colt 1903 ALERT

[ROBBY.1911]

i was at the pawnshop the other day when my buddy says "hey, check this out it just came in." he unzips a little pistol rug and inside is a colt model 1903 32 acp. not just any 1903, but one that looks factory new. i said "oh yeah, that's cool" and then tried to keep from choking because i wanted that little gun so badly. i know nothing about these guns. i need info and possible value. if it's too much for me, i'll be happy to turn somebody else on to it. happy trails.--robby

 

[OcelotZ3]

I bought one in really good shape for $400 a while back, which was reasonable, but not "deal".

Shoots great, neat little pistol.

Are you sure it hasn't been refinished?

 

[peyton]

Layaway is your friend. Cash is king, did he mention how much he was asking for it??

 

[Tinpig]

Get it if you can. You'll have a classic Browning-designed pistol that's also a lot of fun to shoot.
Mine was made in 1915.



It's accurate and reliable. I have better choices, but occasionally carry it just because I like to.



Depending on condition, I think $400-$500 would be fair.

Tinpig

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I'm with Tinpig. Once you get a 1903 or 1908 (.380 version), you just have to carry it! It was good enough for John Dillinger!

[/IMG]

 

[Tinpig]

Those are beautiful, Sharps Dressed Man...you could carry them at the Opera.

Tinpig

 

[colt1903]

You should definitely go for it. I have three; a .32 and a .380 in original and very good condition and this project .380:

The the gunsmith turned into this:

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

1912 and 1913. It still fascinates me that they have been around for 96-97 years, and can still shoot reliably, and shoot fist sized groups at 25 yards if I hold still enough. If I didn't value the extra punch of the .45 in a 1911, the 1903 in .32 just might be my favorite gun. I feel like I should have one near me all the time. That is exactly why I bought a second one from nearly the same year, in the same condition, and also put ivory on it. When one wears out or breaks, I'll still have a replacement.

 

[M2 Carbine]

My Wife and I carried these two before it was strictly legal.

I got involved in a Quick Stop holdup (long story) with three holdup men (no shots fired).
I felt so under-gunned with that little 32, when I got home I replaced the little Colts with 1911 45's.

The 1903 is a nice gun and after all these years they are still good shooters.

 

[Gordon]

Size comparison, I like carrying the Rem .380 and the Colt .32.

 

[colt1903]

M2, those are seriously beautiful .32's.

Gordon, I agree with your thought on the Remington 51, however the breach block is very fragile. Mine cracked on the second time out (both times with standard .380 ammo) and I am having a devil of a time finding a replacement part.

 

[Jason_G]

I always like to post this when folks talk about 1903s. Some of you have probably seen it, but I always thought it was neat- a 1911 turned 1903 (well sorta), by C&S:


Here's the article.


Jason

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

Here are two of mine, one in .380 the other .25. Reloading the little .25 is fun. The little 35gr JHP's really do expand! They are also very accurate

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

I don't own one, but I can attest to the fact that they're a boatload of fun to shoot.

 

[Tinpig]

Designed in 1911, 1935, and 1903. Still perfect.



Tinpig

 

[OcelotZ3]

Just saw some 1903's at the gun show in Albany, Oregon today, running from $500 to >$800.

I'm sure glad I picked mine up for $400 a couple of months ago!