Was there a .45-70 deringer?

[pwright2]

As stupid as it sounds, my memory insists to me that I once looked at a .45-70 deringer in a store.  Does anyone know who might have made such a handcannon?

I'm talking mid-60s to mid-70s, not ancient history.  (Well, I guess that depends on how you look at it.  Seems like yesterday to me.)

-----paul-----

[ShootnStr8]

pwright2,

I suspect that your memory is serving you correctly.  I remember reading an article about them a number of years ago (mid '80's, I believe).  The article suggested that people using them as groin guns.   I remember talking with my dad about how painful it would be with all of that recoil going into the web of one's hand.  I shutter to think!  If I recall correctly the only safety that particular piece had was a stiff trigger with a long pull.  I can't remember who made it.  I do like the 45-70 but I think I will keep my shooting of this fine cartridge out of a rifle -- and a heavy one at that.  

Blessings!

Shootnstr8

[ShootnStr8]

pwright2,

I just did a search on Dogpile.  Check out www.amderringer.com/.  They have them there.  

Peace,

ShootnStr8

[pwright2]

Son-of-a-gun.  More than one, even.  I see they use the double-r version of the name, but that's OK.  

Man, even a .45-70 over .410.  Fascinating.  But a little overbore for your average poker table disagreement unless you are up against the Terminator.

Thanks, guys.  Glad to know all the brain cells aren't gone.  (Though I should have thought to use Google first.)

-----Paul------

[Robert]

He showed it to me, had it loaded under the counter. I asked if he had ever shot it, and he said no.  I was talking about revolvers that shot both 45's and .410's, and he pulled this thing out.

[pwright2]

Sorta like having your very own hand grenade.

I must admit, if offered the chance, I would shoot it.  Just to say I had done it.  OTOH, I figure the slug has to be right at the end of the bore, so there probably isn't a whole lot of pressure built up.

I'd love to see figures on the velocity vs. something with a barrel.

I'm amused that American Derringer calls it something like the Alaska Survival Gun.  Other than the noise, a long knife would probably be more effective against a bear.  And a .22 would do as well against card sharks.

-----Paul------

[KN]

I can just imagine the fire ball those thing produce!  KN

[Dand]

Seems like some one was making a 45-70 /410 derringer in the early 90's - stainless even. I remember one of our local shops had a couple.  One of the employees said he shot the 45-70 at a oil drum at short distance - put big holes in the drum and he said it wasn't so bad to handle either.

[Lone Hunter]

I have never shot one but what I understand there is very little recoil.  As soon as you pull the trigger the bullet is gone.  It is not in the barrel long enough to kick much.  I bet it would look like a flame thrower if shot  in the dark. Lone Hunter

[Shane in WI]

I saw a 410 Derringer once.  Even shot it.  I think the barrels were 3" and the shells were 1/4" shorter.  Let me tell you that it did kick.  Nearly jumped out of my hands.  I was 8 feet from a cardboard box before I hit it with any pellets.  The problem was that there was not much of a handle.  I had to squeeze between my thumb and palm, to keep it from jumping up out of my hand.  Had a chance to buy a 357 Derringer for $100 last year, but didn't.  I probably should of, but what would you do with it?

[Savage]

Saw an "Alaskan Guide" model sold at the last gun  show. It was a double barrell 45-70. The man that sold it said it was a two handed gun for sure! Good for a novelty, but I can't imagine what use one would have for it.
Stay Safe,
Savage