xwray

I need to ask someone more knowledgable than myself a question about my 9mm American Derringer. It isn't a vintage firearm but this appeared to be the closest forum to fit a derringer question...if not please move it to a more appropriate forum.

My derringer has a small bit of up/down play at the muzzle (pivoting about the hinge pin) when unloaded and even less play when loaded but it is noticable nevertheless. How much play is acceptable in such a firearm. It has had the play since I bought it NIB. I have shot it maybe a dozen times and the amount of play doesn't seem to have increased but that's by feel - not measured. I am asking because I dont want to lose a finger or two should this be a case of dangerous headspace issues.



Thanks for any feedback.

George M.

I'm not a derringer expert but, to me, ANY sounds like too much. What did the factory say?

xwray

I bought the gun NIB from a dealer at one of the Texas gun shows but didn't notice the play until the first time I shot it. I sent it to American Derringer at their request and it was returned with no discernable difference in the play but they said they "adjusted" it on the receipt - no charge. At the time I assumed I was being overly concerned and had no previous experience with a derringer with which to compare.

Recently I handled it for the first time in several years and naturally noticed the play again and although American Derringer must think the play is OK I thought I would seek additional opinions from the experts here who haven't got a stake in the game because if I have to return it again I would like to arm myself with more information before I contact them. If someone says this is normal I'll forget about it but if I'm told there should be zero noticible play then I'd be in a better position to discuss the issue with them.