Moore Derringer

Moore's Patent Firearms Co. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1861

Also known as: Moore's Patent No. 1 Deringer, Moore Patent Firearms Deringer

Overview

The Moore Derringer is a single-shot .41 rimfire pocket pistol designed by Daniel Moore and produced by Moore's Patent Firearms Company of Brooklyn, New York from the early 1860s. It uses a side-swinging barrel released by a button on the right of the frame, an exposed hammer, and a spur trigger, typically on an engraved brass frame. It was among the first large-caliber metallic-cartridge breech-loading derringers, and after roughly 5,000 were made Moore sold the operation to the National Arms Company.

Specifications

Overall Length	127 mm (5.00")
Barrel Length	64 mm (2.52")
Action Type	Breech Loading
Firing Mechanism	Single Action
Trigger Type	Sheathed Trigger
Muzzle Velocity	130 m/s (427 fps)
Muzzle Energy	71 J (52 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	5 m (5 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Brass
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Walnut
Finish	Silver Plated

Calibers

.41 Short Rimfire · primary — also known as .41 Short, .41 Rimfire Short

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Manual Single Loading
Features: Side Swinging Barrel, Spur Trigger, Engraved Frame, Bird Head Grip, Pocket Pistol

Production

Estimated total produced: 5,000 · Production years: 1861-1865

Approximately 3,000-5,000 made by Moore before the sale to National Arms in 1865.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Daniel Moore

Discontinued: 1865

Notes

Daniel Moore's patent dated February 19, 1861. The direct predecessor of the National Arms / Colt deringer line. Distinct from the Williamson derringer (also made by Moore's), which uses a sliding-breech mechanism and a percussion adapter.

Background

Daniel Moore challenged the established makers with one of the first practical large-bore cartridge derringers; his design outlived his company, passing to National Arms and then Colt.