Derringer vs. Pistol — What's the Difference?

A derringer is a small handgun that is neither a revolver nor a semi/fully automatic pistol. It is not to be confused with mini-revolvers or pocket pistols, although some later derringers were manufactured with the pepperbox configuration.

A pistol is a handgun, more specifically one with the chamber integral to its gun barrel, though in common usage the two terms are often used interchangeably. The English word was introduced in ca.

A short-barreled pistol that has a large bore and is small enough to be carried in a pocket.

A handgun, especially one that is not a revolver.

A type of very small, concealable pistol with one or two barrels, but without any loading system or magazine.

(Slang) A rowdy or rambunctious person, especially a child.

A kind of short-barreled pocket pistol, of very large caliber, often carrying a half-ounce ball.

To shoot with a pistol.

A pocket pistol of large caliber with a short barrel

A handgun

The mechanical component of a fuse in a bomb or torpedo responsible for firing the detonator.

A creative and unpredictable jokester, a constant source of entertainment and surprises.

(Southern US) A small boy who is bright, alert and very active.

(American football) An offensive formation in which the quarterback receives the snap at a distance behind the center, but closer than in a shotgun formation, with a running back lined up behind him.

(transitive) To shoot (at) a target with a pistol.

The smallest firearm used, intended to be fired from one hand, - now of many patterns, and bearing a great variety of names. See Illust. of Revolver.

To shoot with a pistol.

A firearm that is held and fired with one hand