What I want.....

[crockett]

We have been discussing handguns carried while hunting and one item I have thought about building from scratch is a single shot that is- in size- about half way between a derringer and your typical CVA/Traditional pistol with a 10" barrel. Ideally I was thinking about a derringer sized lock but instead of a 2" barrel- a barrel of about 5" with the rear sight back at the breech plug. Maybe a 380 "Navy" sized ball. This would be a lot lighter to carry and small enough not to be cumbersome but adequate for any small game you saw.
I know of no kits selling a pistol of this size but I'd like some feed back from others as to what they think of the practicality of this idea.

 

[Don]

I think its a great idea. I have a CVA Colonial in .45 and a CVA Plains in .50 which is similar in size to the Colonial. They both carry nicely in my holsters where as my Kentuckys protrude out of the bottom far enough to snag on brush and the like. What you discribed sounds perfect for woods loafing or as a backup for a rifle.

Don

 

[matt denison]

Jukar made something similar to what you describe. In .45 cal. Not a target gun but really handy. The locks weren't durable so not a real "good" gun. I had one around the shop that I have pretty much parted out by now.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

CVA made and traditions still does make a 32 caliber pistol. Unfortunately both companies incorporated their poorer quality locks.

Their better quality lock and a single set trigger would have made the pistols worth owning, even at a $75 higher price.

 

[rafterob]

Deer Creek may still have a few of the Colonial style pistols in stock. A set of 4 of the stocks in unused condition just sold on ebay.

 

[crockett]

What I was thinking was to buy the Deer Creek Derringer kit and fit a longer barrel. Right now that may still be my decision. I will probably make a slightly larger stock. The pistol has to be accurate enough to reliably hit a rabbit at up to 25 yards (steady yourself against a tree, etc). And, it has to be light enough not to be a burden. I think a lot of folks carry a pistol as a back up to the rifle- that seems unnecessary, the smaller "pistol of opportunity" would put a lot more game in the pot in the long run and be a lot easier taking along. My big 50 caliber Hawken Pistol- half the time I don't bother with it.

 

[hanshi]

That's something I'd like to get as well. I like to carry a pistol in the deer woods and really need a small c&b revolver or a small pistol as you've described. This is the pistol I've carried a lot, but being short, the pistol reaches my knee if belt carried. Shoulder carry is not much better though the gun is protected. Here is a pic of the best way I've found so far to carry a big (to me) pistol.

 

[rodwha]

Have you considered the NAA Mini Earl 22 cap n ball "magnum" with a 4" barrel? I just don't like the idea of being stuck buying their projectiles, though IIRC someone has been using #4 buck shot.

The Traditions .32 Crocket pistol isn't very good?

 

[rodwha]

I love the look of the wood Hanshi! What is it?

 

[hanshi]

Matt chose a nice piece for me, alright. Thanks.

 

[swathdiver]

Why not a Colt Pocket Police with a 4-1/2" barrel?

Shoots .375-.380 ball and you get 5-shots.

This is much smaller than the Navy and Army models.

 

[Don]

Another thing you could try is getting a Colonial and cutting down the barrel by an inch then carving more wood off the stock. The Colonial stocks are beefy and would still be strong widdled down some. Just a thought.

Don