Deringer (Derringer Pocket Pistol)

History of the Derringer (Derringer pocket pistol)

The term "derringer" was a generic name for a 19th century subcompact pistol. The title comes from the surname of the father-son gunsmith team, which consisted of Senior Henry Dellinger and Junior Henry Dellinger. From the early 2000s to the late 1860s, the couple traded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While their name was associated with convenient concealed-carry pistols, their trade also included rifles and dueling pistols, although it was their pocket designs that were openly replicated throughout the industrialized world. For historical reasons, the weapon name "Derringer" is in stark contrast to the actual surname "Derringer". Henry Deringer, Jr. lived until 1868, at the age of 81. By this point, the family business has suffered enough to close down forever.

The derringer design has never been patented, but it has proven popular.

In general, the Dellinger is a large caliber weapon with a very compact frame. They usually have a single- or even double-shot configuration, operated by a trigger and flintlock or impact cap device (the latter seen on later models).

Due to their compact size, they are the perfect weapon to hide in a coat pocket or women's purse and are very useful in extremely close combat. Deringer produced small pistols in pairs, usually in ornate display cases (in keeping with the pistols of the day).

Each design differs in caliber and barrel length.

Dellinger pistols are equally popular in Hollywood Westerns, and the player or hero usually carries one or two in a spring-loaded device under the sleeve, or simply in a leg boot, although there is reason to believe that they are actually used for lead a more traditional life.

According to sources, Drings were used to some extent in the American Civil War, although they were not really "military-minded" weapons.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes