DoubleTap Defense’s 9mm/.45 ACP Pocket Pistol

The new Double Tap over/under pistol is available with interchangeable barrel sets, including the 9mm and .45 ACP barrels (shown).

The removable over/under barrel set is attached to the frame by a single hinge pin similar to those used to mount the upper receiver on an AR-15. The barrel group is locked by a lug integral with the barrel that engages a catch in the frame.

Among the DoubleTap’s noteworthy parts are two pairs of retracting ball bearings bordering the firing pins. These are used to apply pressure to the cartridge rims and assure they remain firmly seated in the barrels.

To open the barrel for loading or reloading the ambidextrous thumb latch on the side of the gun is pulled to the rear. The barrels automatically tilt upward.

The hinged cover at the base of the grips conceals a storage compartment that can hold two extra rounds on a DoubleTap speed strip.

In most instances, spent shell casings drop out of the chambers when the barrels are tilted back.

The space created behind the shells by the ball bearings serves as a de facto loaded chamber indicator, as the cartridge rims remain exposed.

For carry, the author used the new DeSantis 019 Q3 mini scabbard made for the DoubleTap. The all-leather, form-fit holster keeps the gun close to the body for maximum concealment.

Another current-production holster that fits the DoubleTap perfectly is the Elite Survival Systems BCH-7 Belt Clip IWB. Made from ballistic nylon with a stitched waffle pattern for extra durability, the reversible spring-clip IWB works for left- and right-handed users.

Designed for law enforcement and civilian use, the 5.11 Tactical Undergear holster shirt has multiple support seams and an all-important shoulder yoke to support the weight of the gun. It is essentially a built-in shoulder holster that can be worn under an open shirt or any cover garment. Hook-and-loop closures secure both the left- and right-side holster pouches.

The Double Tap is small enough that it almost completely disappears in the back pocket of jeans, yet it’s easy to retrieve, even without using a pocket holster (though a pocket holster is always recommended).

From 25 feet, the author was able to place eight rounds in the 10 and X bull with 9mm ammo. With the .45 ACP, the author placed five rounds across the 8 ring smf through the 9 and 10 rings.

The innovative, titanium, double-barreled DoubleTap pocket pistol weighs 15 ounces, measures 5.5 inches in overall length, 3.9 inches in height and disappears in a pocket. The barrels are interchangeable (my test DoubleTap came with both 9mm and .45 ACP barrel sets), and they’re attached to the frame by a single hinge pin—similar to those used to mount the upper receiver on an AR-15—and locked in place by a lug integral with the barrels. For loading or reloading, an ambidextrous thumb latch on the side of the gun is pulled to the rear and the barrels automatically tilt upward, driven by an internal stainless steel spring. The DoubleTap couldn’t be any easier to use.

What makes the DoubleTap ideal for concealed carry is its enclosed action. Except for the trigger and thumb latch, all of the other moving parts are permanently sealed inside the fire control grip housing. There is virtually no maintenance necessary outside of cleaning the barrels and recoil shield, and wiping down the exterior after firing. Inside the grip frame, the back of trigger operates against a lever and ratchet that cycle two spring-tensioned strikers hitting internal hammers in rotation. The lower third of the grip is a storage compartment with a hinged cover where two additional rounds on a speed strip can be kept for quick reloading. Externally, the DoubleTap is tough as nails, with a hardcoat anodized matte black finish.

The double-action-only (DAO) trigger has a 15-pound pull and travels 0.5 inches with a quick reset. With a little practice, the first 0.25 inches can be taken up as soon as the trigger finger engages, leaving the rest of the trigger pull around 5.5 pounds. Shooting at a B-27 target from 25 feet at the range, I was able to put the majority of my shots into the 10 and X rings with the 9mm barrels. It is more challenging to shoot as accurately with the .45 ACP barrel set, but all shots still hit within the target’s center mass. I prefer the 9mm barrels for accuracy, and DoubleTap also offers .45 Colt/.410 gauge and .40 S&W barrel sets. The DoubleTap is ideally suited to its solitary purpose as a two-shot defensive pistol that can deliver large-caliber stopping power in the smallest possible package.

For more information, visit http://www.doubletapdefense.com.

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