1903 32 acp to 380 redux

[fredseviltwin]

I read a thread that was closed to further discussion regarding this conversion. I thought I would take a look at it
The 1903 I have is in sad shape. The pistol cost me a couple hindred 15 years ago. I picked up a 1908 barrel and it fits well in the beat up slide. I stripped bullet from case dropped the case into the chamber to check the primer strike and .it struck dead center. When I ejected it it worked though it was a bit weak. May need a different ejector. I don’t have a 1908 magazine but I will soon. The 32 magazine is really tight so mag well will probably need to b tuned. I have another 32 top end that is in great shape. That I won’t touch. It fits considerably tighter on the frame. I will update at later date.
Fred

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

I got a Colt 1908, was out shooting one day and the front sight disappeared! Sent it off to Novak and they installed a nice set of sights on it. Got a complete slide and barrel off EBay for next to nothing. Best of both worlds!

Colt 1908 10 yrds Can't complain!

 

[fredseviltwin]

I got a Colt 1908, was out shooting one day and the front sight disappeared! Sent it off to Novak and they installed a nice set of sights on it. Got a complete slide and barrel off EBay for next to nothing. Best of both worlds! View attachment 926729
Colt 1908 10 yrds Can't complain! View attachment 926730

That’s cool can you post a picture of those sights? Did you only send the slide?
fred

 

[fredseviltwin]

That’s cool can you post a picture of those sights? Did you only send the slide?
fred

It’s done. I assembled the slide with the threaded barrel I bought from “in lead we trust“ website. Fit well. Got the aftermarket magazine this week. Today I attempted to feed some hardball into it. No go. The bullet would not climb the feed ramp. I took the 3/8” sanding drum. Just broke the top edge and tried again. It does indeed feed perfect now. Range day is Sunday. I will take the sanding drum on the cordless rotary tool if there is a need for another touch. The barrel feed ramp is well forward of the frame feed ramp. I don’t expect to need to do more than touch the top edge of the frame. no other part of the original firearm has been modified. Extractor and ejector un touched. Only changed the width of the mag well. Originally the 32 mag was tight. After the use of the safe edge file that mag still work perfectly no Feeding issue. The 32 mag now drops free. I intend to adjust the mag well to be at least close to drop free for the 380 mag. In the photo you might see the shiny edge of the top of the frame feed ramp. That’s all the metal I removed.

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

That’s cool can you post a picture of those sights? Did you only send the slide?
fred

No they redid the entire gun but I suppose you could send just the slide..........

 

[fredseviltwin]

Could you post a close up shot of the sights you had installed on this pistol? What I can see looks really nice. It looks like you had the firearm refinished is that correct? I see a 1908 vest pocket in the photo you posted. I love that little pistol. It is enjoyable to shoot. I’m off to the range to test fire the 1903 conversion.
Thanks

 

[Monac]

I like your H&R 22 revolver, Sgt Stiglitz. I forgot that H&R had made a manual ejector top-break in 22. I thought they were all 38s.

 

[blue32]

If I could like that suppressed 1903 more I would. Well done Stiglitz!