Colt 1903 for carry: why not?

[Snowdog]

I've been seriously jonseing for a Colt 1903 and while perusing Gunbroker I was wondering what I might use it for besides simply for collection and range fun.
I was thinking, "Well, I certainly wouldn't carry it". But then it occurred to me, why the heck not?

Over the past few years, I've gained respect for the .32acp (FMJ) and its penetrative capabilities. Informal testing has show me that it's about the same as 9x18 in punching through wood and automotive sheet metal, so it certainly can punch through things (such as the skull of an assailant).

I can honestly see myself carrying a Colt Model 1903 with FMJ. I certainly have enough 73gr Fiocchi and S&B to keep it fed for a while. I currently practice by perforating a drawn-on 5" circle on typing paper at 7 yards when using my P32. With such a tiny pistol and anemic cartridge, my defense plan is to focus on head/face shots with the P32. I haven't any concerns that the .32acp is up to the task if used in such a manner. Why not do the same with the 1903 (which is likely more inherently accurate)?

Typically when carrying, I carry a K9 in a holster and if the family is with me, that's the least I will carry. Though when running errands solo, I really don't find any problems with this idea if the practice and intended use matches the capabilities of the cartridge.

So what do you guys thinks? Are there any "bad guys" out there that can't be effectively deterred by two .32acp to the head/face?

 

[RonBernert]

There is no reason why you can't carry it.. The only real concern is that if you (like me) carry it cocked and locked, there is a possibility that it might discharge if dropped.
Besides that, it has been a fantastic gun to carry. I use a clipdraw, inside the waisband and find it comfortable, smooth with no rough edges and just a nice gun to shoot!

 

[hso]

I collect Colt 1903s and back when I didn't have anything with better sights, larger magazine capacity, better sights, lighter weight, better sights and modern ergonomics I did carry one.

I'm nuts about these things, but there are significant advances since 1903 that have brought about better defensive carry pistols.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I'm one "click" slower than the hotshots with cocked and locked guns, but then I might be a better shot. I carry a Colt Hammerless .32 at least once a week, chamber empty, with some Dynamit Nobel FMJ ammo (it seems to be a tad hotter than domestic ammo, also accurate and reliable in my guns). I liked the gun so much, I sought out another just like it, and put grips on that one, too, should I need to have one in the shop. Four or five .32's to the chest and head ought to do fine for defensive use at pistol ranges. No reason you have to fire just once (who cares about one shot stops?).

[/IMG]

 

[M2 Carbine]

Before carry was strictly legal I carried a 1903 in the car.
One day I was involved in a quick stop holdup with three BGs (long story, no shots fired). As the holdup unfolded I felt way under-gunned with the little Colt. It looked like I was going to have to quickly drop two of them to even the odds and I wasn't at all sure the .32 was up to it.

When I got home I replaced the Colt with a GI 1911 45.

If I am going to carry a gun the size of the 1903, it's going to be a bigger caliber than a .32.

I still have the guns and wouldn't part with them for anything but I'd only carry them as a novelty.

My Wife's Colt.


Mine.

 

[M2 Carbine]

So what do you guys thinks? Are there any "bad guys" out there that can't be effectively deterred by two .32acp to the head/face?

How confident are you that "in the heat of battle" you can hit someone's head twice or even once?

My everyday standard target is a head silhouette but I know I won't be doing this under pressure.





Even this simple rocking target presents a good challenge.

 

[Weevil]

How confident are you that "in the heat of battle" you can hit someone's head twice or even once?

Depends on how close they are.


A pocket gun like the 1903 isn't meant for target shooting, it's an up close and personal weapon you'll most likely be point shooting at close quarters.

In a carjacking situation a headshot is all you may get.



I don't carry mine but I wouldn't feel naked with it on me.

 

[silversport]

Before carry was strictly legal I carried a 1903 in the car.
One day I was involved in a quick stop holdup with three BGs (long story, no shots fired). As the holdup unfolded I felt way under-gunned with the little Colt. It looked like I was going to have to quickly drop two of them to even the odds and I wasn't at all sure the .32 was up to it.

When I got home I replaced the Colt with a GI 1911 45.

If I am going to carry a gun the size of the 1903, it's going to be a bigger caliber than a .32.

I still have the guns and wouldn't part with them for anything but I'd only carry them as a novelty.

My Wife's Colt.


Mine.

M2 Carbine...I remember you posting about this some time ago and think of it often...there are times that I carry something smaller because it is more convenient...THEN I REMEMBER YOUR POST...should be a sticky...
Thanks again,
Bill

 

[Onmilo]

As a big fan of .32 auto pistols I have been known to slip this in my pocket when wandering around the property, one of the very few places I can legally carrry a concealed pistol in this God forgotten state!

 

[Greg528iT]

Wild Bill Hickock killed his share of men with a .36 cal. I think a 1903 Colt should be sufficient.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

If it's good at punching holes in things; it's good at punching holes in things.

 

[Mad Magyar]

If it functions well, there certainly are places for it (b.u.g)....I've carried my HSc many a time. Thank goodness for forums like this. I joined another forum (since left) where even the mention of any caliber below 9mm is verboten. The moderator was really incensed. I was actually called an "a#@hole"....

 

[M2 Carbine]

Depends on how close they are.


A pocket gun like the 1903 isn't meant for target shooting, it's an up close and personal weapon you'll most likely be point shooting at close quarters.

In a carjacking situation a headshot is all you may get.

Considering that because of the way I dress I have to pocket carry a little .380 pistol much of the time. I'd gladly substitute the 1903 sometimes.

I'm just playing Devil's advocate here and presenting things to think about.

The BG determines the shooting distance, so I don't count on only having to use any defense gun at a very close distance. Even my little pocket guns I shoot from 3 to 52 yards.
In my above encounter, if the shooting had started, the distance would have been about 6, 8 and 25 yards.

Yes, depending on the situation a head shot may be all you get.
How many of us practice head shots? And such as head shots while moving or in low light?
We mostly do not carry "target guns" but we need to be capable of using what we carry with "target" accuracy.

Trouble is most of us can't get the practice we need.
Heck I shoot about five days a week and I still feel unqualified.

 

[easyg]

Colt 1903 for carry: why not?

Well, I guess it beats no gun at all.

But the .32 is too weak of a caliber for self-defense in my opinion.

 

[Billy Shears]

I have an M1908 (same gun, but in the marginally better .380ACP caliber) that I used to carry sometimes. As much as I love the old Colt, I've given it up for carry. My primary off duty gun is a .40S&W FN Hi Power. When I need something smaller, I almost always carry a Kahr Mk40, also in .40S&W. But in really hot weather, when I can't manage anything heavier than a t-shirt or light polo shirt, and if that shirt is not loose enough to cover the Kahr in its IWB holster without printing through, I will occasionally carry another .380 of the same vintage as the Colt: a Remington Model 51. I carry it in preference to the Colt now solely because it's notably flatter, and when I need the most concealable gun I can wear, it disappears better than anything else I own.

But unless I really need such a flat gun, I'll carry the Kahr or the FN, because I feel much better about using a .40 for self defense than a .380.

 

[Oyeboten]

Most .380s the Bullet is rated to hit with about 200 ft lbs.


The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer, in .38 ACP, the Bullets were generally rated to like 330 ft lbs, and, the Gun itself is only very slightly larger.


Long ago I used to carry an early Colt .32 Auto, and I practiced with it quite a bit, and I felt good about having my Shots go where I intended.

But, I went over to a M1903 Pk Ham then, and did likewise with the practicing.


In casual experiments, Factory Hardball Ammo, the M1903 Pocket Hammer, would put a round through a 10 inch Glue Lam Beam, with unknown energy remaining...if probably not a lot of energy remaining.

Many 9mm P-'08 chambering Automatics of course are somewhat more powerful yet, depending on the Loading.

This led me to prefer 'Lead' to Hardball, for wishing to avoid over-penetration.


Later, I went to a .38 Special...which I know, in some ways, might seem a step 'down'!


Lol...


I love the various early Colt Autoloaders...they were the most elegent and refined Pistols ever...and every one I have owned seemed utterly reliable and common sense to carry and operate.

 

[wlewisiii]

I'd like to get one and if I do, it'll get carried as my BUG to my S&W 64. Before I had the S&W, I had a CZ-70 in .32 and when loaded with Buffalo Bore "+P" I was fine with it. My big problem with the 1903 is that I can't afford one!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is no reason not to carry it as long as you can find reliable magazines.