Davis D-Series Derringer
Davis Industries · Pistol · Discontinued · 1982
Also known as: Davis D-22, Davis D-32, Davis D-38, Davis Big Bore
Overview
The Davis Industries D-Series is a budget over-under, break-action two-shot derringer produced in the United States from 1982 until the company closed in 1999. Built largely from cast zinc alloy (Zamak) with steel barrel liners and laminated wood grips, it was offered across a range of calibers including .22 LR, .22 WMR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .38 Special and 9mm. As one of the inexpensive 'Saturday night special' makers, Davis sold the design in large numbers as a cheap pocket and back-up gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 269 g (9.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Barrel Length | 61 mm (2.40") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 44 N (9.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Effective Range | 5 m (5 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Zamak |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Black Teflon |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6mm
- .32 ACP — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29.5mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Manual Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Tip Up Break Action, Rotating Firing Pin, Laminated Wood Grips, Steel Barrel Liners
Variants
- Davis D-22 (.22 LR) — Caliber
- Davis DM-22 (.22 WMR) — Caliber
- Davis D-25 (.25 ACP) — Caliber
- Davis D-32 (.32 ACP) — Caliber
- Davis D-38 (.38 Special) — Caliber
Production
Production years: 1982-1999
Produced in large volume as a low-cost pocket derringer; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1999
Notes
Loaded by tipping the barrel block back to expose the breech and inserting two cartridges. Davis Industries was one of the so-called 'Ring of Fire' Southern California makers of low-cost handguns and ceased operation in 1999 following litigation and bankruptcy; tooling and designs passed to successor firms such as Cobra Enterprises.
Background
Davis Industries was one of the Southern California 'Ring of Fire' companies that churned out cheap pocket pistols by the hundreds of thousands; when the firm folded in 1999 its derringer tooling lived on through Cobra Enterprises, which kept the near-identical design in production.