The Derringer pistol conjures up ideas of the "wild wild west" and the mystique of this little gun continues to this day. It most often served as a back-up weapon. Old west outlaws loved these hideaway guns while their small size allowed the element of surprise to work in their favor. The Derringer was also called the "belly gun" because of its use in close proximity in old west fights. It's short barrel made it a convenient weapon when there was little distance between opponents. Also known as the gambler's gun, gamblers would often keep a Derringer under their hat or in their belts for quick access for dealing with those who cheated or wished to take their money. The Derringer was sometimes referred to as the "lady's" gun as many ladies of the old west would have one securely hidden somewhere, often in their drawstring purses or in their garter belts.