Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hello everyone,

I've been shopping around for a decent car gun (glove compartment) since I can't carry yet =/.

Came across a .38 Derringer that's nearly new for $150 and a Yugoslavian Takarev M57 in nice condition as well for $250. Found a .38 revolver too but,they are very far away from me.

I was curious as to which you all thought would be a better choice?

The cool factor of the Tokarev is reeling me in as I love it's uniqueness, since you don't hear of them being talked about often. But is ammo hard to find?(harder than it already is to find typical stuff hahaha) Do they even make 7.62x 25 new anymore?

I like the Derringer. It's close, a good price, and uses a common cartridge. But, single action and only 2 shots (before a slow reload)if push ever came to shove.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Anyone have a 3in or shorter .38/.357 (or .22lr )they want to sell?

I have a 45LC/410 derringer. It is very cool. Should make a great snake gun when berry picking. BUT it is not a anti-personnel gun.


Tokarev
Zastava M70A Tokarev Type Semi-Auto Pistol, Cal. 9x19mm
http://www.classicfirearms.com/hand-guns
Although I know you can get 7.62x25 and it is cool from a historic prospective......you will find 9x19mm in personal protection more available.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =331520486

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =331504232

http://www.jgsales.com/cai-zastava-toka ... 59547.html

RWBlue01 wrote:I have a 45LC/410 derringer. It is very cool. Should make a great snake gun when berry picking. BUT it is not a anti-personnel gun.


Tokarev
Zastava M70A Tokarev Type Semi-Auto Pistol, Cal. 9x19mm
http://www.classicfirearms.com/hand-guns
Although I know you can get 7.62x25 and it is cool from a historic prospective......you will find 9x19mm in personal protection more available.

So are you saying that both are more for novelty than for defense?
I will keep my eye open for a 9mm variant but, I'm limited to local sales only since I'm under 21. Hence why I was asking about the 7.62 x 25 I'd found.

Also, I just want to say thank you for answering my post, I'm very grateful for the advice!

I love DERRINGERS ! I have a Bond Arms Snake Slayer IV .45 LC / .410 . I carry it all the time . I also have a 9mm barrel on order. And on my wish list is The Ranger II .357 Mag. / .38 sp. Bond Derringers are Stainless Steel and are Top of the Line and worth the Price of Emission ! If you want Quality ...Buy Bond Arms .

I wouldn't use a derringer for self defense. Tokarev's fire a pretty zippy round but its hard to find good ammo for it and their are a few safety concerns with that gun. As others have said, save your money and get something a little more common.

They are quite cool little guns!
If I were allowed to carry I'd be all over the Derringer simply for the ease of concealment and low price, but, this will spend most of its time in the glove compartment during the day and be by the bedside at night so size/weight isn't so much of an issue (yet.)

Yeah, after a little bit more reading on the 7.62 x 25 and the Tokarev....It appears it will not suit my needs. Apparently it's got a nasty habit of over penetration at close range. Plus the lack of a safety is a bit worrying... (Of course you could just leave the chamber empty but still.)

If I were carrying concealed i'd probably get the Derringer as a backup gun. But, honestly the drawbacks aren't worth it if it'll be in the car all the time.

Thanks for the advice guys!

I'm going to pass on 'em both and wait for a decent revolver to show up.

ncd2294 wrote: So are you saying that both are more for novelty than for defense?
I will keep my eye open for a 9mm variant but, I'm limited to local sales only since I'm under 21. Hence why I was asking about the 7.62 x 25 I'd found.

Also, I just want to say thank you for answering my post, I'm very grateful for the advice!

No,
I think the derringer is not a great gun for self defense.

The 7.62 x 25 is deadly, but IF you have the option of ordering in (parents, friends, relatives..)....the 9mm would be better option.

If I am advising, I would tell you to get the M57 in 7.62 x 25 and keep an eye open for replacement barrel in 9mm. I wouldn't worry about over penetration, the odds on needing it are slim, the odds on all your bullets hitting the person slim, the odds of one of your bullets over penetrating and causing issues slim.

Don't carry one in the chamber with a Tokarev.

Anything is better than nothing. Find a cheap revolver in a pawn shop and get er done.

RWBlue01 wrote: No,
I think the derringer is not a great gun for self defense.

The 7.62 x 25 is deadly, but IF you have the option of ordering in (parents, friends, relatives..)....the 9mm would be better option.

If I am advising, I would tell you to get the M57 in 7.62 x 25 and keep an eye open for replacement barrel in 9mm. I wouldn't worry about over penetration, the odds on needing it are slim, the odds on all your bullets hitting the person slim, the odds of one of your bullets over penetrating and causing issues slim.

Is swapping the upper and the magazine all that's necessary to change calibers?
The gun sold already, but, thank you for the info! I'll keep an eye out for a 9mm or .38 .

Mindflayer wrote:Don't carry one in the chamber with a Tokarev.

Duly noted.

lonestarag wrote:Anything is better than nothing. Find a cheap revolver in a pawn shop and get er done.

I'm not old enough to purchase one from an FFL. If I was, I would've had one shipped to my nearest.

ncd2294 wrote: Is swapping the upper and the magazine all that's necessary to change calibers?
The gun sold already, but, thank you for the info! I'll keep an eye out for a 9mm or .38 .

As I understand it, it is just a barrel.

There is a youtube clip on the subject.