Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	American Derringer Corporation More Info

About the Gun

Compact Remington-style single-action over/under derringer in stainless steel with rosewood grips, a spur trigger, and a hammer-block safety that drops off when the hammer is cocked. This is the standard production Model 1, not the Lady polish-and-ivory package, not the engraved or brass commemorative guns, and not the longer Model 4.

Production

Production ran from 1980 through the early 2010s

Market value

MSRP at production was around $425–$800. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $350–$550.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.45 Winchester Magnum
Alias:	N/A
More Info

Analysis

Robert Saunders founded American Derringer in Waco in 1980 around this stainless revival of the Remington Model 95 over/under, and the first catalog work paired .45 Colt with a 2½-inch .410 shotshell in the same barrel set. The company then offered a long list of pistol and rifle chamberings on the same 3-inch frame, some as regular stock and many as special order, with satin or high-polish finishes and a fitted case. Elizabeth Saunders kept the Model 1 as the core product after 1993. It is not the High Standard–pattern DA line, not the Lady Derringer presentation gun, and not the 4.1-inch Model 4 or Alaskan Survival. Regular manufacture faded with the rest of the Waco shop. Used Model 1 guns are the most common American Derringer pieces on the market; .45 Colt / .410 and the midsize revolver chamberings turn up often, while the rifle and odd pistol calibers are scarcer and bring a modest premium. Bond Arms took the active two-shot derringer trade that this model once occupied.