Gun "experts" tend to hate the diminutive derringer handgun, dumping all manner of uncomplimentary adjectives upon it, such as: "anemic," "inaccurate," "awkward," and "cheap." To some extent, they are correct; but the derringer’s attributes more than make up for its flaws.

At one time, derringers were commonly chambered only for unusually low powered rounds. The metallurgy of a century ago, being what it was, required high powered firearms to be thickly constructed; and the derringer, designed as a lightweight hideout gun, was physically unable to withstand the pressures of combat ammunition. Thus, derringers fired weak cartridges like .22 BB cap, .32 short, and .41 rimfire — none of which could be relied upon to dispatch a carstruck dog with a contact shot behind the ear! Cap and ball blackpowder muzzleloaded derringers commonly were chambered for minute .22 or .31 caliber projectiles (which could put out an eye or leave a permanent scar if you shot someone in the face with it). Most old tyme derringers were designed exclusively as "ladies’ guns," but were far more frequently employed by gamblers, pimps, and streetfighters, so sullying the weapon’s reputation that not until recent years did it once again become "respectable."

Today, better manufacturers (like the American Derringer Corporation) utilize modern metallurgy and precision engineering to offer two-shot derringers in either single or double action that can fire magnum revolver and high powered rifle rounds. It may be uncomfortable, even painful, to fire a powerful cartridge out of such a compact weapon, but comfort can be taken from knowing that the shot will be effective. I would much rather have a dislocated thumb and an incapacitated attacker than a useless toy that serves only to throw one’s assailant into a murderous rage. A single shot from a 9mm, .45 ACP, or .357 magnum derringer loaded with quality defensive ammunition will drop nearly any adversary at point blank range (within 1 yard), and you’ll have a second shot in reserve. With heavier calibers, it would be more difficult to get a second shot off quickly, but if your first shot impacts the center of mass, that is all that is needed. Statistics show that in the vast majority of cases where a civilian firearm is used for self defense, only a single shot is fired — so the derringer’s limited capacity need not be considered detrimental.

Derringers are available in all handgun calibers and several rifle calibers (including 5.56 mm, .30-30, and .45-70), but are most commonly found chambered for low powered rounds, as many manufacturers (such as Davis and FMJ) favor cheap lightweight materials such as aluminum and sheet metal. Common chamberings for "mini-derringers" and aluminum framed guns include: .22 short, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, and .38 SPL -P. . . of these choices, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is, by far, the best choice. It offers an impressive combination of penetration and expansion (provided hollowpoints are used) far more devastating than any of the others. The .22 magnum is very underrated. It can easily puncture either a skull or sternum as well as soft body armor. Some critics say that rimfire cartridges are not as reliable as centerfire cartridges (which utilize primers), but this argument is not applicable to quality modern ammunition.

The derringer is very compact. The average sized derringer takes up less space, weighs less, and has far less of a profile than the smallest automatic or snubbie revolver. Standard derringers are often dropped in a jacket pocket, pants pocket, or boot. Wallet holsters are offered for the .22 caliber double-action derringer (which can be fired without removing it). Fake pagers pop open to reveal derringers or cub .25s. Concealed holsters are often seen sewn to jockstraps or hat linings. Tiny "mini-derringers" and "micro-revolvers" can be worn on necklaces and belt buckles, or dropped in a shirt pocket or eyeglasses case. One version of micro-revolver folds like a jack-knife, and can be slipped in a pocket or clipped to a waistband. The derringer is so small and portable that it can comfortably be carried anywhere, and is easily concealed without even trying. It is the perfect "everywhere" gun.

Derringers are most often configured as single-action over/under firearms with stud triggers and no safety switch, although other versions exist. Their most popular chambering is for the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge. This style of derringer is ideal for most people, including those unskilled at marksmanship and gun handling. The single-action mechanism is safe to carry in one’s jacket pocket for long periods of time, easy to put into operation, and unlikely to discharge accidentally — it cannot be fired unless the external hammer is first manually cocked back into position. The .22 WMR cartridge has low recoil and passable stopping power — it also doesn’t require a thick heavyweight barrel and frame. This would be my number one choice for most people in need of a daily carry gun for personal protection. If you are a humanitarian (or don’t want to hesitate launching a pre-emptive strike), you can load a .22 WMR shotshell into the top barrel — it is far more effective than mace, will not kill if fired into the belly from a yard away, and will not ricochet or penetrate thin walls in those rare instances when a "warning shot" is necessitated. Davis firearms puts out several versions of derringer chambered for this cartridge (and others) averaging about fifty dollars.

If speed is required, both High Standard and American Derringer Corporation offer a hammerless double-action version for under $200; unlike most derringers, double-actions usually are equipped with a safety catch (which can be removed by a competent gunsmith). Double-actions typically have a long "squeeze-grip" style trigger, sans guard, which is compressed twice to fire both shots. If a higher capacity is required, Casull offers several versions of its single-action 5-shot micro-revolvers for under $250, these guns are stamped either "Freedom Arms" or "North American Arms," and are chambered for .22 short, .22 LR, or .22 magnum. Though derringers are designed for use at point blank range, both American Derringer Corporation and Casull offer long-barreled versions of their weapons for greater accuracy.

Some people require additional stopping power to feel comfortable. These are often campers wanting protection against bear attack or police officers wanting a powerful and reliable backup gun. For anti-personnel usage, the 9mm is adequate when proper ammunition (such as Cor-bon or Glaser) is used. Some people prefer the punch of a .45 ACP or the penetration of a .357 magnum, but recoil will be significantly higher. A camper might choose a weapon chambered for .44 magnum, .30-30 Winchester, or .45-70 Government and hope he never needs to fire it, as orthopedic surgery might be required after doing so. A soldier or counter-terrorist might choose to add a derringer chambered for .223 Remington (5.56 mm) to his kit, loading it with the same "green-tip" ammunition used in his M-16. A sportsman might select a long-barreled derringer chambered for the .410 shotshell. For defensive purposes, a derringer chambered for .410 can be loaded with the formidable .45 Long Colt round, and several companies offer buckshot and flechette .410 cartridges.

I have been unimpressed with the side-by-side and 4-barrel derringers I’ve seen. The side-by-sides include old dual hammered muzzleloaded "snake-eyes" derringers, which are notoriously unreliable, and the cheap FMJ brand double-barrel which has a tiny switch beneath the single hammer to select firing pins. One 4-barreled derringer sometimes seen is the antique brass-framed toy chambered for .22 BB cap, which is less powerful than a .22 short. The antique Sharps 4-barrel fired .22 shorts, and was popular amongst gamblers, saloon girls, and gold miners during the late 19^th century. A modern 4-barrel (the "C.O.P."), which is double-action and chambered for .357 magnum, is bulkier and heavier than most compact .45 automatics. The only three-barreled derringer I’ve seen is the plastic, electrically fired, Soviet "troika" which has no redeeming qualities aside from its ability to be smuggled aboard commercial aircraft. Most single-shot derringers are muzzleloaders, but I have seen a few top quality single-shots chambered for commercial ammunition and designed for maximum concealablility. The single-shot "Liberator" chambered for .45 ACP, stamped out of sheet metal with an unrifled barrel (at an approximate cost of $1.50 per unit), and shipped in quantity to resistance groups during WWII is a collector’s piece today, but proved one of the deadliest weapons of the war (examining the shot-to-kill ratio). I have been unimpressed with the "manually operated repeaters" I’ve seen, both in magazine-fed and pepperbox configurations. The simple over/under version of derringer most commonly seen, offering a flat profile and ease of operation, is by far the most practical choice.

Derringers are not designed for target shooting, hunting, or combat. Their sole purpose is to offer their owner a reliable means of self-defense against a close proximity threat. They are meant to be fired from "contact" to point-blank range. They are intended to give one the advantage of a firearm when the bulk or presence of a common firearm is not an option. They are designed to be slipped into a briefcase, purse, backpack, tackle box, toolbox, glove compartment or jacket pocket and "forgotten," serving as an emergency firearm for everyday carry.