Got this Derringer back in 93. Thought that it would be a nice up close and personal pistol. Have not shot it much. Including today, I would be doing good to have put about 50 rounds through it. After the fourth round, my sore hand gave me a clue as of why. I did not realize that a .38 Special had that much of a kick. In addition, as it heated up, the harder the trigger pull got (maybe, it still is being worn in?). But as it cooled, it eased up some. So when I cleaned it, I lubed up what I could. Yet, the pull felt pretty much the same as when I started cleaning, fairly reasonable. Hopefully, the lube will help as it heats up. Considering what it is intended for (a last ditch effort), being in a gun fight is not a concern. Being the case, getting hot may not be an issue. Nonetheless, I would like for it to work at its peak.
All in all, I like the pistol, and I think that it will serve its intended purpose. As such, I plan to continue shooting it. I put 16 rounds through it at 5 yards. The grouping is not all that great. The rifling in the bore is very shallow. However, it still may be effective at that range. Again, it is more of a last ditch firearm though. So, it would not be my first choice. But, it is a option.
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Davis D38
- fortyshooter
- Ranch Foreman
- Posts: 7044
- Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2017 10:37 am
- Location: Va.

Re: Davis D38
Shots look good! My Bond Arms Grizz had a hard to cock hammer but trigger pull wasn't bad. However once that hammer blew off that was enough for me and sold/traded it off.
Re: Davis D38
Thanks! Hopefully, the grouping will get tighter, as I shoot it more often.
Actions speak louder than words (Matthew 7:16-20).
Re: Davis D38
Couldn’t disagree more on your group assessment. I pity the bad guy who challenges the Davis at five yards. Not going to end well for him (or her).
Re: Davis D38
Pretty good group for a derringer,
"when you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk" 
Igitur quī dēsīderat pācem, præparet bellum
Igitur quī dēsīderat pācem, præparet bellum