1903 colt pocket hammer

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b money

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My local pawn shop has a 1903 colt pocket hammer in 38acp, I’ve been looking them up but it’s difficult to find good values on them as one small thing seems to make a $500 gun worth $1500. So with that being said The pawnshop has one listed at $750 on consignment but they said he would go lower. How low I’m not sure but the gun has around 30% original bluing if that. Plus I’m buying a gun to shoot not to be a collectible item, so I’m thinking $600 would be a fair price but again I have no idea. Also I’d like to check for any damage if someone ever fired 38 super out of it. But again I’m not sure what to look at.
 
depends how much you want it. if the barrel bore is in good condition, and it is mechanically good - and doesn't immediately need work 5 or 6 doesn't sound too bad. If the bluing is really bad, you could negotiate with that point, and see if they'll come down lower. It's not like a pawn shop is going to get offended and not sell it to you for more the next day, if you decide it is worth a little more to you and want to go back and offer more to get it for sure.
 
Yeah I have no issues negotiating, I buy From them quite a bit. I just was unsure if a gun with worn bluing would be worth 6 or 650.
 
J and G Sales has one for sale in Good to Very Good condition for just a tad lower than $1000. There's also one on Gun International's website that's in 98+% condition and they're asking over $3000 for it!

I don't know how to field strip something like that so I'm no help in that department. I would say if it's something you really want then go in with your best offer and stick to it.

Let us know what you decide to do.
 

Won't fit in the magazine or chamber so no chance of that.

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If 30% of the blueing is in place and there's no pitting and the grips aren't cracked and the magazine is original...then $700 is a fair price.

I own several 1903 and 1908 Colts like this.
 
Won't fit in the magazine or chamber so no chance of that.

View attachment 890700


If 30% of the blueing is in place and there's no pitting and the grips aren't cracked and the magazine is original...then $700 is a fair price.

I own several 1903 and 1908 Colts like this.

it’s a pocket hammer chambered in 38 smokeless rimless which from my reading is also 38acp a precursor to 38 super
 
look into it more, the .38 acp and .380 acp I think are two different things. actually getting 38 acp ammo, if that is what it is, not .380 acp might prove a challence, as I think it is obsolete … offer less if that is what it is IMHO .
 
The Colt 1903 Hammer Pocket model is chambered for .38 ACP. As noted above, do not use Super .38 in it. (They are the same dimensionally, but the Super runs at markedly higher pressure.)

I feel it proper to tell you that pistol is a collector's interest pistol. It can be used for defense, and it was excellent in the time, but has much better alternatives currently.
 
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Yes I realize that thank you, only range time if I end up with it. Still pondering it over. The more I think about it the more I think I could also build a caspian 1911
 
I sure would like for you to buy it and let us know how everything goes, like with a range report and some detailed disassembly photos and reloading tips, but that's because I'm selfish. I've admired the ones at J&G (it's local to me), but can't bring myself to jump down that rabbit hole. Maybe if firearms were my only hobby, or even my number one hobby, I would.
 
I don't know how to field strip something like that
There is a tick mark on the frame. You retract the slide to align with that mark, then give the exposed barrel a 90º longitudinal spin. Slowly allow the slide to go forward until the spring pressure ebbs.

The barrel has a set of interrupted cuts which align with the frame below and lock the barrel in place.

Once you get used to it, it's a pretty elegant system--it just seems like you need 7-8 hands the first couple times.
 
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