How about that 1903?

[burnse]

I've fallen for Colt's 1903 pocket hammerless. I could live without it, but I'd rather not.

What do I need to know about acquiring one of these (reasonable price in relation to condition) and keeping it happy (any known problems, outside of it being really old)?

 

[Ron James]

The 1903 and 1908 Hammerless autos are well balanced, reliable firearms. The only thing I would warn, to not disassemble them beyond taking off the slide and barrel. If you take them down to the bare bones, be ready to spend a several hours trying to reassemble them. Now, having said that, yes they are compact, reliable firearms but the design is over a hundred years old. For every day concealed carry there are better choices.

 

[burnse]

I'm not sure about carry. I just really want one I can enjoy and shoot the heck out of.
Any ideas on price range? I see what they go for on places like gunbroker, but it seems hard to know if the asking price is in proportion to its condition. For instance, I see them go for around a grand sometimes, but what should I expect if i wanted to look for a $500 or $600 example?

 

[windsor311]

Your going to love em.... 1903 or 1908 "m" models
some links for you to research BEFORE you buy

http://www.coltautos.com/1903ph.htm
http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/1903C/1903c.html

You have been warned..... they are addicting. Do a google search for photos of some.....

Enjoy

 

[Cards81fan]

When I first got into guns (which was in 2008, I know that is very recently), a local gun store had a well-used 1908 on the rack for $300 or so. Alleged to shoot just fine. Finish was well worn to a patina and lots of superficial scratches but there was no rust to speak of.

I didn't know what it was, but the old Colt was cool. I saw it there for a couple months, as the tacticool and AR-15 Obama election-era phase was in full force . When I finally did some checking and decided I wanted it, it was gone. I am sure it went for even less than the list price. I am still kicking myself.

 

[xr1200]

They are interesting guns, and I knew a few old timers that carried them in a pocket or a brief case.

I had a old 1920 version still is the box that I paid $350 in 2000 and sold last year for $800, a good shooter in 75-85% will sell for $375 - $500

They are also very well made, their only draw back is that they are not that safe to carry for ccw and the 32 acp is a really weak cartridge, also size, when compared to a modern 380 or 9mm.

If you want a all metal steel compact to play with a walther ppk in 380 is a lot better gun and you can find them for around $275-$350

 

[Chuck Warner]

I like the old ones as well. I have a few of each that have accumulated here.

There are always some at one of our Local shops(Ron Petersons) in Albuquerque. There are two there as I write this.

CW

 

[rocinante]

Nah my savage 1907 has my antique 32 affection. Its purdy.

 

[burnse]

I also have a lot of love for the Savage. There just seem to be plenty of cool, old .32s out there. I'm also a big fan of the vz 70. I just love that little thing.

But there is just something about that 1903.

 

[blakeci]

If you do get a 1903, the most important thing is make sure it has an original mag. The aftermarket ones have a nasty reputation of not working.

 

[larryflew]

The 1903 and 1908 Hammerless autos are well balanced, reliable firearms. The only thing I would warn, to not disassemble them beyond taking off the slide and barrel. If you take them down to the bare bones, be ready to spend a several hours trying to reassemble them. Now, having said that, yes they are compact, reliable firearms but the design is over a hundred years old. For every day concealed carry there are better choices.

Ditto on the dis-assembly and don't ask how I learned that. Joy to shoot not so much to work on.

 

[surjimmy]

I have been wanting one for about 2 years, for no real good reason other then I just wanted it. Well found this in a pawnshop for $350 OTD. Took it to the range yesterday and fell in love. Accurate, very little recoil, not one hiccup, and a dream to shoot...FYI just about everyone I have talked to or read said Fiocchi is about the best ammo for it.

 

[Weevil]

I got mine a few years back.





Very nice shooter but parts and mags that actually work are hard to come by.

These were one of the original "thin" concealed carry pistols. I'd love to see somebody make a modern version at a reasonable price.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

not a good looker

Mine is a $260 beater (gun and 4 boxes of ammo) but it sure does function and shoot fine. It works great with Winchester Silver Tips and Privi Partizan hollow points...never a functional issue with any ammo I've shot in it.

I've got two factory magazines...the holster is a vintage A. E. Nelson cross-draw.

 

[kokapelli]

I had one but gave it to my son. It's a nice gun but I'm to old to bother collecting guns anymore and as far as for carry it's obsolete.

 

[Mac Attack]

xI have a Colt M1908 that was made in 1922 and it is a fun shooter. I did research on another forum and found that for my year of manufacture the slides for the 1903 and 1908 were so close that I could swap out a 1903 .32 ACP barrel and mag and use the same lower. I prefer to shoot it in .32 ACP over .380 ACP.

I also agree with the previous poster who said they are dismal with aftermarket magazines. Have you looked at the price of original magazines? They cost around $100 - $150 for a usable mag. Overall, those little Colt's are fun shooting little guns which I feel could make a great carry gun if you can find reliable mags. As a matter of fact, I had a custom leather holster made up for mine and I carried it for a bit.