Selected Handgun Detail

American Derringer
Model 1
American Derringer Pistol Model 1 .30 Carbine Variant-1
Scale To:
Gun Dimensions Width:1.2-in
Length:4.82-in Height:3.35-in
Barrel:3-in Weight:15-oz
1 Variant
Gun Rankings
  • Power Factor (110 grain bullet)137060
  • Recoil Factor (110 grain bullet)14.16 ft-lb
  • Total Capacity2 rounds
  • ConcealabilityExcellent
  • Defense Factor54%
Gun Specifications
Type:Pistol
Caliber:.30 Carbine
Action:2-barrel
Trigger:single-action (SA)
Safety:manually operated hammer block
Magazine:2-round
Frame:stainless steel
Grip:rosewood
Sights:blade front
Notes:breech loaded over/under barrels
Manufacturer
American Derringer Corporation
More Info
About the Gun

Compact Remington-style single-action over/under derringer in stainless steel with rosewood grips, a spur trigger, and a hammer-block safety that drops off when the hammer is cocked. This is the standard production Model 1, not the Lady polish-and-ivory package, not the engraved or brass commemorative guns, and not the longer Model 4.

Production

Production ran from 1980 through the early 2010s

Market value
Last updated: 9/3/2026

MSRP at production was around $425–$800. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $350–$550.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge: .30 Carbine
Alias: .30 M1 Carbine
More Info
Ballistics for This Gun
Selected Bullet Mass:110 grains
MV:1246 ft/sec ME:379 ft-lbs
Analysis

Robert Saunders founded American Derringer in Waco in 1980 around this stainless revival of the Remington Model 95 over/under, and the first catalog work paired .45 Colt with a 2½-inch .410 shotshell in the same barrel set. The company then offered a long list of pistol and rifle chamberings on the same 3-inch frame, some as regular stock and many as special order, with satin or high-polish finishes and a fitted case. Elizabeth Saunders kept the Model 1 as the core product after 1993. It is not the High Standard–pattern DA line, not the Lady Derringer presentation gun, and not the 4.1-inch Model 4 or Alaskan Survival. Regular manufacture faded with the rest of the Waco shop. Used Model 1 guns are the most common American Derringer pieces on the market; .45 Colt / .410 and the midsize revolver chamberings turn up often, while the rifle and odd pistol calibers are scarcer and bring a modest premium. Bond Arms took the active two-shot derringer trade that this model once occupied.

User Rating
1 User Ratings
1 User Comments
User Comments

5 of 5 Stars
American Derringer
By 30carbine on 08 Jul 2023
An absolute beauty, the ergonomics are excellent for such a small piece. The recoil is about double of my Blackhawk and Automag III but it is definitely manageable. It’s my preferred concealed carry weapon and rounds out my .30 Carbine collection.