled barrel. The percussion system improved reliability over the long-running flintlock types while rifling improved range and stability of the outgoing bullet. The sidearm in question became the "Henry Derringer Model 1842 Navy" which saw production span from 1842 to 1847 with totals ranging from 200 to 1,200 units (sources vary). The pistols were stamped with "US Derringer Philadelphia" branding along the lock plate.

Outwardly, the pistols were of a typical design for the time. The body was of a wood (walnut) with the lock plate along the right hand side. Brass was used at the trigger ring, butt cap and the single barrel band. The barrel was set upon the wooden body in the usual way, the brass band used for structural stability. The hammer was offset to the right sight and set to fall on a nipple to which a percussion cap would have been seated. The barrel was short and stout, chambered for .54 ball ammunition. The ammunition and powder charge would be inserted through the muzzle manually and the included metal ramrod was used to push the contents closer to the action.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Henry Deringer - USA

Operators

United States

Service Year

1842

National Origin

United States

PISTOL / SIDEARM
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.

Barrel Length

152 mm / 5.98 in

Action

Percussion Cap; Single-Shot; Muzzle-Loading

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.

Caliber(s)*

.54 Ball
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

Single-Shot

Sights

Iron

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.

Rate-of-Fire

1 rpm

Model 1842 Navy - Base Series Designation

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Images

1 / 1

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)