Back into antiques…

[RMFnLA]

Long time shooter, collector, and gunsmith; laid off guns in general due to a busy life but got back into shooting last year when I got my CCW.

Just picked this up, getting me back into the oldies as well; I think it’s a good start.

 

[Notchy Bob]

Welcome to the forum!

I’ll say you’re off to a good start… a genuine antique Philadelphia Deringer, which appears to be in shootable condition.

That’s a dandy little pocket pistol. Thanks for showing it!

Notchy Bob

 

[RMFnLA]

Welcome to the forum!

I’ll say you’re off to a good start… a genuine antique Philadelphia Deringer, which appears to be in shootable condition.

That’s a dandy little pocket pistol. Thanks for showing it!

Notchy Bob

Shootable?

Do you guys do that with originals like this?

 

[mikek793]

Shootable?

Do you guys do that with originals like this?

I shoot my great, great grandfather's 12gauge double barrel percussion shotgun he had on 1850. If it's shootable I shoot it.

 

[RMFnLA]

I shoot my great, great grandfather's 12gauge double barrel percussion shotgun he had on 1850. If it's shootable I shoot it.

I like that!

Of course, a der(r)inger isn’t going to be the best range experience, but it could be fun.

 

[Loyer]

Look out Lincoln !

 

[mikek793]

I like that!

Of course, a der(r)inger isn’t going to be the best range experience, but it could be fun.a

I like that!

Of course, a der(r)inger isn’t going to be the best range experience, but it could be fun.

Just shooting any of the old originals is fun to me. Must be some kind of a romance thing but I don't tell the wife that

 

[Stykbow]

I shoot my great, great grandfather's 12gauge double barrel percussion shotgun he had on 1850. If it's shootable I shoot it.

Love it. Remember everyone, an unfired gun is an unhappy gun!

 

[RMFnLA]

Don’t ask, don’t tell.

We have a bit of that going on around here…

 

[52Bore]

Very nice looking piece… unless there’s something obvious- should be some fun in shooting!
Deringers always make me think of Turner Kirkland (Dixie Gun Works) as they were his favorite to collect.

 

[Moasf]

Long time shooter, collector, and gunsmith; laid off guns in general due to a busy life but got back into shooting last year when I got my CCW.

Just picked this up, getting me back into the oldies as well; I think it’s a good start. View attachment 301968

Old is good.

 

[Notchy Bob]

Shootable?

Do you guys do that with originals like this?

Absolutely!

Guns were made to be shot, and chances are your Deringer was shot in the past. Previous owners just shot appropriate loads and cleaned it properly. There’s no reason you can’t do the same, and later pass it on to the next generation in just as good condition as it is now. We just try to be sensible.

I’ve seen old guns left in storage that were rusted and the stocks damaged by bugs or rot. Guns that get pulled out and shot, or even just handled by knowledgeable owners, seem to stay in good shape. Proper loads aren’t going to hurt them, and it takes a lot of shooting to induce any real wear. They get cleaned after shooting and wiped down after handling.

The last original I shot was an M1842 I.N. Johnson Dragoon pistol that I bought a couple of years ago. It was fun, and it didn’t hurt the gun one bit. I have an original Whitney M1841 “Mississippi” Rifle that will absolutely be shot. In my experience, original sporting and military guns, especially the locks, are built better than the mass-produced reproductions.

The only requirement around here is that after you shoot that pocket rocket, you need to post again and tell us about the experience.

Notchy Bob

 

[RMFnLA]

Absolutely!

Guns were made to be shot, and chances are your Deringer was shot in the past. Previous owners just shot appropriate loads and cleaned it properly. There’s no reason you can’t do the same, and later pass it on to the next generation in just as good condition as it is now. We just try to be sensible.

I’ve seen old guns left in storage that were rusted and the stocks damaged by bugs or rot. Guns that get pulled out and shot, or even just handled by knowledgeable owners, seem to stay in good shape. Proper loads aren’t going to hurt them, and it takes a lot of shooting to induce any real wear. They get cleaned after shooting and wiped down after handling.

The last original I shot was an M1842 I.N. Johnson Dragoon pistol that I bought a couple of years ago. It was fun, and it didn’t hurt the gun one bit. I have an original Whitney M1841 “Mississippi” Rifle that will absolutely be shot. In my experience, original sporting and military guns, especially the locks, are built better than the mass-produced reproductions.

The only requirement around here is that after you shoot that pocket rocket, you need to post again and tell us about the experience.

Notchy Bob

Oh, it’s def been shot and well cared for and yes, it’s much better quality than any repro I’ve ever seen.

I guess I’m just concerned about dinging it up; it’s in such nice shape that I’d hate to mar the checkering or something else stupid.

BTW, I know guns very well, just a bit reverent when it comes to actual history.

Guess I’ll need to look into it.

Probably the best part will be the reactions of all the tacti-cools out at the range…

 

[RMFnLA]

Very nice looking piece… unless there’s something obvious- should be some fun in shooting!
Deringers always make me think of Turner Kirkland (Dixie Gun Works) as they were his favorite to collect.

I haven’t pulled it apart yet but it has that feel of a “proper” piece; you know what I mean.

Ah yes, DGW; I used to do a lot of repairs and minor restoration of antiques, and they were the best for parts and info. Loved their catalogs! Met Turner at several events, great guy and so knowledgeable. I didn’t know he was partial to Deringers, but after handling this one I can see why.

 

[52Bore]

The appearance looks to be in very nice condition. The lack of pitting at the snail/nipple indicates low use and/or well taken care of. (Your nipple threads might be a little long, based on the gap in the photo?). If the bore is constant with a tight patch - I’d make sure the flame path is clear and go. Obviously, snap a few caps, then start with a low powder charge and enjoy.

 

[SOLANCO]

Shootable?

Do you guys do that with originals like this?

If properly vetted by a competent smith, yes. But I expect I'd only fire the derringer once or twice. What's the plinking range for that? 10 Feet?

 

[TFoley]

If properly vetted by a competent smith, yes. But I expect I'd only fire the derringer once or twice. What's the plinking range for that? 10 Feet?

Plinking range is the distance from the audience box door to the back of the chair.

 

[Mcat]

I enjoy shooting the few antiques I have. My photo to the left is one that required a new tumbler shaft to be brazed in. The rest was in pretty good condition. Shoots well, but not as good as the German pistol that was auctioned without a hammer. Tracked it down in England. It has a hex shaft on the tumbler. Luckily the hammer came with a hex opening that fit perfectly! Yay!

 

[RMFnLA]

The appearance looks to be in very nice condition. The lack of pitting at the snail/nipple indicates low use and/or well taken care of. (Your nipple threads might be a little long, based on the gap in the photo?). If the bore is constant with a tight patch - I’d make sure the flame path is clear and go. Obviously, snap a few caps, then start with a low powder charge and enjoy.

I think you’ve talked me out of shooting it.

I see that gap you’re talking about. I don’t have a nipple wrench and, more importantly, that nipple looks like it’s been in there for a while, so it’s looking like an “If it ain’t broke” kind of thing.

I took it apart and it’s righteous all the way through, even still has some of that weird wavy line finish on the barrel underside. I gave it the Ren wax treatment and I think I’m just going to let it be for now.

It’s just too pretty for me to mess up.

I do have a 5-1/2” SS Uberti 1858 if I feel like burning some FFG.

 

[SOLANCO]

77 Years old and maybe I should be careful what I call an antique.
The M1 I carried in basic was adopted into service in 1936. Ten years before I was born and near 90 years ago. Is it an antique? Do not imagine the BATF would think so. Likely they'd be picky about the Browning M1919 too. Don't think they have awarded the 1911 with antique status either.

All that nit picking aside I have collected a number of vintage double guns, ML and cartridge. I shoot them and find I like them better than any new double I have handled. 2.5 Inch cartridges are a complication, but you really don't want to extend the chambers on these old girls.