Colt 1903

[TexasGunbie]

Anyone know much about Colt 1903 Hammerless that shoots 32 acp?

I spotted one in a local ad, and I wonder what to look for as far as markings, conditions, any mechanical aspect to pay attention to when I buy one.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Handle it to see if it seems to functions fine (slide, safeties, etc). Check out the bore, clean, shiny, with lots of rifling is preferred. Check to see if the sights are not buggered, and put a pencil or plastic rod in the barrel (eraser down) to see if the firing pin strikes strong. Check to see if the magazine is original (should be pinned at the bottom, faint pin heads at the base of the mag can be seen), and if the mag is marked .32 Colt and or gray/silver top/blued finish lower on magazine. If all is good, negotiate a good price depending on the amount of bluing remaining, and if it has been refinished (avoid a refinished gun). If you can get a decent specimen for around $300, you SHOULD be good to go. Any thing that detracts in the above mentioned, deduct accordingly. A nice factory mag or barrel is worth $75-$100 on their own.

 

[MattTheHat]

I own a couple, both very early Type I models. I paid $225 for one in "good" condition, and $400 for the other, which was almost pristine, other than some blueing wear on one part of the frame.

As far as markings, etc, that's a bit like asking the same question about the 1911. Entire books have been written on the subject.

There's a Wiki out there somewhere that contains a listing of serial numbers, which will tell you what year it was produced and which "Type" it is. The Type I models had a slightly longer barrel, and separate barrel bushing, similar to the arrangement on a 1911. Later models had the barrel bushing as an integral part of the barrel. Later models added a magazine disconnect safety.

-Matt

 

[MattTheHat]

I can't rationalize my fondness for the M1903 and M1908. They just strike me as one of the most elegant pistols ever designed. I wish they'd have been chambered in 9mm, as such a pistol would be the ultimate carry pistol for my limited needs.

Here's my more recent acquisition. Save for the blueing wear, she is in very nice condition. This is a very early Type I model (notice the cross pin which keeps the barrel bushing in place). Also notice the cocking serrations are very different than those found on models produced after the first couple of years. They were later done like those on the 1911, these were plunge cut with a radial cutter for lack of a better way to describe them.

-Matt

 

[Maia007]

"I can't rationalize my fondness for the M1903 and M1908. They just strike me as one of the most elegant pistols ever designed. "

I definitely know the feeling.......

 

[Old Fuff]

I wish they'd have been chambered in 9mm, as such a pistol would be the ultimate carry pistol for my limited needs.

I don't think you like it as much as you think. The 1903 (.32) and 1908 (.380) Colt Pocket Models are straight blowback pistols that don't have a locked breech. The good news is that this allows the pistol to be thin and have a low profile slide. The bad news is that the .380 ACP cartridge is about the limit the pistol will stand. Also without a locked breech the recoil would more then get your attention.

 

[TexasGunbie]

Thanks for all the info, I really want one now but afraid that I buy a lemon since I don't know what to look for. How much are the 32acp ammos? Do you guys shoot these guns or you just keep them for collection?

 

[Old Fuff]

Do you guys shoot these guns or you just keep them for collection?

Both:

There is no reason to not shoot them unless you find one that is completely original and in mint-to-new condition. However a new set of coil springs (recoil, magazine and firing pin) are a good precausion if you plan to go shooting. Be aware that shooting can be adictive...

The best way to learn is to use the forum's Search utility. (See at top of page inside green bar, to the center/right). Use the search term: Colt 1903.

 

[hhb]

1903

I own two, and the only advise I'd give is to shoot ball ammo, and order a new recoil spring. The recoil spring at it's best is about 65 years old, and could be lots older.

 

[hawkeye10]

Go here to get springs for your new Colt. I know you are going to buy it. Don


http://www.gunsprings.com/home

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I have a 1912 and 1913 produced 1903 .32's, and both have had a Wolff recoil spring installed. Both guns work flawlessly, and are still sighted dead on (doesn't look like the sights have been beat much). I see no reason to believe that these gun are any less capable today than they were 90 plus years ago. I will continue to shoot them until one breaks, and then I will shoot the other until the first one gets fixed.

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