[CulperRing]

Does anyone have any experience with a FIE D38 Derringer? I had a Davis 22 Mag a while ago, sadly I sold it and then I find out one can convert calibers. Oh well...life and learn.

I hope to rebuild one here soon. It is a beefy little guy. No safety, like the Davis (didn't really notice that before). I was watching a video on disassembly/assembly and video mentioned that one has to be be careful when shutting it because the firing pins might stick out enough to fire a round. I vaguely recall, a recall of some sort for Davis Derringers, not sure if that was the issue or not.

 

[adam01364]

My only thought about the FIE is regarding replacement parts availability. Like next to nil and when you find them, expensive. And since FIE used more than one manufacturer to make their guns, it makes it all the more complicated. Granted, derringers are simple, so maybe I'm overthinking it.

If I was looking at an inexpensive derringer to pocket carry, I'd be looking for a Davis/Cobra/Bearman. Parts are still being made and are plentiful and inexpensive, and caliber swapping is a piece of cake.

 

[CulperRing]

My only thought about the FIE is regarding replacement parts availability. Like next to nil and when you find them, expensive. And since FIE used more than one manufacturer to make their guns, it makes it all the more complicated. Granted, derringers are simple, so maybe I'm overthinking it.

If I was looking at an inexpensive derringer to pocket carry, I'd be looking for a Davis/Cobra/Bearman. Parts are still being made and are plentiful and inexpensive, and caliber swapping is a piece of cake.

I think I got pretty lucky, I was able to get a parts kit on GB. I was expecting it to take awhile to find parts. Spent a tad bit more than I wanted. But the FIE frame was part of a package of frames that I hope to rebuild this winter.

Also the aforementioned video helped a lot.

I agree regarding pocket carrying a derringer, that family of derringers would be the way go. Although at this time I lean more towards a NAA Mini.

 

[Rerun]

I own an Excam TA-38 derringer, .38 Special.

Weighs about 20 oz loaded with two 158 grn LRN.

Rerun

 

[adam01364]

Does anyone have any experience with a FIE D38 Derringer?

I own an Excam TA-38 derringer, .38 Special.

These may very well be the same derringer. You two should post some pics for comparison purposes. Just sayin'.

 

[CulperRing]

These may very well be the same derringer. You two should post some pics for comparison purposes. Just sayin'.

Will try to post pictures next weekend. From a brief internet search they do look very similar.

Ran into a problem with the trigger retaining pin (#16 on Parts List). I managed to mess it up some, trying to get it in. Tried a Jennings and Davis trigger retaining pin, sadly both did not work. Will probably order a couple from Numrich this week.

 

[CulperRing]

I own an Excam TA-38 derringer, .38 Special.

Weighs about 20 oz loaded with two 158 grn LRN.

Rerun

Have you shot it?

 

[moona11]

These may very well be the same derringer. You two should post some pics for comparison purposes. Just sayin'.

I believe they are. Numurich used the same parts diagram

 

[adam01364]

The problem with EIG, FIE and Excam is they started with their derringers supplied from Italy, but then switched some suppliers over to Germany.

 

[Rerun]

Have you shot it?

Yes, lots of times.

It only takes Round Nose cartridges.

CCI shotshells won't fit.

Rerun

 

[CulperRing]

I am having a whale of a time getting the trigger retaining pin in....

I messed up one pin, so I ordered a few spares. I currently have a punch holding the trigger in place. But trying to slowly tap the pin in place, knocking out the punch has been not been successful.

 

[Rerun]

I've been told that sometimes the pins are tapered and need to be knocked in/out in one direction.
So.maybe, reversing the pin or knocking it out from the opposite side...

Rerun

 

[aaronwalker]

Well I'm working on a F.I.E. 38D and it will not strike the bottom firing pin when I pull the trigger. I've replaced the hammer. Cam and striker with new spring. Firing pin is in good shape but I just can't get the hammer to hit it. It's like it slips during the pull and slides back to the top again. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[adam01364]

@aaronwalker this derringer is over fifty years old. Are you sure you have the correct firing pin for it?