How to Shoot a Derringer

The derringer was familiar gun in the old west and still is today in some places. The Derringer is a small weapon about the size of a man's palm that holds one or two bullets. It is one of the most concealable means of self-protection. The ease at which the gun may be hidden and fired at close range is unique. The derringer is meant strictly for short range shooting.

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the breach of the derringer. Ensure that there are no bullets loaded and that the barrels look clean. Load each barrel with a bullet, making sure they are both well seated. Now close the breach and make sure the safety is engaged so you don't shoot yourself. You can now hide it in any small pocket that you can get to in an emergency. Please note the warning section below.

    • 2

      Hold the derringer firmly in your hand. Remove the safety on the derringer and aim at your target. Slowly and carefully, pull the trigger on one of the barrels. If you need a second shot, then pull the second trigger to use your extra barrel. The kick on a derringer is very large and with such a lightweight gun, it doesn't absorb much of the kick. The gun weighs approximately 16 ounces and shoots a shell that is .45 or 45/70 in caliber.

    • 3

      Open the breach, expel both shells and reload the barrels. Close the breach and re-engage the safety. Hide it back in its place.