Shooting My Palmetto Derringer

[TDM]

Finally took the time to try this little guy out after at least 35 years. As I said in a previous thread, I bought it about 40 years ago, and for the most part forget I have it. I gave it a good cleaning, but it was in good shape for sitting so long. Only thing was the nipple. You can't remove it gracefully without removing the hammer. Plus the receiver was ridged around the back of the nipple so a nipple wrench would fit. So I know I never removed the nipple before cause I wouldn't have been comfortable disassembling or modifying it way back then. I took it apart, which was no problem, and after a few shots of penetrant oil, used a small pair of vise grips to remove the nipple. Luckily there was just a little rust on the threads. I took a couple small files and knocked off the rear ridge of the nipple hole. All else was in great shape.

 

[TDM]

I actually found an old forum thread on this derringer from 2006. The derringer says .41 cal but its actually a .40. The old post confirmed that and those guys were using .380 PRB. I decided to start with 10 gr 3F Goex, even though I read they were using 20gr. No way can I remember what I used way back when. I also made a short starter & ram out of 3/8" dowel and a piece of antler. I set the target up 10' from the bench.

 

[Stantheman86]

That thing is neat, if I had one I'd try to use thicker patch and .375 balls so I could share balls with my .36 revolvers.

This would display nicely in a case with a '51 Navy

 

[TDM]

I made 16 shots, using Remington #10 caps. The whole process was trail and error on were to lock my wrist. I started out just using a .010 .50 patch, which was a little too loose. I went back to the shop and found some .020 that worked fine. I was using my homemade patch lube which is @ 15% beeswax, 45% lard, and 40% canola oil. As you can see on shots 10-16 I finally got my grip better set. There was little lateral deviation on all the shots, it was all about learning were to lock my wrist. With some practice, I think the little derringer would be fine out to 20', for a good shooter even more. Its all cleaned and put away now. Hopefully not for another 35 years!
And had no miss-fires, malfunctions, or fouling problems.

 

[Stantheman86]

That's pretty good for a belly gun with no sights.

Is it a smoothbore or is it rifled?

I enjoy shooting little pocket guns.

I know people carried those back in the day but I'd be nervous carrying a half cocked and capped Derringer in my pocket.

 

[SmokepoleSam]

Use an ignition or open end wrench to loosen a thread or two then you can remove it by hand.

 

[TDM]

That's pretty good for a belly gun with no sights.

Is it a smoothbore or is it rifled?

I enjoy shooting little pocket guns.

I know people carried those back in the day but I'd be nervous carrying a half cocked and capped Derringer in my pocket.

Its a smoothbore. No half cock on this one. And I wouldn't carry it capped in my pocket either.

 

[TDM]

Use an ignition or open end wrench to loosen a thread or two then you can remove it by hand.

I have both types and tried them. There wasn't enough clearance on the back half of the receiver for the claws to grab. I fixed it by filling down the ridge line around the nipple. There is still not nearly enough room for a conventional nipple wrench with the hammer installed. But now it can be removed with an small ignition wrench or similar tool.

 

[Stantheman86]

Its a smoothbore. No half cock on this one. And I wouldn't carry it capped in my pocket either.

If I had this I'd try dropping a loose .375 ball down the pipe and using a little piece of newspaper as wadding.

I always wondered how people carried these percussion derringers, hammer down on a cap is a no-go too. I guess they just cocked them and hoped for the best.

 

[TDM]

If I had this I'd try dropping a loose .375 ball down the pipe and using a little piece of newspaper as wadding.

I always wondered how people carried these percussion derringers, hammer down on a cap is a no-go too. I guess they just cocked them and hoped for the best.

Back in the day folks just used what they had and took what precautions they could. Thankfully we don't have to do that now, I would not want to be hit by one of these.

 

[Stantheman86]

Back in the day folks just used what they had and took what precautions they could. Thankfully we don't have to do that now, I would not want to be hit by one of these.

I was just saying this the other day , when I was shooting a pair of cap and ballers with my Dad. I'm like, I would not want to get hit by a .44 lead round ball.

These little derringers would do the job, I wouldn't be trying to take a .380 ball to the guts.

 

[Dave Fox]

The threat of these diminutive weapons isn't of instant death but lingering infection from the ball, patching material, and bits of clothing in the wound in pre antibiotics days. That was a sobering thought for all but the most berserk attacker. And, anyway, one suspects more aggressive dogs, hogs, and other like critters received these sorts of pistol's attentions most often.

 

[toot]

If I had this I'd try dropping a loose .375 ball down the pipe and using a little piece of newspaper as wadding.

I always wondered how people carried these percussion derringers, hammer down on a cap is a no-go too. I guess they just cocked them and hoped for the best.

remember that there was no OSHA, back in the day! you were on your own!!

 

[toot]

I was just saying this the other day , when I was shooting a pair of cap and ballers with my Dad. I'm like, I would not want to get hit by a .44 lead round ball.

These little derringers would do the job, I wouldn't be trying to take a .380 ball to the guts.

it would sure make you spring a LEAK!!!

 

[toot]

is it a screw off barrel?

 

[TDM]

is it a screw off barrel?

Apologize for the delay in reply.
No, this one does not screw off. At least it doesn’t appear to.

 

[TDM]

Just finished doing an inventory of old BP stuff I have. Among the things I was hoping to find was the box of RBs that I purchased with the little derringer. And I found it! Now I’ll have to try it out again with the .395 balls and some different patch combinations. I found stuff I hadn’t seen but maybe once or twice in over 40 years!