9mm or 38 derringer ?

[Delmar]

Thinking of buying a derringer. 9mm or 38 what say you?

 

[Bigtanker]

Just for fun? Or as a SD gun?

 

[Jaybird1980]

Yep what's the intended use.
That and what kind of derringer, we talking a Cobra or something like a bigger Bond Arms?

 

[Route 45]

 

[IndyDave1776]

I would go with .38 by virtue of a rimmed cartridge being less likely to give extraction problems.

 

[DadSmith]

I would go with .38 by virtue of a rimmed cartridge being less likely to give extraction problems.

I agree with Indy. Also 38 special can be loaded with a variety of bullets, grs, and different velocities. However, out of a Derringer there won't be much velocity so good old wadcutter would do a good job.

 

[CampingJosh]

Derringers were mediocre when the design was new. They are now terrible.

Don't buy one. Even the very best ones are bad.

 

[Bigtanker]

If it is for personal defense, you will be much better suited with a Ruger LCP in .380. It's much easier to fire, more accurate, lighter, carries 300% more ammo, reloads about 10 times as fast......I think you see where this is going. Heck, even a S&W 442/642 is about the same size, maybe a little bigger, but not much.

If it's for a range gun, I suggest .45-70.

 

[Lost Californian]

The Models 6 and 8

www.amderringer.com

Double Action Derringers

www.amderringer.com

Personally, I would go with a High Standard D101 in .22mag.

 

[Delmar]

Just for fun? Or as a SD gun?

SD can be fun

 

[Bigtanker]

SD can be fun

So you think using a firearm in self defense would be fun?????

 

[Amishman44]

I would go with .38 by virtue of a rimmed cartridge being less likely to give extraction problems.

I'm in this camp...a .38 would be easier to extract in a time of need than a rimless cartridge!

 

[Amishman44]

If it is for personal defense, you will be much better suited with a Ruger LCP in .380. It's much easier to fire, more accurate, lighter, carries 300% more ammo, reloads about 10 times as fast......I think you see where this is going. Heck, even a S&W 442/642 is about the same size, maybe a little bigger, but not much.
If it's for a range gun, I suggest .45-70.

I'm going to side with BigTanker on this...a S&W j-framed .38 is about the same size and will give you 5 shots instead of 2 along with much faster reload capability than what a simple derringer will!
I have a 340 and it slide in and out of and fits nicely in a front pocket just fine...
Plus I installed an XS Sights Tritium front sight on it for low or no light shooting...if needed?

 

[Biggredchev]

I seen one in 12ga, was tempted but i like my hand. I vote .38 though.

 

[Biggredchev]

I'm going to side with BigTanker on this...a S&W j-framed .38 is about the same size and will give you 5 shots instead of 2 along with much faster reload capability than what a simple derringer will!
I have a 340 and it slide in and out of and fits nicely in a front pocket just fine...
Plus I installed an XS Sights Tritium front sight on it for low or no light shooting...if needed?

I dont think sights should be considered when buying a derringer, lets be honest, you dont aim one of those lol. Just point and pull

 

[Amishman44]

I dont think sights should be considered when buying a derringer, lets be honest, you dont aim one of those lol. Just point and pull

Thank you, but I was pointing out another benefit of a 5-shot revolver over a derringer...giving him another '+1' reason to consider in lieu of seeking a derringer.

 

[KG1]

I have a Bond Arms derringer in 9mm with another interchangeable barrel in 10mm. It’s not my go to carry option.

 

[seldon14]

The NAA in 22mag Is smaller, and more shootable.

Something like LCP is pretty much the same size, more shootable, similar weight or lighter, semi auto with 5 more rounds.

If you are talking about a bond arms derringer they are bricks, big and heavy, you can get in to 9mm semi autos for there size and weight.

 

[Michigan Slim]

I bought a Bond for cowboy action side matches. Came with .357 and .45 Colt/.410 barrels. I took to slipping in my pocket. Kinda like carrying a shotgun in my shorts! I use Winchester PDX rounds. I reload for .45 Colt, .38 and 357.

 

[KARP]

I owned one in .38cal, it was not much fun to shoot. Traded it in for a s&w jframe in .38cal, changed to a Hogue grip. It made a big difference and went from 2 shots to 5.