DoubleTap derringer

{{Infobox weapon | name = DoubleTap | image = Heizer-DoubleTap.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = DoubleTap derringer | origin = United States | type = Derringer  | is_ranged = Yes  | designer = Ray Kohout<ref name=DTvHornady /> | design_date = 2011<ref name=DTvHornady /> | manufacturer = DoubleTap Defense, LLC | unit_cost = $500 to $800 (USD)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.policemag.com/channel/weapons/articles/2014/08/doubletap-defense-tactical-pocket-pistol.aspx|title = DoubleTap Defense Tactical Pocket Pistol| date=29 August 2014 }}</ref> | production_date = 2012–2013<ref name=DTvHornady>{{cite court|litigants=DoubleTap Defense, LLC vs. Hornady Manufacturing Co.|court=D. Neb.|opinion=8:18CV492|date=2022-03-30|via=GovInfo|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ned-8_18-cv-00492/pdf/USCOURTS-ned-8_18-cv-00492-11.pdf|access-date=2022-08-07}}</ref> | number = 23,000–25,000<ref name=DTvHornady /> | variants =  | spec_label = | weight = {{convert|0.340|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=HF>{{cite web|title=Introducing DoubleTap|url=http://heizerfirearms.com/|publisher=Heizer Defense LLC|accessdate=21 December 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220044510/http://heizerfirearms.com/|archivedate=20 December 2012}}</ref> | length = {{convert|5.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name=HF/> | part_length = {{convert|3|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name=HF/> | width = {{convert|0.665|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name=HF/> | height = {{convert|3.9|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name=HF/>  | cartridge = 9×19mm<br />.45 ACP<ref name=HF/> | cartridge_weight = | caliber = 9 mm<br />.45 | barrels = 2 | action = DAO<ref name=G&A>{{cite web|title=Introducing the Diminutive Heizer DoubleTap|date=5 December 2011|url=http://www.gunsandammo.com/2011/12/05/introducing-the-diminuitive-heizer-doubletap/|publisher=Guns & Ammo|accessdate=22 December 2012}}</ref> | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights = None }}

The '''DoubleTap derringer''' is a hammerless, double-action, double-barreled, large caliber derringer designed for personal protection and sold by DoubleTap Defense, LLC.<ref name=G&A /> It features stainless steel ported barrels and an aluminum frame that holds two extra rounds in the grip. The name comes from the double tap shooting technique in which two rounds are quickly fired before engaging the next target.<ref name=DTvHornady /> Heizer Defense, the original manufacturer, has stated that the gun was inspired by the FP-45 Liberator pistol, which was designed for use in France by the resistance against the Germans during World War II.<ref name=Announce>{{cite web|title=Announcement|url=http://heizerdefense.com/announcement.html|publisher=Heizer Defense LLC|accessdate=22 December 2012|date=7 November 2012}}</ref>

==Design== The DoubleTap is distinctive for its two barrels, each carrying a chambered round. It also carries two additional rounds (on a 2-round Bianchi Speed Strip) in the grip which allow for reloading. An ambidextrous thumb latch releases the action but the pistol does not have ejectors; spent rounds must be manually removed if they do not fall free before the two backup rounds can be loaded.<ref name=G&A/>

The weapon features a patented double-action ball bearing trigger system.<ref name=DTvHornady /><ref name=Tech>{{cite web|title=Technology|url=http://heizerfirearms.com/technology.htm|publisher=Heizer Defense LLC|accessdate=22 December 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014225158/http://heizerfirearms.com/technology.htm|archivedate=14 October 2012}}</ref> Additional features include a lightweight aluminum frame and a hammerless, no-snag design that make the DoubleTap easy carry and draw from a pant pocket,<ref name=Tech/> and also allows it to be fired through a coat or jacket pocket. Azimuth and DoubleTap planned a titanium-framed version, but it never entered production.<ref name=DTvHornady />

== Production == The DoubleTap was originally marketed under the name ''Heizer DoubleTap'' but in October 2012 DoubleTap Defense announced that they were looking for a new partner to manufacture the pistol.<ref name=press>{{cite news|last=Burgess|first=Laura|title=DoubleTap Defense Chooses Azimuth Technology LLC as manufacturing partner|url=http://heizerfirearms.com/pdf/DoubleTap_Azimuth_1112.pdf|accessdate=26 December 2012|date=7 November 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115091833/http://heizerfirearms.com/pdf/DoubleTap_Azimuth_1112.pdf|archivedate=15 January 2013}}</ref> In a statement released on November 7, Heizer Defense stated that although they had "intended to develop a business relationship with Ray Kohout and Marvin Dufner; [...] that relationship never materialized".<ref name=HeizerLetter>{{cite web|last=Heizer|first=Charles|title=Announcement Letter|url=http://www.heizerdefense.com/pdf/announcementletter.pdf|publisher=Heizer Defense|accessdate=27 December 2012|date=7 November 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226082411/http://www.heizerdefense.com/pdf/announcementletter.pdf|archivedate=26 February 2013}}</ref> A month later, it was announced that Azimuth Technology in Naples, Florida had been selected to manufacture the pistol.<ref name=press/>

Early customers reported problems with "double strikes", a malfunction in the trigger system that would fire both barrels simultaneously. DoubleTap Defense ceased production in 2013, intending to develop a "Gen 2" design that would correct the issue, but financial problems and legal conflicts with Hornady and the unrelated DoubleTap Ammunition led the company to liquidate its remaining inventory and close its operations. No prototype of the "Gen 2" pistol was ever produced.<ref name=DTvHornady />

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [http://www.doubletapdefense.com/ Official Website] * [http://www.doubletapdefense.com/DT_manual.shtml Instruction Manual]

Category:Multiple-barrel firearms Category:Derringers Category:.45 ACP firearms Category:9mm Parabellum firearms Category:Pistols of the United States