Stainless COP Inc. .357 Magnum 3 1/4″ Four Shot Tip-Up Derringer & Case
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: WY250310TP052
Make: C.O.P. Inc.
Model: COP SS-1 (Compact Off-Duty Police)
Serial Number: 112464
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1989
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Break Action, Quad Barrel, Striker Fired Derringer.
Markings: The left side of the barrels is marked “CAL. 38SP/.357 MAG”. The bottom is hand etched “935” along with the frame. The left side of the frame is marked “Cop” and “COP INC, TORRANCE, CA. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “112464”.
Barrel Length: 3 1/4”
Sights / Optics: There is a fixed front half moon sight blade fixed to the barrel, The rear sight is a notch in the release latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood. There are no chips or cracks. There is faint handling wear with a few small pressure dents throughout. The checkering is sharp. The grips rate in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 and appears unfired outside of factory testing.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original case, paperwork.
Our Assessment: The COP Inc. .357 Magnum Four-Shot Tip-Up Derringer is a unique and powerful compact pistol, designed to offer maximum firepower in a small and easily concealable package. Manufactured in the 1980s by COP Inc. (Compact Off-Duty Police, Inc.), this derringer-style firearm was intended for law enforcement backup carry and personal defense, providing an alternative to traditional two-shot derringers with its four-barrel rotating firing mechanism. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it offers substantial stopping power for its size while also being capable of firing .38 Special for reduced recoil and greater control. The 3.25-inch barrel length ensures the gun remains compact, yet long enough to generate effective muzzle velocity for defensive situations. One of the defining features of the COP .357 Derringer is its tip-up barrel design, which allows for quick and easy loading of all four chambers. The double-action trigger system cycles through the barrels in sequence, rotating to a new chamber with each pull of the trigger. While the trigger pull is heavier than standard revolvers or semi-autos, it ensures reliable ignition and safety in high-stress situations. The all-steel construction provides durability and a solid feel, but also adds weight, which helps dampen recoil when firing powerful .357 Magnum loads. The compact grip and frame design make it easy to carry, though its unconventional layout requires some familiarity for quick and effective use.
For collectors, firearms enthusiasts, and those looking for an unconventional concealed carry piece, the COP Inc. Four-Shot Derringer is a fascinating and rare handgun. Its limited production numbers, innovative firing system, and reputation for reliability make it a sought-after firearm among those who appreciate unique engineering and defensive firepower in a compact form. Whether as a collectible, a backup defensive firearm, or simply a curiosity from the era of compact police handguns, the COP .357 Magnum Derringer stands out as one of the more distinctive and memorable handguns in modern firearm history. -R.E.
