The term derringer applies to any number of tiny, usually single shot pistols of various calibers. Some derringers, like the one this airsoft is modeled after, have two barrels. Either way, a derringer is an absolute last-ditch weapon, possessing very little in the way of accuracy. This airsoft is unusual in that most airsofts are modeled after larger law enforcement and combat type weapons.

Appearance

  This airsoft, made in Korea, appears to be in scale with a typical .38 caliber over-and-under (double barrel) derringer. The hammer, grips, and trigger are of black plastic, while the body of the pistol is a nice, even silver plastic. It's got tiny sights (as per normal derringer designs).Overall, the appearance is good for a Korean airsoft.

Function

  This derringer isn't a true double-barrel, functionally speaking. The upper barrel on this model serves as a tube-feed BB magazine, holding up to eight BBs (though the loading goes easier of you only use six). To load this model, twist the plug in the upper barrel a quarter-turn counter-clockwise and then pull it straight forward and out. Pour six to eight BBs into the upper barrel, replace the tube/plug, and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Once loading has been accomplished, simply cock the hammer back, aim, and then fire. It basically works like any other spring gun at that point. The hammer doesn't stay back when the airsoft is cocked, so be careful since you can't really tell when it's ready to fire. Another problem that design causes is that the hammer blocks the rear sight; you have to line up the hammer and the front sight to aim. Not a big deal, but you can't use the rear sight. The safety, which is built into the grip just behind the hammer, doesn't work well and I recommend avoiding its use as you could damage the hammer if you tried to cock it with the safety on (as I almost did). This airsoft points fairly well considering how small it is. It has a serious lack of power, but how much can you realistically expect from such a tiny airsoft?

Accuracy

  Due to this airsoft's lack of power, accuracy is decent out to around five yards, but after that it falls down. At seven yards, it was nearly impossible to hit a standard 8.5x11 inch piece of paper, and at fifteen yards, the BBs were lucky to even reach the target. Even at five yards the BBs didn't always break through the piece of paper. This is definitely an up-close last-ditch deep cover gun.

Overall Impressions

  This is a fun pistol to shoot, mainly for the novelty of having such a small airsoft. It wouldn't make a good gun for tournament use, except as a backup to a more accurate and powerful gun. It would be great for training purposes - one idea that springs to mind is for law enforcement pat-down training.