Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	American Derringer Corporation More Info

About the Gun

Long-barreled derringer variant positioned as a target or competition model, featuring an 8-inch barrel in a conventional contoured block. It uses all-stainless steel construction, automatic barrel selection, and a manual hammer block safety that disengages when the hammer is cocked. The extended barrel was intended to support greater accuracy potential through improved sight radius and velocity compared to shorter derringers in the lineup.

Production

Production of this unique firearm began in 1985 and continued until the early 2000s.

Market value

The MSRP for a new version of this gun was around $800-$900. The market value for used examples in typical condition (80–95%) ranges from $600 to $800.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.45/.410 Cal
Alias:	N/A
More Info

Analysis

The American Derringer Model 8 incorporated a longer barrel to address limitations in ballistic performance and aiming precision inherent to compact derringers, while preserving the over/under single-action mechanism and stainless durability typical of the series. The contoured barrel block maintained a familiar profile within the product line, and the design allowed for mounting options like red-dot scopes in period examples. This configuration suited occasional target shooting or scenarios requiring more effective range than standard pocket derringers, though the two-shot capacity and manual operation limited it to specialized use rather than general competition against dedicated target pistols. The added length reduced concealability but enhanced handling for deliberate, aimed fire in the platform's low-volume niche.