This is a discussion on Cobra Derringer...opinions? within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Ok Gun Guru's..I have always wanted a derringer but not wanted to pay the price I have seen them for in the past. Upwards of ...
Ok Gun Guru's..I have always wanted a derringer but not wanted to pay the price I have seen them for in the past. Upwards of 200+ and I figured i could get a snubby for that so I did. But that still left a yearning for a derringer. Well I found one at a place in Columbus..it is a Cobra brand (never heard of it before) and they have a 22 mag and a 38/9mm model. The 22 mag model is $100, the 38/9mm model is $110.
I would like opinions on whether buying this brand would be wise and if so, what model would ya go for?
.22 Mag.
I would choose the North American Arms in .22 mag over any Derringer format.
Not much more expensive.
In fact you could go with the tiny NAA in .22 LR and forget the Magnum for what you'll want a firearm that size for.
With the NAA you get 5 shots in a smaller, lighter package and they are not that much more money.
Search Gunbroker for North American Arms and you'll be able to see all of the variations and configurations.
You'll be much happier in the long run with any NAA.
Just my opinion.
You should be able to buy one of these (below) locally for 125.00
They are beautifilly built and will hold their value much more than an off brand derringer.
At one time, our local gun shop had two new Cobra Derringers in 22LR in the display case. A friend of mine bought one, took it out and managed to get about 20 rounds out of it before it quit working. Took it back and they swapped him out for the other one. Bottom barrel on that one never did fire. Took it back, got his money back and the gun shop will no longer carry them. If you want something reliable, I'd avoid the Cobras and go with the NAA mini. If you really want something that looks like the Cobras, expect to pay a lot more for one by American Derringer or Bond Arms.
"[T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons.
They are left in full possession of them."
Zacharia Johnson (speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention,25 June 1778)"The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed." ~Alexander Hamilton
"Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks."
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NRA Life Member
I'll add my vote too for the diminutive NAA - some Derringers are ''interesting'' but for me the NAA is the better option .... so small it'll fit any pocket - even the small top pocket of my summer vest
A friend of mine owns a Cobra in .22. It is the same size as the .38, only had barrel sleeves inserted (factory ) for the caliber. He dropped it on concrete and broke a safety on the hammer.
My opinion, it is cheap and bulky , especially compared to my NAA 22.
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The Bond Arms derringers may be expensive, heavy and have only 2 shots, but they're a hoot to shoot. I've got a .45/.410 and love it. The .45 Colt part isn't as usefull as the .410 part - you can fire #12 shot all the way up to slug. 25ft patterns range from about 36" for the #12 shot to 6" for the 000 Buck.
I can't reccomend it as a daily carry gun, nor can I reccomend the long-range target loads in .410, but it's a great close-in defender against all kinds of pests.
thanks for all the info.
Sounds like I will steer clear of the Cobra and save my money for a NAA.
It would be a gun to carry when no other will do or as a lil BUG. Definitely not a daily piece but sometimes when ya need it, it could be the only gun that fits the bill at the moment.
You have made a wise decision. I have a Cobra .32 derringer in my showcase right now, and for a gun that has only been test fired by the factory, I have still had to tighten some of the screws on it a few times because just with handling they keep backing out. One of those screws is the one that holds the lever that locks the barrels down on.
If I were to go the derringer route, I would go with the Bonds or NAA.
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"[T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. 
