Colt First Model Deringer
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1870
Also known as: Colt No. 1 Derringer, Colt First Model Derringer, Colt-National No. 1 Deringer
Overview
The Colt First Model Deringer is a single-shot, .41 rimfire pocket pistol produced by Colt from 1870 to 1890. It originated with Daniel Moore's National No. 1 deringer; after Colt purchased the National Arms Company in 1870, it continued the all-metal design as the First Model. The barrel pivots sideways for loading and a knife-blade extractor lifts the spent case. With its short 2.5-inch barrel, spur trigger, and standard scroll engraving, it was a popular and easily concealed defensive pistol of the era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 200 g (7.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 209 g (7.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Barrel Length | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Height | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Width | 22 mm (0.87") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 130 m/s (427 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 71 J (52 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .41 Short Rimfire · primary — also known as .41 RF, .41 Short, .41 Rimfire
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Side Pivoting Barrel, Knife Blade Extractor, Scroll Engraving, All Metal Construction, Spur Trigger
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Estimated total produced: 6,500 · Production years: 1870-1890
Serial numbered roughly 1 to 6,500 for the First Model; about 15,000 across the First and Second Models combined.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Daniel Moore
Discontinued: 1890
Notes
Inherited from the National Arms Company No. 1 deringer following Colt's 1870 buyout. Estimated 6,500 produced of the First Model; approximately 15,000 across the First and Second Models combined. All-metal construction distinguishes it from the later Third Model (Thuer), which used wood grips.
Background
When Colt acquired the National Arms Company in 1870, it absorbed Daniel Moore's compact .41 rimfire deringer and rebranded it as the Colt First Model, marking Colt's entry into the booming pocket-pistol trade of the post-Civil War era.