I can't imagine anyone thinking that was a good idea.

Oh hot damn…
I’d like to know what kind of velocity that even offers …
Like does it even “do anything” other than boom and bruise?

They did it because they could and I have no doubt, these will sell. If you had a rifle chambered in .45-70, this thing might make a passable kit gun for the bush.

Geez, I don't want to shoot that. I'm sure it wouldn't be that bad in a situation you needed it but in a casual range situation...that's punishment.

Well, it is primarily a 45 colt gun, but I sneak one of these '70s in just for fun.

Solution to a non existent problem

No thanks.

A .45-70 derringer is a stupid concept.

And as the saying goes: "stupid should hurt".

So at least that tracks.

No thanks, shot a 405gr lead 45-70 out of a Contender pistol. Did permanent damage to my wrist.

Nope. And hell nope.

H&K-Guy

Its more effective than you think! Should you miss your intended target, the concussion and muzzle blast should do the job nicely.

Wonder what velocity it gets. Is it actually more powerful than a hot .45 colt from that barrel length?

.444 Marlin would still be outrageous, but probably easier to shoot.

quote:

If you had a rifle chambered in .45-70, this thing might make a passable kit gun for the bush.

I do, but still...no thanks! I've shot those Hornady FTX rounds that they were shooting through my 1895 guide gun, and couldn't make it through a full box in one session...I can't imagine shooting them from a derringer!

I will say, that thing does look well finished.

I knew a guy with one and he said "It's not as bad as you'd think."


What he REALLY meant was, it was awful. BUT, since there's no barrel, it doesn't recoil as bad as it theoretically could, for example like it would if it had a longer barrel. But yes, awful. I had no desire to try it.

It's cool looking, neat on-paper, but no thank you.

Agreed. No, thank you.

I did own a 357 derringer years ago, of course 38 spcl was enough. I ended up trading it off.

As a reloader, I’d be taming loads for such a gun, take it down near 45 Colt ‘cowboy’ levels. As it is, various levels of 45-70 loads are common, from ‘trapdoor’ mild loads to Ruger #1 level loads. The Marlin & Henry lever levels are normal, full power, reasonable loads.

I love it. It’s great to be in America where we can buy crap that makes no sense, just because we can! I have a Heizer in 7.62x39 for the same reason, just because I can. Hooray America!