Posted on 12/09/2005 3:24:28 PM PST by proud_yank
I don't know. I guess the old addage 'figures don't lie, but all liars figure' is somewhat applicable!
A five-shot derringer? Do you mean a mini-revolver? I thought a derringer was a fixed-barrel firearm, and five barrels would be a bit much. Not totally impossible, but highly unusual.
I test fired it last night. It's about 2and a half to 3 inches in length. We won't talk accuracy...this one is for up-close and personal protection.
Well, I see they have issued an ammunition advisery with it. Double-discharge is something I'll have to check out before firing it again.
I like it.
How's the hammer cocking force on it? My understanding is that many derringers require sufficient cocking force that single-handed operation is difficult. I wouldn't see why the mini-revolver would be any different in that regard.
One thing I've thought might be interesting would be a two-barrel derringer with three mainsprings and three cocking mechanisms. One (called "A") would be tied directly to the hammer, but the other two ("B" and "C") would be capable of driving it as well.
Prior to use, springs B and C would be cocked, while spring A and the hammer would be decocked. Pulling back on the hammer all the way would cock it and connect spring B. Pulling the trigger would then cause both springs A and B to drive the hammer. At that point, spring B would disconnect; recocking would connect spring C, and pulling the trigger would cause the hammer to be driven with springs A and C.
In this way, the force required to cock the hammer in a 'crunch' situation would be minimized (spring "A" tension would be set so as to avoid having the hammer get cocked accidentally; springs "B" and "C" would be responsible for most of the firing energy). The mechanism would be a little complicated, but not necessarily much worse than a double shotgun.
My son has huge hands and his thumb web got pinched. Not a MAN'S pistol at all. I snickered at him, he won't make that mistake again.
My dream pistol is a double-barrel derringer. I'd ask for that one, but, we have a wedding anniversary coming up in January. :-)
What surprised me the most was the loudness of the shot. I was thinking a muffled ping, and I heard a loud bang.
This is what it looks like. My son has my digital camera. When he gets here I'll take a shot of it and post it.
BTW, the Oreo no longer exists. :-)
I've seen the mini-revolvers, though I've never handled one. Is it possible to cock the hammer one-handed? If not, I'd question the usefulness of having five shots. But maybe that's just me.
Oh yes. It's the hardest hammer I've pulled back. But easily done.
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