Doug Bowser
member
The Colt’s 1903 Hammerless Pocket Pistol
By Doug Bowser
Ever since I saw Humphrey Bogart using a 1903 Colt Pocket Pistol while playing Sam Spade, I was intrigued with them. The pistol is the brainchild of John Moses Browning and like many of his designs very difficult to disassemble and reassemble. I acquired a 1903 .32 ACP pistol that had been re-nickeled. Buying a pistol that was serviceable but not a collector’s piece made sense to me. I paid $225.00 for it. The action and barrel were in VG+ condition and the guy that refinished the pistol did not buff off all of the markings.
The next step for me was putting in a supply of .32 ACP ammunition. I found 2 boxes of Prvi Partisan FMJ ammo with 71 gr bullets. The ammunition functioned well in the Colt. I consider the .32 ACP adequate for most self defense situations. You have to think of the old saying, some gun is better than no gun. I believe the grip safety and the thumb safety make this handgun safe to carry for self defense.
I was surprised that the trigger was crisp and clean. The sights leave a LOT to be desired but reasonably good accuracy at 15 yards is possible. It is a pleasure for me to own several older handguns and rifles. I am always impressed with the quality of manufacture and design.
Colt’s 1903 hammerless Pocket pistol
The NRA 25 yard B-8 target fired at 15 yards
By Doug Bowser
Ever since I saw Humphrey Bogart using a 1903 Colt Pocket Pistol while playing Sam Spade, I was intrigued with them. The pistol is the brainchild of John Moses Browning and like many of his designs very difficult to disassemble and reassemble. I acquired a 1903 .32 ACP pistol that had been re-nickeled. Buying a pistol that was serviceable but not a collector’s piece made sense to me. I paid $225.00 for it. The action and barrel were in VG+ condition and the guy that refinished the pistol did not buff off all of the markings.
The next step for me was putting in a supply of .32 ACP ammunition. I found 2 boxes of Prvi Partisan FMJ ammo with 71 gr bullets. The ammunition functioned well in the Colt. I consider the .32 ACP adequate for most self defense situations. You have to think of the old saying, some gun is better than no gun. I believe the grip safety and the thumb safety make this handgun safe to carry for self defense.
I was surprised that the trigger was crisp and clean. The sights leave a LOT to be desired but reasonably good accuracy at 15 yards is possible. It is a pleasure for me to own several older handguns and rifles. I am always impressed with the quality of manufacture and design.
Colt’s 1903 hammerless Pocket pistol
The NRA 25 yard B-8 target fired at 15 yards