Small, double-barreled pistols manufactured by Cobra Firearms are often chambered for larger, more powerful cartridges than traditional derringer rounds like .22 Short or .38 Special. These larger cartridges, typically ranging from .380 ACP to .45 Colt and even .410 shotgun shells, offer increased stopping power in a compact package. For example, some models utilize .357 Magnum, a significantly more potent round than those found in historical derringers.
The choice of a larger caliber in a self-defense firearm enhances the potential for effective personal protection. While derringers are inherently limited by their size and two-round capacity, the use of potent cartridges mitigates some of these constraints. Historically, derringers were employed as concealed backup weapons or for close-quarters encounters. The availability of more powerful ammunition options in modern derringer designs has broadened their potential applications in personal defense scenarios.
