Stainless COP Inc. .357 Magnum 3 1/4″ Four Shot Tip-Up Derringer Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,524.00
LSB#: LSB260219HJ025
Make: C.O.P. Inc.
Model: COP SS-1 (Compact Off-Duty Police)
Serial Number: 007008
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1989 / Modern
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 “98” 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 “007008”.
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 little to no handling wear throughout. The checkering is sharp. Overall the grips rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks and hairline scratches throughout, especially concentrated on the trigger. 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. SS-1, known as the Compact Off-Duty Police pistol, was introduced in the late 1970s as a distinctly unconventional approach to personal defense firearms. Designed around a four-barrel, break action system, the SS-1 allowed four shots of .357 Magnum or .38 Special to be fired in succession from a compact, all-stainless platform. Its internal striker-fired mechanism and rotating firing system eliminated the need for a traditional revolver cylinder, resulting in a solid, block-like construction that emphasized durability and simplicity. At a time when compact defensive handguns were evolving rapidly, the COP pistol stood apart with its unique engineering and substantial build, offering a different solution for close-range defensive use. This example remains in excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original satin stainless finish with only faint handling marks and light hairline scratches visible. The bores are bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling present, reflecting limited use. The two-piece checkered wood grips are in excellent condition, showing little to no wear while maintaining crisp checkering and a clean appearance. The fixed half-moon front sight and notch rear sight integrated into the release latch provide a simple and effective sighting arrangement consistent with the pistol’s intended role. The included original case and paperwork further enhance the completeness and presentation of this distinctive firearm.
The COP SS-1 remains one of the more unusual and recognizable defensive handgun designs of its era, combining multiple barrels and a compact footprint in a rugged stainless steel package. Its distinctive configuration, strong condition, and complete accessories make it a notable example of late 20th century firearm innovation. As a mechanical departure from conventional revolvers and semi-automatics, it continues to stand out as a unique interpretation of multi-shot defensive capability. -R.E.
