Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless

[Cincinnatus]

So I was in a gun shop this past weekend and came upon a gun that I am familiar with, but had never had the pleasure of even holding, let alone firing:

A Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless in .32 ACP.

This particular example was manufactured in 1920, which I have since found to be considered a "Type III", with a nickel finish and original rubber grips. The finish is certainly not in mint condition, but still has a pretty decent shine in most areas. However the shop owners did caution that they think the pistol might have actually been re-nickeled at some point given the almost patchy nature of the finish wear in some areas. They assured me that the pistol functioned just fine and even let me fire a round through it into their bullet trap in the back of the shop.

Their asking price was $490, and although I know this is difficult without any pictures, my question is does this sound like a good deal?

Although I am not thrilled with the heel magazine release or the .32 ACP caliber, I love the look of the gun and the associated history that accompanies this design. My interest in this pistol would be more as a collectible than anything, although I would still like to take it out and shoot it from time to time. So what does everyone think, would you "pull the trigger" on this sale or not? [Pun obviously intended]

 

[tarosean]

It's probably a little high by a few bucks, but they are great pistols...

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I own two 1903's in .32 and will likely own a third yet. I love them.

I paid $650 for a 1930 built decent shooter last Summer and have seen similar guns go for $900 on GunBroker and locally. What it's worth is highly variable. My guns are blue but the nickel guns seem to fetch more $ in good condition.



Colt 1903 built in 1918 which I inherited. Finish is gone but the gun has a good bore and relatively low round count. I have been offered $900 cash - won't ever sell this gun. It's a blued type III.



A Colt type IV built in 1930. I paid $650 last Summer and it's worth about $900 now. I think folks who want them will pay good money - I think $450 is cheap depending on condition but have seen Colt Model M frames/Slides sell for that much.

Mags (original) go for unbelievable money.

VooDoo

 

[viking499]

How do you tell the year of manufacture and the "type"?

 

[rcmodel]

Go here for full details, types, etc.

http://www.coltautos.com/ModelMci.htm

rc

 

[Jim K]

If you can take some good pictures, we can probably tell you if the nickel finish is factory or a re-nickel job. If pictures are not possible, look for blurred lettering and round corners that should be sharp (look at the new looking gun in the post by Da Vinci above). Factory nickel would increase the value, non-factory would lower it.

Jim

 

[krupparms]

I also own 2 -1903 Colts. I got the 1st.one from my dad. It needed a new disconnector & was in rough shape as dad just stuck it in his back pocket. The second one I picked up as a parts gun, but it is in better shape than Dads, so I have used it for shooting instead! These are getting up in value. I only paid $350 for the second 1903! But that was about 8-9 years ago. I know 3 people that carry one for EDC, but most I have seen are in safes now . That price seems reasonable to me . Check it over good & make sure that it's not worn out inside, getting spare parts is a task. Mine will end up with my grandsons!

 

[SC Shooter]

I saw one not too long ago for $450, but it was in real rough shape. Normally I have been seeing them ranging from $650 to $1,000.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Go here for full details, types, etc.

http://www.coltautos.com/ModelMci.htm

rc

Thanks RC! Here's another excellent resource online:

http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/1903C/1903c.html

There's a list of serial numbers and types/years lower down.

VooDoo

 

[rs7]

Very nice pistols, but I cant find one. And if I did, I couldn't justify the price for a gun that would sit in a safe. You did very well.

 

[scaevola]

It's a shame to own these great old pistols and not fire them. I make it a point to shoot my old pocket pistols.

My 1903 with the 1908 and a Baby Browning to boot.

 

[Hometeached1]

For that price. Get it, the price will only go up!

Just shoot it every now and then, don't buy it and never shoot it.

They were made to be shot.

BTW I really want one so I'm biased.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Ya gotta shoot 'em. When I inherited my first one it had laid in a drawer for maybe 20 years. I took her to a local gunsmith who checked it out and told me he'd shoot it in a minute despite the fact that it is all original and 97 years old. Here's a pix with my Wife's Coly Officers for reference in size and style....



I had a few boxes of Winchester .32 that was so old the boxes were falling apart and went to the range and started shooting it...I was so excited I probably shot 150 rounds the first outing. The gun never missed a lick and I could not believe I could shoot that well from a point. Incredibly intuitive shooter.

Our two Colt have nurtured many a new shooter graduating from .22's and being introduced to autos....smooth shooting, reliable, accurate, low recoil. And they seem to always get attention at the range. Folks get a smile seeing a near 100 year old pistol shooting like a sewing machine. It does throw brass all over the range, though.

VooDoo

 

[bannockburn]

I found one a few years back in .380 ACP with nearly 99% original factory nickel plating and pearl grips with the Colt medallions on them. It was built around 1940 and also came with a Heiser pocket holster. I got it for around $600 and feel it was a great buy for the money.

 

[Cincinnatus]

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. I'll probably go back and at least take another look at it.

 

[Hometeached1]

Did you get it?