National Arms Derringer
National Arms Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1865
Also known as: National Arms Co. Deringer, National No. 1, National No. 2
Overview
The National Arms Derringer is a single-shot .41 rimfire pocket pistol built by the National Arms Company of Brooklyn, New York on Daniel Moore's patent. It uses a side-swinging barrel released by a button on the right side of the frame, an exposed hammer, and a spur trigger, and was one of the first large-caliber metallic-cartridge derringers. When Colt acquired National Arms in 1870, it continued the identical design as the Colt Deringer No. 1 and No. 2.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 133 mm (5.24") |
| 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
Variants
- National Arms Derringer No. 2 — Checkered Grip
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,000 · Production years: 1865-1870
Roughly 5,000 made under National Arms before Colt acquired the firm; Colt produced about 6,500 more of the pattern.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Daniel Moore
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
Offered as the No. 1 (plain grip) and the No. 2 (checkered walnut grips, introduced during the National era). Direct continuation of the Moore derringer; absorbed by Colt in 1870.
Background
National Arms Company's deringer became the seed of Colt's own single-shot deringer line after Colt bought the company in 1870, making it a direct ancestor of the Colt deringers.