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I Have This Old Gun: The Southern Derringer

NRApubs
Published on May 20, 2026
Category: General
Duration: 5:21

This video provides an expert overview of the Southern Derringer, a significant pocket pistol from the late 19th century. It details its origins with Daniel Moore, its production by Merrimack Arms and Brown Manufacturing, and its stylistic lineage to Colt's later models. The discussion highlights its .41 rimfire caliber, intended use for personal protection at close range, and its historical context within the early self-contained metallic cartridge era.

Tags

Southern Derringer
Daniel Moore Derringer
Merrimack Arms
Brown Manufacturing
Colt Derringer
Pocket Pistol
Self Defense
Cartridge Era
19th Century Firearms
Rimfire Ammunition
Antique Firearms

Quick Summary

The Southern Derringer, a .41 rimfire pocket pistol, was popular in the late 19th century for personal protection. Patented by Daniel Moore and produced by Merrimack Arms and Brown Manufacturing, its design influenced later firearms like Colt's third model Derringer.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Early Cartridge Pocket Pistols
  2. 00:11The Southern Derringer: Origins and Popularity
  3. 00:21Philadelphia Derringer and its Infamous Use
  4. 00:39Rise of the Pocket-Style Single-Shot Derringer
  5. 00:52The .41 Rimfire Cartridge and Derringer Design
  6. 01:03Early Derringer Manufacturers: National and Colt
  7. 01:15Remington's Double Derringer
  8. 01:23Daniel Moore's .41 Rimfire Derringer Patent
  9. 01:30Merrimack Arms and the 'Southern Derringer' Marketing
  10. 01:49Design Features: Side-Swinging Barrel and Construction
  11. 02:04Intended Use: Personal Protection and Close Range
  12. 02:15Ballistics of the .41 Rimfire
  13. 02:28Merrimack Arms Production and Reorganization
  14. 02:36Brown Manufacturing and the Southern Derringer
  15. 02:50Comparison to Colt's Third Model Derringer
  16. 03:06Conclusion: Legacy of the Derringer Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the Southern Derringer?

The Southern Derringer was primarily designed as a personal protection firearm, intended to be carried discreetly in a pocket and used at very close range due to its limited ballistic power.

What caliber ammunition did the Southern Derringer typically fire?

The Southern Derringer, and many similar pocket pistols of its era, commonly fired the .41 rimfire cartridge, which was popular for small, self-contained metallic cartridge firearms.

Who originally patented the design that became the Southern Derringer?

The single-shot .41 rimfire Derringer design was patented by Daniel Moore in the middle of the Civil War. The patent was later acquired by Merrimack Arms and Manufacturing Company.

How did the Southern Derringer's design influence later firearms?

The design of the Southern Derringer, particularly the models produced by Brown Manufacturing, bears a strong resemblance to Colt's third model Derringer, which became very popular and was produced for decades.

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