High Standard Derringer was introduced by High Standard Manufacturing Company in 1962; it was a remarkable change to the over-under derringer design with innovative solutions.

[2] The original model (D-100), was produced from 1962 to 1967 in 22 LR only in blued finish.

In 1969 the D-101 (.22 LR) and DM-101 (.22 Magnum) upgraded models were released in blued, nickel, silver, and gold plated finishes.

[2] In the early 1980s, High Standard Firearms had been dealing with financial problems and had to cease derringer production in 1984.

Benjamin Johnson Technologies scaled up the design, into a .38 Special pocket gun known as the DA38 Derringer.