Author Topic: Cobra "Titan" derringer (Read 4256 times)

Poopers · « **on:** May 14, 2012, 02:33:33 AM »

Does anyone have any experience with the Cobra Titan derringer (45lc/.410)? Im thinking about getting one but sure cant find much info/reviews about them online.

Thanks

Spirithawk · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2012, 01:49:26 PM »

Can't realy say about the Titan but I had a Cobra 9mm derringer. Kicked like a mule on steroids and the trigger pull was the heaviest I've ever seen on any gun. It took a real effort to pull it. So much so that good luck hitting anything not in arms length. Seemed sollidly made though. I traded it and a .22 pistol for a brand new Kel Tec PF-9 and never looked back.

kynardsj · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2012, 02:12:11 PM »

Unless you have them worked on all derringers will have a heavy trigger pull. My advice is to spend the extra money and get an American Derringer or a Bond in the caliber you want. I've had the American Derringer Alaska Survival model 45/410 and it was nice for a derringer but big and heavy. Not really a pocket gun. As a side note, back in the 90's I bought one at a gun show because it was the most audacious derringer I had ever seen. It was another Alaska Survival model chambered for 45LC/410 over a 45-70. Talk about a handfull.

keith44 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2012, 03:18:48 PM »

I'm waiting for a Bond Arms to become available, gonna back up a Taurus Judge with it. Neither of these have any chance of being concealed on me, but for truck and trail and night stand guns I think they'd be perfect. My plan for the Derringer is to go armed while on the tractor, or working in my woods, with the Judge close at hand, but not on me.

trotterlg · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2012, 05:50:53 PM »

Any of these things are a lot heavier and larger than you would think they are. I had one in 38 Special, they are painful to shoot. The trigger needs professional help on any of them, they have about a 20 pound pull (not kidding). Threre are a lot better guns out there, but then these things are simple and do shoot, so hold one first before you buy it and see what you think. Larry

Brett · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:35:40 AM »

Quote from: keith44 on May 14, 2012, 03:18:48 PM

I'm waiting for a Bond Arms to become available, gonna back up a Taurus Judge with it. Neither of these have any chance of being concealed on me, but for truck and trail and night stand guns I think they'd be perfect. My plan for the Derringer is to go armed while on the tractor, or working in my woods, with the Judge close at hand, but not on me.

Keith, if concealability is not an issue why are you limiting yourself to clunky guns that are difficult to shoot accurately and are severely limited in fire power. My advice is to get yourself a good, full sized, 9mm,semi-automatic pistol or six shot, 4" barreled, .38/357 revolver for your truck, night stand or trail. Just my 2 cents.

Poopers · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2012, 04:03:00 AM »

I understand there are better guns out there... really, I dont even "want" a derringer.. however what I do want is .410 capability in a package smaller than the Taurus Judge and Derringers seem to be the only option.

keith44 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:50:17 PM »

I happen to like Derringers. I already have a .357, a 5 shot .38, a .41 Mag, a .380 acp, a 9mm, several .22's, a .44 mag, and a Judge. My money, my choice, the .410/.45 in a small package that is on the hip comfortably will be there for dogs, snakes, and other vermin that get too close. A face full of 000 Buck will end the car jacking, or at least delay it enough to drive to a safe place. On the tractor it will be used for critters.

mechanic · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2012, 03:10:04 PM »

I've had a Cobra, and while it is solidly built, it has a baaaaad trigger, and will break your second finger when you fire it.

Ben

jcn59 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2012, 04:45:54 PM »

A 3" barreled derringer chambered for 45/.410 will have 1/2" of rifling. That will not allow you enough accuracy to hit a rabbit by your front tire if you are driving a Farmall M, and the shotgun barrel won't have enough velocity or a tight enough pattern to be used on varmints over 15 yards away. Fifteen feet might be more realistic. I used a 4" (?) Judge roadhunting golphers with #6 shot a few years ago and it was really hard to hit anything at all with the vortex like pattern, much less kill a golpher. You would be better off with a Ruger .22 pistol. JMHO.

keith44 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2012, 04:50:51 PM »

Quote from: jcn59 on May 19, 2012, 04:45:54 PM

A 3" barreled derringer chambered for 45/.410 will have 1/2" of rifling. That will not allow you enough accuracy to hit a rabbit by your front tire if you are driving a Farmall M, and the shotgun barrel won't have enough velocity or a tight enough pattern to be used on varmints over 15 yards away. Fifteen feet might be more realistic. I used a 4" (?) Judge roadhunting golphers with #6 shot a few years ago and it was really hard to hit anything at all with the vortex like pattern, much less kill a golpher. You would be better off with a Ruger .22 pistol. JMHO.

re-check the pattern of the buckshot loads from the snake slayer IV

keith44 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2012, 05:02:44 PM »

as for the accuracy of the derringer design:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xByrKFWqdJ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hQtywZFxDg&feature=endscreen&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKkKcWA1UMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9K73J9Xa9w&feature=relmfu

So now what do you have to say about the accuracy of a derringer??

jcn59 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2012, 05:12:06 PM »

I've never shot buckshot in a pistol, so I don't claim to be much of an authority on it. I have fired some number of shot loads from rifled pistol barrels and I've only seen vortex-like patterns with a hole in the center. A 26" barreled .410 shotgun is an entirely different animal than a 3" barreled .410 derringer. You need at least a 15" smooth bore barrel with the proper internal bore dimension (way smaller than .452) to get a .410 cartridge to put out any kind or real horsepower. Don't kid yourself into thinking differently, and most people wouldn't even consider using a .410 shotgun for self-defense. But perhaps your experience is different than mine.

I just read a report on a Bond derringer .45/410 with a 3" barrel and it SHOWED the 1/2" of rifling, and the person who wrote the report said he couldn't hit anything much with the .45 cartridge. Might have been tested by Jeff Quin, but I'm not sure.

I would add that I am speaking specifically about 3" barreled derringers chambering a 2.5" .410 cartridge. I thought I had been crystal clear about that. I am not impressed with "Utube". Let me state again that you will get nothing that resembles "accuracy" shooting a .45 Colt cartridge out of a 3" derringer chambered for .45/.410. The key to "accuracy" or for that matter "velocity" does not start with shooting a .45 Colt in a .410 chamber with 1"+ freebore and 1/2" rifling. Get real, but then perhaps your experience is different than mine.

BUGEYE · « **Reply #13 on:** May 20, 2012, 01:27:35 AM »

keith44, LOL, I like derringers too, but every time I have mentioned them, firearms experts pop out of the woodwork. enjoy them. I did when I had one.

keith44 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 20, 2012, 02:47:07 AM »

Quote from: BUGEYE on May 20, 2012, 01:27:35 AM

keith44, LOL, I like derringers too, but every time I have mentioned them, firearms experts pop out of the woodwork. enjoy them. I did when I had one.

Yeah I see this going no where. Pre-conceived notions about belly guns and all. Oh well, Thanks Bugeye

jcn59 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 20, 2012, 06:23:29 AM »

I can hardly wait to tell my friends that you folks have discovered that the secret to an "accurate" gun for self defense is 1/2" of rifling in a 3" barrel. Just a hint here, but you might want to chronograph YOUR loads to see what REALLY happens after you pull the trigger.

Regarding firearms related issues, I'm still learning. Still, I have some personal experience gleaned over fifty years of shooting. No YouTube "learning" here. I don't consider myself an expert, just an individual with plenty of personal firearms experience. None of it included shooting snakes and such with a .410 derringer, so I guess you guys are still the real experts.

Brett · « **Reply #16 on:** May 20, 2012, 08:41:11 AM »

Quote from: jcn59 on May 20, 2012, 06:23:29 AM

I can hardly wait to tell my friends that you folks have discovered that the secret to an "accurate" gun for self defense is 1/2" of rifling in a 3" barrel. Just a hint here, but you might want to chronograph YOUR loads to see what REALLY happens after you pull the trigger.

Regarding firearms related issues, I'm still learning. Still, I have some personal experience gleaned over fifty years of shooting. No YouTube "learning" here. I don't consider myself an expert, just an individual with plenty of personal firearms experience. None of it included shooting snakes and such with a .410 derringer, so I guess you guys are still the real experts.

LOL

Some folks will only except what they want to hear and will not except the truth even when presented with the facts.

BUGEYE · « **Reply #17 on:** May 20, 2012, 02:08:21 PM »

I started shooting rifles, shotguns, and handguns in 1948. the same year my grandpa taught me to flyfish. everyone has their own ideas about what works and what doesn't.
as a kid, we started squirrel hunting in august, so my brothers and I all carried either a relvolver or derringer with shot for snakes.
my brother still carries a .38 special derringer.

twoshooter · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2012, 06:03:47 PM »

I have one in 32 H&R. The trigger pull IS very heavy, but then a nice smooth, crisp 24 OZ trigger is not something you want if you are full of adrenaline or winded. I test fired them into some sheetrock mud that was left over, the wound channel was more impressive than one might think. The 32 in that gun does not kick bad at all. At 12 feet I can keep them all in a standard paper plate. It is extremely simple to use, has proved reliable, and is very concealable.
I am not going to get into a fire fight, nor worry about "multiple assailants" or need backup. If I was in a place that dangerous, I would go somewhere else, and I am not going to do myself what 911 should be doing. If you have too much firepower you start to get cocky.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #19 on:** May 27, 2012, 04:16:25 AM »

Derringers are cool and if you like them then no reason you shouldn't get one. I simply chose my PF-9 because it's not a whole lot bigger than a lot of derringers, is still very easy to conceal, and I have 8 shots that can be fired very accurately, not to mention another 7 in my spare mag. No, I don't figure on getting into extended gunfights but fact is ya just never know. Those extra shots would be real handy if there were multiple attackers which seems to be a growing trend these days. As long as you can always have it on you I don't believe there's such a thing as too much gun. I've tossed around the thought of getting a .410 derringer myself to take with me when my son and I walk the creeks Smallmouth fishing mainly as a deterant to snakes. I believe everything has it's place and use as long as you don't kid yourself as to what those things are. Personaly, if choosing for self defense though, I'd choose a P-32 ( and I have one as a back-up), or a .380 over any derringer. Many .32's and .380's are basicly the same size as a derringer, they have way more fire power, better triggers by far, and are much more accurate and easier to shoot. Not telling anyone not to get a derringer but I believe a lot of thought should go into getting the right tool for the job rather than buying because it's kinda cool.

Savage · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2012, 07:23:16 AM »

If you have too much firepower you start to get cocky.

Good one!

Savage

keith44 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 27, 2012, 04:29:22 PM »

Quote from: Savage on May 27, 2012, 07:23:16 AM

If you have too much firepower you start to get cocky.

Good one!

Savage

yeah I'd like to hear the back story on this comment, twoshooter. I've carried enough firepower, and guns to start a small war (and win), I've also gone armed with just a derringer. Same habits, same attitude, and same result; home safe and sound with the exact same number of shells I left with.

BUGEYE · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2012, 02:26:51 AM »

I would like a single shot for .22 short that would drop nicely in my pocket.

ratdog · « **Reply #23 on:** June 11, 2012, 08:52:01 PM »

got a 38 made right here in utah. the trigger i fixed with stone polished sear and used gun slick on it the kept working the hammer not bad now.i have seen a few in 45-70 i sure would like to watch someone fire one. it wasn't a cobra though.

keith44 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 12, 2012, 04:57:54 AM »

Quote from: ratdog on June 11, 2012, 08:52:01 PM

... i have seen a few in 45-70 i sure would like to watch someone fire one. it wasn't a cobra though.

here are some...but I wanna watch someone in person shoot a few rounds through one of these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2qbsAyaURk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34v983P2j4

ratdog · « **Reply #25 on:** June 13, 2012, 01:15:13 AM »

fun video bonds are nice. i wonder if the trigger is better than the cobra ?fun watching shooting the 45-70 i like the rifle better.the 38 is enough for me.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #26 on:** June 14, 2012, 01:48:09 PM »

I like derringers. My favorite is the old .41 caliber we all see in the western movies. But those days are gone, and a derringer today with a respectable bore can easily be replaced with something else as easy to conceal. IMO, the only real worthwhile derrigngers are NAA in .22 Magnum, as many of you know because of my numerous posts on that particular gun. If a derrignger is not really, really small and light, it makes no sense to carry one because there are so many other modern autos and revolvers that are smaller and lighter. The NAA Magnum weighs 4.5 ounces. I don't know what a Cobra or Bond weights, but they are certainly much heavier and offer 3 less rounds than the NAA. Just my opinion.

Brett · « **Reply #27 on:** June 14, 2012, 02:58:27 PM »

I'm with you Mike. Why carry a 2 shot derringer when you can have six or more in the same size/weight package in a modern auto-loader? Nostalgia can be fun but not when my or my loved one's life may be on the line.

Savage · « **Reply #28 on:** June 14, 2012, 11:23:01 PM »

I've had a few derringers and really enjoyed playing with them. Especially the mid to big bores. I only have one left, possibly the best of the best in derringer design, the old High Standard Double Action in .22 mag. It's double action addresses a couple of the single action's failings. The DA is much faster to get into action as it does not have to be manually cocked for firing. The same feature makes a much lighter trigger pull, but IMO in total, it's much safer as well. Don't know why someone didn't make a similar one in a larger caliber. It even has a wallet holster that allows it to be fired without removing it from the holster. I don't carry the gun, but wouldn't carry it in the holster if I did, thanks to the AOW law.
Many years ago, I did carry it as a back up before the small, light centerfire revolvers and pistols became available. From a practical sense, a two shot derringer makes absolutely no sense to me as a carry gun. For less weight and size, one can carry a handgun that is more accurate, faster to get into action, and three times the capacity.
If a derringer were all I had, I'd carry it, or if I wanted something to shoot shotgun shells for snakes, it should work well for that. I would concede that the big bores are fun to shoot. That alone might be reason enough to own one! There are no bad guns.
Savage