45- 70 Derringer "The Skinny"

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  • Snookie

    *Banned*
    Rating - 100%
    42   0   0
    May 24, 2009
    3,031
    38
    Lizzard Creek/ Springfield,La.
    4570.jpg


    Hi
    I aquired an American Derringer Model M-4 Alaskan Survival derringer in a trade.
    Chamberd top 45-70 bottom 45-410 ammo

    I must ask has anyone seen or shot a 45-70 round out of a derringer????:confused:

    Can 45-70 be reloaded with a lighter grain powder?

    Any advise or help would surely be appreciated.

    Thanks
    Snookie
     
    Last edited:

    jmcrawf1

    Well-Known Member
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    70   0   0
    Jan 20, 2008
    5,932
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    Madisonville
    Dude are you sure? I can't comprehend a .45-70 shot out of a derringer. :eek3:

    That makes shooting a .357 magnum out of an airweight seem like shooting a .22
     

    Coonie

    Damn Yankee.
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Oct 14, 2009
    529
    16
    Evanston IL
    Don't even try to use the sights!!

    I have two occurences with the 45-70 derringer,

    1.) A friend owned one and shot a store bought round through it, then he let his friend fire the other round, both times the same reaction, weak hand shot up and removed the pistol from the now numb strong hand.....He then sold the item.

    2.) At my local range, where I was employed, on my day off I went in to BS and the moment I walked in a shooter came off the line and started yelling someone had been shot in the head. the manager ran into the booth and I called 911, after the EMT's left the manager pulled me aside and told me that he entered the booth, the injured party had blood coming from his forehead, the wound was about 3''s in length and didn't appear to be an entry wound, the injured party was dazed and semi-conscious, the manager removed the derringer from his hand and checked him for bp, trouble breathing, ect, the manager started asking questions and at this point it was apparent what had happened, the injured shooter had tried to fire the weapon with bent elbows close to the face to see the sights and clocked himself with the derringer.

    I strongly suggest sticking with .410ga and skipping the 45-70 rounds, and if your going to keep it, use it as a conversation piece.
     

    Coonie

    Damn Yankee.
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Oct 14, 2009
    529
    16
    Evanston IL
    Thanks
    Shot 45 LC and 410 in it yesterday
    Great experience now can the 45-70 be rebored to shoot 410?
    That way 410 top 45 bottom???

    Don't know if it can or if it's worth it, you might check to see about getting a replacement/spare barrel set for it.
     

    Mr_Willson

    rifleman
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Jan 9, 2009
    1,892
    36
    mandeville
    look at the muzzle flash :eek3:
    he almost hits himself in the face
    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34v983P2j4[/ame]
     

    Storm52

    Well-Known Member
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    3   0   0
    Mar 18, 2009
    2,159
    36
    Shreveport
    Wow. .45-70 derringer? No thanks!

    + a bunch. One of those "here's your sign" moments. Had the opportunity and after seeing 1st young idiot shoot, this old idiot said "nah...."
    I don't know the structural integrity of the gun, but I doubt if anyone has fired more than 2/3 rounds of 45-70 to test its strength.
     
    Last edited:

    Swami

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    21   0   0
    Feb 20, 2010
    775
    16
    Monroe
    At the range? No thanks! But, as far as "Alaskan Survival" goes, I'd rather shoot it than be mauled by a bear.
     

    Snookie

    *Banned*
    Rating - 100%
    42   0   0
    May 24, 2009
    3,031
    38
    Lizzard Creek/ Springfield,La.
    Ok Folks

    Here's the "SKINNY"

    After viewing many post and doing actual shooting experiments here are the results!

    The American Derringer Model M-4 Alaskan Survival Model 45-70 UP.(TOP) .45 Colt/410 Down(BOTTOM) Barrel

    A. Can shoot 3" or 2 1/2"410 or .45 Long Colt in Bottom Barrel
    B. Can shoot 45-70 or 410 2 1/2 Rifle Slug in Top Barrel

    Synopsis:

    Have shot several rounds.45 and 410 ammo in both barrels.
    (Quiet Managable:D)
    NO ATTEMPT AT 45-70 AMMO
    SO will keep this BEAR/GATOR/COON STOPPER!
    Will make a good motorcycle gun! I LIKE DAT ME!

    IMG_0140.jpg
    IMG_0139.jpg
    IMG_0143.jpg
     

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