Traditions Vest Pocket Derringer
Traditions Performance Firearms · Pistol · In Production
Also known as: Traditions Vest Pocket Derringer PH1260, Vest Pocket Derringer .31
Overview
The Traditions Vest Pocket Derringer is a single-shot percussion muzzleloading pistol chambered in .31 caliber cap-and-ball. A modern reproduction of the concealable pocket pistols carried in the American West, it uses a brass frame and 2.25-inch round brass barrel, ignited by a #11 percussion cap over a small charge of FFFg black powder pushing a .310-inch lead round ball. Manufactured by Ardesa of Spain and imported by Traditions, it is sold today as a novelty and living-history piece rather than a defensive arm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Barrel Length | 57 mm (2.24") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 58 J (43 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Brass |
| Barrel Material | Brass |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Polished Brass |
Calibers
- .31 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · primary — also known as .31 cal, .31 percussion, .310 round ball, 7.9mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle-Loaded Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half-Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Single-Shot Percussion Muzzleloader, #11 Percussion Cap Ignition, Polished Brass Frame And Barrel, Simulated Ivory Grips, Front Bead Sight, Concealable Vest-Pocket Size
Production
Ongoing production reproduction; total output not published.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Notes
Recommended load is roughly 8-10 grains of FFFg black powder with a .310-inch (45-grain) pure lead round ball. Modern examples wear simulated ivory grips in place of the walnut used on early imports.
Background
Tiny cap-and-ball vest pocket pistols were the last-ditch hideout guns of 19th-century gamblers, riverboat travelers and townsfolk, small enough to disappear into a waistcoat pocket. Traditions' brass-framed replica keeps that pocket-pistol tradition alive for black-powder enthusiasts and living-history shooters.