A compact, typically two-barreled handgun designed for close-range defense, this firearm is often associated with concealment due to its small size. Usually chambered in small calibers, examples include the Remington Double Derringer. These handguns operate on a simple break-action mechanism, allowing the barrels to tilt downwards for loading and ejection.
Historically favored for personal protection, these pocket pistols provided a readily accessible means of defense in close quarters. While modern firearm technology has largely superseded such weapons for many applications, they retain a place in the collecting community and remain a significant part of firearms history. Their compact design made them easily concealable, a factor that contributed to both their popularity and notoriety.
