Derringer vs. Pistol — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Derringer is a small, often pocket-sized, handgun without a revolving cylinder, whereas pistols include a range of handguns, some with revolving cylinders.
Difference Between Derringer and Pistol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A derringer is typically characterized by its small size and ease of concealment, making it popular as a backup firearm or for close-quarters self-defense. Whereas, pistols are more diverse in size and include both revolvers and semi-automatic models, used widely in various roles from personal defense to military applications.
Derringers usually have a very limited capacity, often holding only one or two rounds, and lack a revolving cylinder. On the other hand, many pistols, especially semi-automatic ones, have higher capacities and feature magazines that can hold multiple rounds.
The firing mechanism in derringers is generally simpler, with fewer moving parts and sometimes using a single-action trigger. Whereas, pistols can vary, with semi-automatic models typically using a double-action or striker-fired mechanism, providing quicker follow-up shots.
Derringers are mostly used for point-blank defense due to their limited accuracy and range. In contrast, pistols are designed to be effective at a variety of ranges, depending on the barrel length and caliber.
Derringers are famous for their use in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Pistols, however, have been prominent in both World Wars, evolving significantly in design and function through the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Small, pocket-sized
Varies, generally larger
Cylinder
No revolving cylinder
May have revolving cylinder (revolvers)
Capacity
1-2 rounds typically
Higher, often 6+ rounds
Firing Mechanism
Simpler, often single-action
Double-action, striker-fired, varies
Typical Use
Close-quarters self-defense, backup gun
Versatile, includes self-defense, military
Compare with Definitions
Derringer
Often chambered for smaller calibers.
His derringer was chambered in .22 caliber, suitable for its size.
Pistol
A handgun with a chamber integral to the barrel, available in semi-automatic and revolver variants.
His pistol, a 9mm semi-automatic, was holstered at his side.
Derringer
Typically limited to short-range use.
He used the derringer because the threat was immediately in front of him.
Pistol
Continuously evolving in design and technology.
The latest pistols incorporate advanced safety features and ergonomic designs.
Derringer
Associated with historical events and figures.
The derringer is often remembered for its infamous role in President Lincoln's assassination.
Pistol
Features higher ammunition capacity than derringers.
Her pistol held 15 rounds, ideal for competitive shooting.
Derringer
A small, single or double-barrel handgun without a revolving cylinder.
He carried a derringer in his boot for personal protection.
Pistol
Can be equipped with various sighting systems.
He added a red-dot sight to his pistol for better accuracy.
Derringer
Known for its concealability due to its compact size.
The derringer fits easily into her purse, unnoticed.
Pistol
Used across a variety of shooting disciplines and purposes.
The pistol is favored by law enforcement for its reliability.
Derringer
A derringer is a small handgun that is neither a revolver nor a semi/fully automatic pistol. It is not to be confused with mini-revolvers or pocket pistols, although some later derringers were manufactured with the pepperbox configuration.
Pistol
A pistol is a handgun, more specifically one with the chamber integral to its gun barrel, though in common usage the two terms are often used interchangeably. The English word was introduced in ca.
Derringer
A short-barreled pistol that has a large bore and is small enough to be carried in a pocket.
Pistol
A handgun, especially one that is not a revolver.
Derringer
A type of very small, concealable pistol with one or two barrels, but without any loading system or magazine.
Pistol
(Slang) A rowdy or rambunctious person, especially a child.
Derringer
A kind of short-barreled pocket pistol, of very large caliber, often carrying a half-ounce ball.
Pistol
To shoot with a pistol.
Derringer
A pocket pistol of large caliber with a short barrel
Pistol
A handgun
Pistol
The mechanical component of a fuse in a bomb or torpedo responsible for firing the detonator.
Pistol
A creative and unpredictable jokester, a constant source of entertainment and surprises.
Pistol
(Southern US) A small boy who is bright, alert and very active.
Pistol
(American football) An offensive formation in which the quarterback receives the snap at a distance behind the center, but closer than in a shotgun formation, with a running back lined up behind him.
Pistol
(transitive) To shoot (at) a target with a pistol.
Pistol
The smallest firearm used, intended to be fired from one hand, - now of many patterns, and bearing a great variety of names. See Illust. of Revolver.
Pistol
To shoot with a pistol.
Pistol
A firearm that is held and fired with one hand
Common Curiosities
What is a derringer?
A derringer is a small, usually pocket-sized, handgun that does not have a revolving cylinder and typically holds only one or two rounds.
Can derringers be used for primary self-defense?
Due to their limited capacity and range, derringers are better suited for backup self-defense rather than primary use.
Are derringers cheaper than pistols?
Derringers can be less expensive due to their simpler construction, but this is not always the case as some collector models and higher-quality derringers may be priced similarly to or higher than many pistols.
Are derringers more concealable than pistols?
Yes, due to their smaller size, derringers are generally more easily concealed than most pistols, making them popular for discreet carry.
What is the historical significance of derringers?
Derringers are historically significant as personal defense weapons and are famously known for their use in notable historical incidents, such as the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
How does the reloading speed of a derringer compare with a pistol?
Derringers generally have a slower reloading speed due to manual reloading of each chamber, while pistols, particularly semi-automatics, can be quickly reloaded with pre-filled magazines.
Do law enforcement agencies use derringers?
Law enforcement agencies typically do not use derringers as standard issue due to their limited capacity and range; they prefer pistols for their reliability and functionality.
What is a pistol?
A pistol is a type of handgun which may be either a semi-automatic firearm or a revolver, designed for ease of use and quick firing.
How does the firing mechanism of a derringer differ from that of a pistol?
Derringers often utilize a simpler single-action mechanism, whereas pistols can vary from double-action in revolvers to striker-fired in semi-automatics.
What are the typical uses of pistols in comparison to derringers?
Pistols are used in a broader range of activities including law enforcement, personal defense, and sports shooting, offering more versatility than derringers.
What are common calibers for derringers compared to pistols?
Derringers are typically chambered in smaller calibers such as .22 or .38 Special, whereas pistols are available in a wide range of calibers from .22 to .45 ACP and beyond.
How do the safety features of derringers compare to those of pistols?
Derringers typically have fewer safety features due to their simple design, whereas modern pistols often include multiple safety mechanisms like trigger safeties, grip safeties, and manual safety switches.
Are pistols more accurate than derringers?
Yes, pistols are generally more accurate than derringers due to their longer barrels, better ergonomics, and more advanced sighting systems.
What are the ergonomic differences between derringers and pistols?
Pistols are designed with ergonomics in mind, often featuring contoured grips and balance to aid in accuracy and comfort, whereas derringers have a more basic grip and are not designed for prolonged use.
Can both derringers and pistols be used for competitive shooting?
Pistols are commonly used in competitive shooting due to their accuracy and higher capacity. Derringers, due to their limitations, are rarely used in competitions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
