^this is what i was after. thanks a bunch, sounds like what i want is what i am gonna still want after i buy it too, which is never something to complain about
What? Somebody to agree with you and justify buying one? lol I have the same penchant myself.
I owned one in .38 Spec. Moderate recoil. I've seen them shot in .410 and they have what can best be termed as "healthy" recoil in that caliber. They are quality through and through. The limitations of the classic two-shot derringer design have already been listed here, and are altogether true, so I won't belabor them. The biggest drawback to the American Derringer, other than the aforementioned, is their price. They are plenty high-or were. I would heartily avoid stuff like "The Alaskan Survival Model" in 45-70.
A good alternative is a Davis. They made a few .38's towards the end of their tenure. The .22's and .32's are common and smaller than either their own .38 Spec. or any of the American Derringers. They are not as quality, but are not bad given their price. They used to run about $70, fifteen or so years ago. I'm sure they're double that now, if you can find one.