Derringer Modern & Replica Handguns

With its small, readily concealable size and well-deserved reputation for punching above its weight, the derringer handgun has been an object of fascination since the heyday of the American West

They may have roots in the days of gun-slinging cowboys, but these little sidearms are still manufactured today. Fueled by a love of firearms and history, many contemporary derringers are replicas, while others are high-tech takes on the classic. Finely wrought historically-accurate replicas of bygone production derringers are fully-function copies that can stand up to regular use and are ideal for reenactments.

Contemporary spins on the traditional Remington derringer design are now being manufactured by Bond Arms, American Derringer, and Cobra Arms. The smallest handguns capable of handling large caliber ammunition, classic derringers are popular concealed-carry weapons.

Modern derringers include Sundance Industries' attractive and ergonomic .22-caliber Point Blank derringer, the quad-barreled COP .357 derringer, and the newly minted and multiple patent-pending Heizer Defense DoubleTap, which is available as either a .45 ACP or 9 mm.

Quick Facts

• The new American Derringer LM4 Semmerling pistol has a surprisingly high retail value of $3,800
• The American Derringer M-4 Alaskan Survival, which fires a .45-caliber round on top and a .410-gauge shotgun cartridge on the bottom, has been called the most powerful defensive pocket pistol in the world
• A replica Sharps .22-caliber four-barrel derringer by Mirok sold at a 2008 Bonhams auction for $960