Colt 1903 or Browning 1910

[lincen]

For some unknown reason I am drawn to semi-autos that fire the 32acp round. I have a number of them, Beretta Tomcat, Kel-Tec, two Ortgies, an FEG, and a Spanish "Bufalo" copy of a 1910.

I would like to hear from folks who have shot or own both the Colt 1903 and the Browning 1910 or even the Browning 1922. The best solution for sure would be to get both but which one if you only get ONE of them?

 

[Jim Watson]

I lean towards the hammer fired Colt over the striker fired FN.
I would take the 1910 over the 1922, the add on slide extension to make it a military weapon is just ugly.

 

[PRM]

I've got a near mint specimen of the 1910/1955 Belgium Browning in .380 with an additional Browning slide upgrade with target sights. The little .380 has been a real performer and has always been flawless in trips to the range. I have carried this gun on occasion - so, I personally give it high marks.

I'm not a big fan of the .380 (personal preference) over the .32. Generally when I carry a small semi-auto it is one of my Walthers. Both my PP and PPK/S are in .32. I just like the external hammer and safety features on the Walther. The little Browning has the grip safety as well as the thumb safety and is probably just as good - I'm just more comfortable with the Walther.

 

[Taroman]

The Colt 1903 pocket 32 is a gem.
If you have never handled/shot one, prepare to be amazed.
Like everything else JMB designed, its timeless.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Shot both and own 4 1903's in .32...the Browning is a slick little piece and I may yet buy a couple of them but the Colt Pocket Hammerless in .32 is possibly my favorite gun of all time.

It most certainly is the most fondled, shot, and customized gun in my stable of pistols. There is just something about them in .32 that appeals to me like no other gun. The .380 version of the same Colt pistol I'm not obsessive/possessive about - like 'em, don't love 'em. For me the best pistols in .380 are the Glock 42 and the Sig P238.

VooDoo

 

[cfullgraf]

I would like to hear from folks who have shot or own both the Colt 1903 and the Browning 1910 or even the Browning 1922. The best solution for sure would be to get both but which one if you only get ONE of them?

I am partial to the Colt 1903 since I have one. But I do not have any experience with the Browning. The Browning is on the list.

I have also gotten bitten by the 32 ACP bug The only modern design 32 ACP I have is the Kel-Tec

 

[Taroman]

I had both. while the Browning (1922) was serviceable, it had a rough military fit and finish.
A clunker compared to the sweet 1903.

 

[OneSevenDeuce]

I have both. Both are shooters, and tons of fun. The 1903 is worlds better in terms of finish and elegance IMO, but you pay for it. If you had to get just one, and could afford it, I'd go with the 1903. 1910s go for considerably less (condition being equal) so there is attraction there too. Either way, both are wonderful designs, and great additions to a Browning semi-auto collection. BTW, you didn't even ask about the FN1900! Those are fun as can be too!

 

[bangswitch]

I am partial to the Colt 1903 since I have one. But I do not have any experience with the Browning.

Ditto. I have a blued military issue and used it for CC until I learned its value. My stepdad gave it to me before he passed, was his uncle's issued sidearm in WWII. It has a wonderful balance, and has the smoothest action of any of my autoloaders.

 

[Combat Engineer]

Was carrying a M1903 Colt today. Incredibly accurate, why? because it is pretty close to a fixed barrel design, it uses 6 barrel lugs (the Browning 1910 uses 4) which effectively lock the barrel to the frame, making it incredibly accurate. The .32ACP is an underrated cartridge, those in the know, know it is superior to the .380.

Considered by NRA museum curator Phil Schreier as the best 32 auto ever made and one of the finest conceal carry pistol ever.

Thought by many to be the most beautiful pistol ever, it is also a superb handgun, all it takes is opening up the rear sight with a small round file and its a perfect shooter.

Armed with a .32ACP M1903 Colt, the fictional Frank McCloud shot Johnny Rocco in that classic flic, Key Largo.

Perhaps Colt will bring it back...in the meantime I will have to make do with my 1917 beauty.

 

[Jim K]

"Perhaps Colt will bring it back..."

Don't hold your breath, please.

Of the two guns mentioned, for practical purposes there is no difference. (Hammer vs striker is a discussion point for gun folks, not a practical matter for anyone else.)

But I prefer the Colt both on aesthetics and because I consider the Colts to be better made than the FN pistols.

Jim

 

[mac66]

I like my 03, fun little pistol to carry and shoot. Mine was made in '26

 

[HexHead]

The FN 1910 started WWI. Both the FN Browning and the Colt 1903 served with distinction with the French and Belgian "Trench Sweepers". Read up on these badasses if you're not familiar with them.

 

[rcmodel]

I defer to the older Colt.

The later Browning grip safety operates off the Two-leif sear spring.
So when you grip it hard enough to fire it, the trigger gets Really Heavy!

rc

 

[Ron James]

For a brief time in my younger life I was a PI ( Hey, don't laugh, it was only for about 6 months, I had a license and every thing " Cue back ground music from Peter Gunn or 77 Sunset Strip " ). I go for the Colt because that was what I carried for the first time concealed.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are considering only those 2 I also like the Colt best.

If you will consider another old 7.65mm why not the CZ-27?

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I have a near mint Colt Pocket Hammerless 1903. Made in 1918 if I recall...

Thing shoots like a laser and just feels so good in the hand for a gun that is almost a century old. I love mine, it was a family heirloom, and it will will stay that way forever. It is my most prized possession.

 

[bannockburn]

Have had them both. If limited to only getting one of them I would go with the Colt Model 1903.

 

[foxchase]

Ortgies

My ortgies .32 is a nice shooter . Keeps on working. Light and compact.

 

[OneSevenDeuce]

An Ortgies is on my list as well. I don't know about the .32 being superior, but they sure are fun to shoot.

 

[kBob]

Isn't there an issue with some CZ27 firing pin retention plates? Part crystallizes and shatters on some War models?

I am surprised no one has brought up the Spanish "Ruby" autos that France used in WWI and used to haunt US gun stores at near give away prices. They were meant to be clones of the 1903 but come off as just clunky.

Also once again no one has any love for the Star S series SI .32 guns......poor things.

If you laid a 1903, FN 1910 and FN 1922 all in the same condition on a table and said "Hey kBob, pick one and it's yours" I would snatch up the 1903 and run for the door before you could change your mind.

-kBob

 

[lincen]

This thread is giving me just the input I need since I have not shot or even held either one. And YES, older CZ's, Ruby's, and Star models are on my extended want list but really wanted to settle this thing between the two.

Never thought about the 1900 but would love to hear some more on them.

I will start the prowl on GB and other sites since none show up on local boards near Raleigh NC.

Thanks and keep the info and pictures coming.

 

[OneSevenDeuce]

The 1900 is downright ugly compared to the 1903, but it shoots wonderfully. The model 1899, which is nearly identical to the 1900, was the first semi auto with a slide. Just an interesting historical piece, and a great addition to any collection of Browning designed semi autos.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

All I can add is that if you manage to buy and shoot a Colt 1903, and yer an aficionado of the .32 acp, you need to be careful you don't become addicted as I have become.

I have shot most al of them and find the Colt Pocket Hammerless in .32 to be the "Father" of all other .32's. There are some I like almost as well (like Beretta's .32's) but there is something very cool and classy about the Colt Pocket Hammerless.

VooDoo

 

[Combat Engineer]

VooDoo -

The 'Father' of the .32ACP is clearly the Browning 1900, the 1st mass produced, striker fired, true fixed barrel... even has a good loaded chamber indicator...and esthetics that give the gun a lot of character.

All this talk of .32s...I'm off to the range with a few of the WW1 era wonder .32s.