Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	American Derringer Corporation More Info

About the Gun

This two-barrel model is hammerless, featuring a double-action only trigger with automatic barrel selection and a unique open-front trigger guard.

Production

Primary and most common variant (often labeled DA38). Introduced circa 1990. Limited current availability suggests low-volume or sporadic production post-2010s.

Market value

The MSRP for a new version of this gun is approximately $700-$800. For a used one in 95% condition, the market value ranges from $400-$500 based on recent 2024-2025 data from trusted firearm pricing platforms.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.38 Special
Alias:	.38 Smith & Wesson Special
More Info

Analysis

This model originated from American Derringer acquiring rights to the High Standard double derringer design around 1990, scaling it up for centerfire calibers like .38 Special. It remains a niche pocket pistol in the handgun market, valued for extreme compactness and stainless construction, though limited by two-shot capacity, heavy trigger pull typical of such designs, and recoil in magnum calibers. Production on some variants (e.g., .40 S&W) ended around 2012, but .38 Special versions appear in ongoing references. The pistol sequences firing from the lower barrel first, then the upper barrel on the subsequent trigger pull. This is a built-in feature of the design—no manual selector switch or lever is required.