The COP Model SS-1[1] (Compact Off-Duty Police),[2] colloquially known as the COP .357 Derringer, was an American four-barrel double-action only pistol designed in 1983 by Robert Hillberg and manufactured by COP Inc. from 1983 to 1990.
History
The pistol was designed in 1983 by Robert Hillberg, with its most likely use intended to be as a backup weapon used by police forces when magnum cartridges remained popular in police use.[3] Production was handled by COP Inc. of Torrance, California, which touted the pistol as "the finest firearm in its class".[2] Despite this, the pistol was a commercial failure, due to its high price and various performance issues;[3] it has however appeared in various movies due to its futuristic design. Production may have been handled by American Derringer Corporation for a time.[4]
Design Details
The COP is a four-barreled break-action pistol which can chamber either .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition. The weapon's rear sight acts as the latch which locks the barrels in place and is pulled back to load the weapon. Each chamber of the gun has its own dedicated firing pin; when the weapon fires, the hammer drops and strikes a ratcheting striker which rotates and hits each of the firing pins to pierce the primer and fire the gun. The weapon is often considered to have heavy recoil and have an extremely heavy trigger pull.[3] The weapon is made of stainless steel and can have a semi-matte finish.[2]
Variants
A variant known as the MINI COP is also said to exist, marketed by American Derringer.
References
- ↑ https://lsbauctions.com/10252/cop-inc-torrance-ss-1-compact-off-duty-police-stainless-3-18-dao-4-barrel-deringer-box-357/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/cop.pdf
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-cop-357-derringer-pistol/
- ↑ https://www.guns.com/news/2012/11/08/the-cop-double-barreled-over-under
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