.22 magnum rimfire is an impressive performer in typical rifles. Not so much in short-barreled handguns. I would not expect much increase in velocity or energy over the levels of .22LR in any handgun with barrel length under 6" or so.

The old High Standard derringer is a very well made piece, simple and easy to operate, but it is more of a "get off me" gun than a serious man-stopper. Expecting anything more than that might be a serious mistake. At bad breath range you can send a message that you prefer to be left alone, but you can't count on much more than that.

 

Save your money, and look at the Ruger LCRx .357 or .38, they cost about $600. This revolver is going to buck pretty hard with .357 Magnums in it. But that’s due to the round being a real Magnum. In a .38 Special chambering, you still have a capable round which has put a hurt on lots of thugs.

This one was listed for $350 used at Ruger LCR 357 Magnum Used Double-Action Revolver

 

If you want to stick with a .22 Magnum for self-defense, you can get one of these, a Ruger LCR .22 Magnum, and carry both guns.😎

 

Two rounds of 22 mag.
Don't assume either or both shots to be good hits or even hits.
Assume that even with a fatal (non-cns) hit(s), attacker has 10+ seconds of voluntary action.
Don't assume a lone attacker.

To me, 7 rounds of 380 (Ruger LCP) would be advantageous over any caliber derringer.
And a Ruger LCP 380 is not a handgun I'd prefer to defend myself with, its "better than nothing".
"Better than nothing" is not a goal; neither is, "wouldn't want to get shot by it".

 

This is ALWAYS ready:

 

I had one of those that I got as part of a package deal of 3 different guns. I did fire about 50 rounds thru it and I did chronograph 10 rounds. (Two at a time). The results surprised me. Average came out over 900 fps.
As with any rounds, shot placement is King.

 

I had one of those that I got as part of a package deal of 3 different guns. I did fire about 50 rounds thru it and I did chronograph 10 rounds. (Two at a time). The results surprised me. Average came out over 900 fps.
As with any rounds, shot placement is King.

Respectable enough to get the job done at close range in my opinion.

 

That derringer would only meet the standard of "having a gun" which is something. Most DGUs seem to be solved by just producing a gun or firing one shot. I imagine it produces a lot of muzzle blast. But although I am sure there are some incidents where a .22 mag has been instantly effective, I would not use "stopping power" and .22 in the same phrase. .22's have killed a lot of people, but I doubt many were stopped in their tracks in an SD situation.

 

With a point-blank shot to the eye, temple, beneath the ear, or base of skull, this gun will be a definite fight stopper.

 

Yeah but who would want to get that close to someone who is trying their darnedest to seriously ruin your day? With few exceptions, you are at a distinct disadvantage with most any handgun. Better to stack the deck as best you can in your favor and learn how to use that gun effectively should the need ever arise.

 

I have owned two, and got rid of them (upgraded to a Model 60 .38) because of other officers' problems with the derringers. They either worked or they didn't...and I found the trigger atrocious. For the small decrease in size, you lose 3-4 shots over the larger guns...with semiautos, even more. Better than nothing...of course. Adequate for self-defense...not for me.

 

It depends. There are better choices.

 

If I only had two shots, I would want 45 Colt or ACP.

 

You just gotta be different...

 

A quality that often separates me from the herd. Don't get me wrong, I like the herd well enough.

 

If you'd yield to the dark side, we could be Miscreants Unanimous...it'd be LOTS of fun.

 

Stick that derringer up a perp's nose and pull the trigger....you'll have the definition of "stopping power "....

(BTW, that statement on the Snub Noir private group got me in FB jail for 24 hours....guess Zuck has soft spot for perps.)

That said, I'd rather have a LCR or 942 in .22 Magnum....

Sent from my SM-G715A using Tapatalk

 

Stick that derringer up a perp's nose and pull the trigger....you'll have the definition of "stopping power "....

You'd probably also have a fair amount of snot and phlegm in and around the gun, as well, not to mention blood. All in all a messy situation. Gives cleaning one's gun a whole new dimension.

 

Here is a list of some other options for the same money:

Best Handguns Under $300 – [2024] Review - Gun Mann

A good handgun can be your best bet in a life-or-death event. Keep reading to find the best handguns under $300 available today!

www.gunmann.com

 

My get of me gun. 5 shots of 44 special.

 

A bit more expensive, but still...

 

Grab it! $300 is $250 under market price. Can sell it for a profit and if you wish, buy something else.
I would get it merely because I like High Standards.

 

I love High Standard, too...but not all models fit me. I'm amazed what they're paying for those little blasters these days...you sure could make a profit with it.

 

Well, a .44 is two .22s...it oughta cost twice as much. I'd like to see the derringer laying on top of the Boomer...not really that much smaller.

 

I think I only paid $350 for it.

 

i have previously owned the High Standard derringers in 22 LR and in 22 magnum.

I carried them on the weak-hand side.....and with the thought in mind that they were for absolute last ditch "get off me now" emergency usage.......not as a backup to the primary should it go down......and never as the primary carry.by itself...it was for a very specific up close and personal, about to die, Hail Mary role for the weak hand only..

the design is small, flat, and snag free. No safety to manipulate, no hammer to cock.....making it less fumble-prone for potential dexterity problems with the weak hand under hasty conditions......like rolling on the ground or flat on your back..

for the above job description, i can honestly not think of a better, more capable, jam-free, small handgun design for the weak hand unsupported.........think of it like a knife......i can appreciate the High Standard as i have no knife skills, but i can pull a trigger with my weak hand..

it is also obsolete......on the rare chance parts are required......good luck finding them and someone willing to work on it......you probably can, but it will cost you money and aggravation.

Barrel regulation affecting poa/poi will do more to limit effective range than the caliber/power......my experience is that this is a .seven yard "hit the b-27 somewhere" type gun under speed......be much closer if you want to keep the shots in the eight ring of that b27.

you can find data on the 22 magnum as far as capabilities, gel testing and such...and come to your own conclusion. I think the 22 magnum is fine as a last ditch "get off me now" caliber that is suitable for this derringer format.....heck, it was made for it and used in said backup roles as last ditch by officers...

if you just want a derringer because it is a "derringer"....and want an excuse to buy one.......go for it, just know and accept the limitations. It is a fun minimalist piece to work with and has history as a good dao design..

if you do not need the above job description of a weak hand only last ditch gun and you are not sold on the derringer concept......then there are much better options out there in caliber, accuracy, and capacity........the kel-tec p32 comes to mind as i believe they have improved the magazine.. 380's are in abundance.....and even the 22 LR is coming on strong in auto pocket pistols.

i honestly can not see myself paying 300....but you might want it more than i......

 

When I carry my NAA MiniMag 22m or my Bond Arms Derringer .45 Colt/.410, I am either in my sweatpants or swim trunks at home with other guns available or I am carrying a 1911 plus my "get off me" gun.

 

I have owned a few derringers'. I consider them range toys. They are fun novelty's.
My current deringer is in 45 Colt. Everyone that sees it wants to shoot it "Once"! Most hand it back after firing the first shot. No one has ever asked to load it up again!
The High Standard was actually issued to at least one State Police Department as a back up. so they have some history. They have become somewhat collectable, So If I wanted a range toy that will appreciate in value, I would grab it. As a carry gun not so much! Good Luck DR

 

If you want stopping power in a derringer, make sure you get the American Derringer Model M-4 in .45-70. Just make sure the first shot counts because it's a man stopper on both ends.

 

Derringers are novelties in today's market. You want a small, compact carry, get the LCP. Weighs about the same.

You want something to toy with at the range or while in the sticks, get a derringer.

With today's options, derringers are not guns for serious endeavors.

 

Or if you insist on a .22wmr and capacity, get a Kel-Tec PMR30. 30 rounds, a decent length barrel and a helluva flame front😆

 

I loved my PMR30, but it was difficult to find holsters. Have been thinking of getting the carbine version. I actually wound up trading the PMR for an original KSG pump. That was a great deal ten years ago or thereabouts.

 

Kinda lose something on conceability, though.

 

With a bulldog?

 

No, with a 30-shot Kel-Tec.

 

I actually have one I carry IWB in a kydex rig sometimes that conceals nicely. Lightweight too.