Pedersoli Derringer Guardian
Davide Pedersoli & Co. S.r.l. · Pistol · In Production
Also known as: Guardian Derringer, Derringer Guardian n.11, Derringer Guardian 209
Overview
The Pedersoli Derringer Guardian is a single-shot, muzzle-loading percussion pocket pistol built by Davide Pedersoli in Italy. It is a diminutive 4.5 mm caplock derringer with an 80 mm rifled barrel and an external hammer, styled after the concealable single-shot pocket pistols of the 19th century. The standard model uses a traditional nipple for #11 percussion caps, while a separate version is set up for #209 shotshell primers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 155 g (5.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Barrel Length | 80 mm (3.15") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 159 m/s (522 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 7 J (5 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Number of Grooves | 10 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 4.5mm Percussion · primary — also known as 4.5 mm, .177 round ball, 4.5mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzleloader
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Muzzleloading, Rifled Barrel, External Hammer, Single Shot, Pocket Pistol
Variants
- Pedersoli Derringer Guardian Pearl - Grip
- Pedersoli Derringer Guardian 209 - Ignition
Production
Modern reproduction pocket pistol, not a numbered historical series
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
A novelty-sized 4.5 mm percussion pocket pistol; the barrel is rifled (10 grooves, 1:15 twist) so a round ball engages the rifling. Offered with plain walnut grips (Standard) or imitation-pearl grips (Pearl), and in #11 cap (n.11) or #209 primer ignition versions.
Background
Small enough to vanish into a coat pocket, the Guardian revives the classic gambler's derringer as a working caplock: a single 4.5 mm ball loaded from the muzzle and fired by a percussion cap on an exposed nipple.