“Derringer” can refer to any small, simplified type of large-caliber pistol because the original designs of Henry Deringer from 1825 were unscrupulously counterfeited. Original Derringer pistols were almost always sold in pairs to compensate for the limited power of a single-shot, short-barreled pistol. To collectors, an original is known as a Derringer derringer. The “Over and Under” derringer is one of the most recognized and famous firearms in the world because of its strong association with the American West. We have Hollywood to thank for this. The ubiquitous use of the Remington Model 95 in western films will forever have this weapon associated with gamblers, outlaws, and showgirls. The Model 95 was unique in that it provided the punch of a .41 rimfire cartridge in a very compact package in two shots without having to reload. The .41 moved at just over 400 feet per second, which is quite slow. Comical, in fact. Modern air pistols can shoot over 500 feet per second. You could literally see the bullet in flight!
General Precision Corporation in Watertown, Connecticut produced inexpensive firearms such as the Derringer Model 10 throughout the 1960s and 70s. Designed to evoke pre-Civil War pocket pistols, these nickel-finished examples manage to look old and new at the same time. They’ll end up in a display case or safe sooner than someone’s holster or boot. Derringer pistols are fascinating. Too small to be taken seriously, too iconic to be ignored. Collectible on reputation, but basically useless by design. One shot with a .22 L.R. That’s it– An absolute “last ditch” for any real world situation requiring the use of such a device.