Is American Derringer kaput?

.300H&H · June 2, 2008, 09:02 PM

I was in the store the other day, and picked up a used .45Colt American Derringer. I didn't buy it, but it was tempting ie. only about $200 and was apparantly like new. There's something about'em that's appealing ie. solid,
small,simple and richly historical...but nevertheless a bit eccentric. I passed
on the deal...but looked up American Derringer's website, and noticed the website was 'down.' I'd heard that American Derringer fell victim to a nasty lawsuit awhile back... Are they out of business? I'd hate to see American Derringer close its doors...

Dave85 · June 2, 2008, 09:05 PM

Website's back up.

Playboypenguin · June 2, 2008, 09:26 PM

No, but based on the level of their customer service, they deserve to be...

.300H&H · June 2, 2008, 09:52 PM

Great. It's my favorite firearms' company website.

http://www.amderringer.com/message.html

I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a like-new,used model#1.
I know it's impractical, but there's just something about'em. Oh, well...

Wildalaska · June 2, 2008, 09:54 PM

I have a few on GB right now

WildtheshillAlaska TM

.300H&H · June 5, 2008, 06:00 PM

Thanks for the offer, and in the future I might do it. Right now, it's not on my short list. I'd kinda like to try one out a few times first. My understanding is that it's best to fire the bottom barrel first, and then fire the top barrel after dropping the gun about 4inches - so that it will produce a much better 'group.' Also the trigger pull is about 12lbs if pulled strait back, but more like 4lbs or less... if pulled down and back with the contour of the trigger.

Since so many seem to buy these things on impulse, fire'em and get tired of'em or frustrated with the recoil...I imagine the used market has the best bargains.

Maybe Elizabeth S. of ADC will read this letter,however, and fulfill one of my dreams - the dream of being invited to Waco Texas and being given a personal tour of the ADC factory where later over a grand Texas Steak Dinner, Ms. S. presents me and my family a customized Model#1. Wouldn't that be grand!? It would make a great ADC poster/marketing ploy/advertisement. Yep.

Glenn E. Meyer · June 5, 2008, 06:58 PM

That looks like the site that has been up for years.

The lawsuit story is that a police officer had an ND with one of theirs. He sued and the company could not afford to defend against the suit. Thus, they folded. The president said she was going to try to come up with a new company but that was years ago.

The story is in a book about women and guns - could be Caitlin Kelly's (

) but those books are at work so I can't guarantee that is true.

I met her once. Nice person.

2cooltoolz · June 5, 2008, 07:15 PM

I've owned a couple of their DA-38's. : .38 spl. and .357mag. The 38 was fun, the 357 was not (loaded with 357's).
Cool little curiosity guns, conversation starters, etc, but not practical on any level as a SD gun. Everything they can do a J-frame can do better. And then there's Kahr!
If I could afford to own everything though I'd like to have another

.300H&H · June 6, 2008, 12:34 AM

I believe the AD's have to be loaded and kept half-cocked, or they will be vulnerable to a ND. I find it fishy that a police officer would not have known this, especially if it was a new AD replete with instructions. AD has been very vulnerable to litigation; it's tough, but AD was speaking out when companies like Ruger and S&W were caving to PC/litigation pressure...and AD and Ms. Saunders deserves respect for being so brave and willing to stand up to those forces that try to keep the market less than free. Ruger lost a litigation case years ago involving a ND<a loaded blackhawk was tossed on its hammer on a sidewalk by a teen who had stolen it...:barf:>

It's likely very tough for AD to revamp its machinery and modify its products. I understand AD got into some mild trouble some years ago too for trying to sell 'pen guns.' The LM4 is interesting...but I notice that AD's website doesn't quote prices like it used to...and some of the products like the LM4...seem to be on hold...

The website was down a few days ago... I hope AD is on the verge of a rebound instead of closing shop. Their product is a quality product and uniquely American.

rogertc1 · June 6, 2008, 05:57 AM

Their web sit has not changes in 10 years. i had visited their store in Waco TX about 10 years ago.

.300H&H · June 7, 2008, 01:49 AM

Actually there have been some changes ie. prices are no longer listed and there's ongoing announcements of commemorative pieces...and a few days back it was down for a few days...

rogertc1 · June 7, 2008, 05:41 AM

Someone should see if the store is still open? Any one near WAYCO??
I have a Lady Derringer and a DAD 9mm.
I Have a Braverman pen gun and Semmerling LM4 too but not AD manufacture.
Bond Arms kinda took over the Deringer market.

elizabeth saunders · August 5, 2008, 10:58 AM

we are not kupuit, we are here making guns every day, we are at present working on a new website, and i don't know where you get the information that Bond Arms have taken over the derringer market, Cobra Derringers sells 10 times or more than Bond ever did, ES

elizabeth saunders · August 5, 2008, 11:01 AM

We Are Here To Stay For Better Or Worse Or Richer Or Poorer, I Like What I Am Doing And Plan On Doing It As Long As The Good Lord Allows That To Happen, Elizabeth Saunder, Pres. Of American Derringer Corp

elizabeth saunders · August 5, 2008, 11:03 AM

BE LOOKING FOR OUR NEW WEBSITE IT WILL BE UP AND RUNNING IN A FEW WEEKS, IF YOU WANT TO EMAIL ME, IT IS [email protected], thank you Elizabeth Saunders president of American Derringer Corp.

Joat · August 5, 2008, 11:55 AM

Pretty definitive that AD is still around.

Joat

Playboypenguin · August 5, 2008, 12:02 PM

I do not believe you are who you say. I challenge you to prove me wrong by sending me one free American Derringer M-1 .38spl free of charge. Pvt me for FFL and address. Go on...I dares ya'.

PS: Stag grips preferred but not required.

DrLaw · August 5, 2008, 03:19 PM

I'd settle for a photo!

The Doc is out now.

rogertc1 · August 5, 2008, 04:24 PM

I have a poster of Liz in my gun room from when I stopped at Wayco way back when... Great to hear youall are still well and running. I really have to get my camera going.
Cobra Derringers ...LOL naw that is junk.

DC31 · November 10, 2010, 01:49 PM

I broke a grip on my Mod 1 a while back, called and called and fianally got an awnser. They were rude and offered a new set for close to 100 dollars. It is still in my safe till today without grips. Its very hard to blieve those little grips are 1/3 of the price of the whole derringer. ~~Gus

HoraceHogsnort · November 12, 2010, 03:13 AM

Derringers have been romanticised by Hollywood.

Glenn E. Meyer · November 12, 2010, 12:50 PM

OK - folks, rather than a meaningless back and forth - I'm going to close this.

If the company is back up and wants to post that, contact the mods with a way we can verify and we will be happy to let the world know.

Derringers are fun for what they do, so let's hope we get another player back in business.

Closed

June 2, 2008, 09:05 PM	#2
Dave85 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,421	Website's back up. __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" --commonly misattributed to, and most likely not, Benjamin Franklin

June 5, 2008, 06:58 PM	#7
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	That looks like the site that has been up for years. The lawsuit story is that a police officer had an ND with one of theirs. He sued and the company could not afford to defend against the suit. Thus, they folded. The president said she was going to try to come up with a new company but that was years ago. The story is in a book about women and guns - could be Caitlin Kelly's () but those books are at work so I can't guarantee that is true. I met her once. Nice person. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

June 5, 2008, 07:15 PM	#8
2cooltoolz Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Lake Conroe, Texas Posts: 1,059	I've owned a couple of their DA-38's. : .38 spl. and .357mag. The 38 was fun, the 357 was not (loaded with 357's). Cool little curiosity guns, conversation starters, etc, but not practical on any level as a SD gun. Everything they can do a J-frame can do better. And then there's Kahr! If I could afford to own everything though I'd like to have another __________________ What me worry

August 5, 2008, 10:58 AM	#13
elizabeth saunders Junior Member Join Date: August 4, 2008 Posts: 3	elizabeth saunders, pres. of american derringer corp we are not kupuit, we are here making guns every day, we are at present working on a new website, and i don't know where you get the information that Bond Arms have taken over the derringer market, Cobra Derringers sells 10 times or more than Bond ever did, ES

August 5, 2008, 11:01 AM	#14
elizabeth saunders Junior Member Join Date: August 4, 2008 Posts: 3	American Derringer Kupuit, noway hosay We Are Here To Stay For Better Or Worse Or Richer Or Poorer, I Like What I Am Doing And Plan On Doing It As Long As The Good Lord Allows That To Happen, Elizabeth Saunder, Pres. Of American Derringer Corp

June 2, 2008, 09:02 PM	#1
.300H&H Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 215	Is American Derringer kaput? I was in the store the other day, and picked up a used .45Colt American Derringer. I didn't buy it, but it was tempting ie. only about $200 and was apparantly like new. There's something about'em that's appealing ie. solid, small,simple and richly historical...but nevertheless a bit eccentric. I passed on the deal...but looked up American Derringer's website, and noticed the website was 'down.' I'd heard that American Derringer fell victim to a nasty lawsuit awhile back... Are they out of business? I'd hate to see American Derringer close its doors...

June 2, 2008, 09:26 PM	#3
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	No, but based on the level of their customer service, they deserve to be...

June 2, 2008, 09:52 PM	#4
.300H&H Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 215	Great. It's my favorite firearms' company website. http://www.amderringer.com/message.html I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a like-new,used model#1. I know it's impractical, but there's just something about'em. Oh, well...

June 2, 2008, 09:54 PM	#5
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	I have a few on GB right now WildtheshillAlaska TM

June 5, 2008, 06:00 PM	#6
.300H&H Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 215	Thanks for the offer, and in the future I might do it. Right now, it's not on my short list. I'd kinda like to try one out a few times first. My understanding is that it's best to fire the bottom barrel first, and then fire the top barrel after dropping the gun about 4inches - so that it will produce a much better 'group.' Also the trigger pull is about 12lbs if pulled strait back, but more like 4lbs or less... if pulled down and back with the contour of the trigger. Since so many seem to buy these things on impulse, fire'em and get tired of'em or frustrated with the recoil...I imagine the used market has the best bargains. Maybe Elizabeth S. of ADC will read this letter,however, and fulfill one of my dreams - the dream of being invited to Waco Texas and being given a personal tour of the ADC factory where later over a grand Texas Steak Dinner, Ms. S. presents me and my family a customized Model#1. Wouldn't that be grand!? It would make a great ADC poster/marketing ploy/advertisement. Yep.

June 6, 2008, 12:34 AM	#9
.300H&H Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 215	I believe the AD's have to be loaded and kept half-cocked, or they will be vulnerable to a ND. I find it fishy that a police officer would not have known this, especially if it was a new AD replete with instructions. AD has been very vulnerable to litigation; it's tough, but AD was speaking out when companies like Ruger and S&W were caving to PC/litigation pressure...and AD and Ms. Saunders deserves respect for being so brave and willing to stand up to those forces that try to keep the market less than free. Ruger lost a litigation case years ago involving a ND<a loaded blackhawk was tossed on its hammer on a sidewalk by a teen who had stolen it...:barf:> It's likely very tough for AD to revamp its machinery and modify its products. I understand AD got into some mild trouble some years ago too for trying to sell 'pen guns.' The LM4 is interesting...but I notice that AD's website doesn't quote prices like it used to...and some of the products like the LM4...seem to be on hold... The website was down a few days ago... I hope AD is on the verge of a rebound instead of closing shop. Their product is a quality product and uniquely American.

June 6, 2008, 05:57 AM	#10
rogertc1 Junior member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Maquoketa Posts: 1,335	Their web sit has not changes in 10 years. i had visited their store in Waco TX about 10 years ago.

June 7, 2008, 01:49 AM	#11
.300H&H Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 215	Actually there have been some changes ie. prices are no longer listed and there's ongoing announcements of commemorative pieces...and a few days back it was down for a few days...

June 7, 2008, 05:41 AM	#12
rogertc1 Junior member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Maquoketa Posts: 1,335	Someone should see if the store is still open? Any one near WAYCO?? I have a Lady Derringer and a DAD 9mm. I Have a Braverman pen gun and Semmerling LM4 too but not AD manufacture. Bond Arms kinda took over the Deringer market.

August 5, 2008, 11:03 AM	#15
elizabeth saunders Junior Member Join Date: August 4, 2008 Posts: 3	American Derringer Website Will Be Up Soon BE LOOKING FOR OUR NEW WEBSITE IT WILL BE UP AND RUNNING IN A FEW WEEKS, IF YOU WANT TO EMAIL ME, IT IS [email protected], thank you Elizabeth Saunders president of American Derringer Corp.

August 5, 2008, 11:55 AM	#16
Joat Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Dayton, TX Posts: 383	Pretty definitive that AD is still around. Joat __________________ All things being equal, fat people use more soap. (I know I am one.) High speed, low drag does not even come close to describing ME.

August 5, 2008, 12:02 PM	#17
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	elizabeth saunders I do not believe you are who you say. I challenge you to prove me wrong by sending me one free American Derringer M-1 .38spl free of charge. Pvt me for FFL and address. Go on...I dares ya'. PS: Stag grips preferred but not required.

August 5, 2008, 03:19 PM	#18
DrLaw Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Location: Wild Western Illinois Posts: 559	I'd settle for a photo! The Doc is out now. __________________ General McAuliffe said it best "Nuts."

August 5, 2008, 04:24 PM	#19
rogertc1 Junior member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Maquoketa Posts: 1,335	I have a poster of Liz in my gun room from when I stopped at Wayco way back when... Great to hear youall are still well and running. I really have to get my camera going. Cobra Derringers ...LOL naw that is junk.

November 10, 2010, 01:49 PM	#20
DC31 Junior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Location: Carolina Posts: 1	I broke a grip on my Mod 1 a while back, called and called and fianally got an awnser. They were rude and offered a new set for close to 100 dollars. It is still in my safe till today without grips. Its very hard to blieve those little grips are 1/3 of the price of the whole derringer. ~~Gus Last edited by DC31; November 10, 2010 at 08:26 PM.

November 12, 2010, 03:13 AM	#21
HoraceHogsnort Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Stanislaus Co., Mexifornia Posts: 615	Derringers have been romanticised by Hollywood.

November 12, 2010, 12:50 PM	#22
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	OK - folks, rather than a meaningless back and forth - I'm going to close this. If the company is back up and wants to post that, contact the mods with a way we can verify and we will be happy to let the world know. Derringers are fun for what they do, so let's hope we get another player back in business. Closed __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

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