Colt Third Model Derringer
Colt · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1875
Also known as: Colt Thuer Derringer, Colt No. 3 Derringer, Colt .41 Derringer
Overview
The Colt Third Model Derringer is a single-shot, .41 rimfire pocket pistol designed by Colt engineer F. Alexander Thuer and produced from about 1875. Its barrel pivots sideways to the right to expose the breech and actuate a spring extractor, with no release button: a detent-and-ball mechanism keeps the barrel closed and the forward-resting hammer blocks it from opening. By far the most popular of Colt's three derringer models, roughly 48,000 were made before production ended in 1912.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 213 g (7.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 124 mm (4.88") |
| Barrel Length | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 130 m/s (427 fps) |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Brass |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Nickel Plated |
Calibers
- .41 Short Rimfire · primary — also known as .41 RF, .41 Short, .41 Rimfire
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block
- Features: Single Shot, Pivoting Barrel, Spur Trigger, Birds Head Grip, Spring Extractor
Service history
Operators
- Civilian
Production
Estimated total produced: 48,000 · Production years: 1875-1912
Approximately 48,000 produced over the model's life; the most popular of Colt's three derringer models
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: F. Alexander Thuer
Discontinued: 1912
Notes
Also called the 'Thuer Model' after its designer. The barrel typically measured 2 3/8 to 2 1/2 inches. A very limited number were produced in .41 centerfire. Weight is an approximation typical of period bird's-head-grip pocket derringers; sources rarely list it.
Background
Colt entered the derringer market by buying out the National Arms Company in 1870, inheriting Daniel Moore's pivoting-barrel design for the 1st and 2nd Models. Engineer F. Alexander Thuer, who had earlier designed Colt's cartridge-conversion system for percussion revolvers, reworked it into the cheaper-to-make Third Model that outsold both predecessors.