Colt 1903 Hammerless Question

[rhtwist]

Hello Gentlemen,
Purchased a 1903 Hammerless in good condition. Fired a couple of boxes thru it before and after changing the recoil spring to a Wolffs. Noticed that the Wolff spring was shorter than the original. Functioned fine except with the truncated FMJ WWB. Noticed that the bluing is showing that the rear of the spring tunnel on the slide is hitting the frame slide tunnel face. Wondering about inserting a proper diameter washer or plastic disk to shorten the stroke. Have to play with it to get it to function correctly. Am now concerned with firing the Fiocchi FMJ's as they are reputedly hotter than American ammo. Any ideas, opinions or suggestions appreciated.
rhtwist

 

[krs]

I don't like plastic disks or buffers or any of that, but it's my opinion.

Consider that you don't know whether the spring that was in the pistol was original or correct for the gun so the shorter length of a new Wolff isn't relevant to anything much.

Wolff has a good reputation for getting it right though, and in your situation who do you trust, Wolff or a century's worth of previous owners?

 

[rhtwist]

Hey krs,
How u doing? I do trust Wolff Springs. The original spring looked like it might have been stretched anyway. My concern is just the "possible" banging. Think I put some marker on it and fire it some just to make sure. Should have inspected it closer, but when I saw it it was luv at first sight. Will eventually get it reblued. Thanks for the solid ground upon which to stand. Take care.
rhtwist

 

[Jim K]

So, the slide stops when it hits the frame? That is what it is supposed to do, and it does that with the original spring. Actually, the slide "bounces" off the frame to provide more impetus to the forward feed stroke. Weakening the spring or installing a buffer will stop that "bounce" and reduce reliability.

Those original springs rarely weaken or wear out. The usual problem is kinking due to someone putting the spring guide in backward.

Those Colts are among the most reliable and solid pocket size pistols ever made. Their enemy is not wear or age, but owners who cannot resist trying to take them apart or "improve" them.

Jim

 

[rhtwist]

Hey Jim Keenan,
I'm glad that there are knowledgeable people on this forum! Learn something new each day, if I'm lucky. Thanks for the reply. I've already read about taking it apart and am far from comfortable in even thinking about it. Maybe you might know or anyone else, when I remove the slide for cleaning, on the left side in the frame rail, is a tiny pin that seems determined to fall out. Just tilting the gun will let it start to escape. What is this and is it a problem that requires attention other than keeping a eye out for it? Much thanks Mr. Keenan.
rhtwist

 

[windsor311]

Jim, the spring guide is inserted into the frame correct? The "unguided" end of the spring slips into the slide when reassembling. Am I correct?

 

[rcmodel]

Go here and find it.
There are complete disassembly instructions & parts schematics for each model.

http://www.coltautos.com/

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

A hint from the Old Fuff, which I'm sure Jim will second...

Go ahaed and field strip the pistol, but do not make the serious mistake of trying to disassemble the frame and the components within it. Browning designed a great pistol, but taking it fully apart is not for the faint of heart.

I think that more have been brought to me in a box or sack, then fully assembled - and interesting never once did the owner admit they did the evil deed.

 

[krs]

I've got one I'll send you. Old Fuff, I bought it that way...

 

[rhtwist]

Thanks for the link. Time to investigate.....
rhtwist

 

[Old Fuff]

I've got one I'll send you. Old Fuff, I bought it that way...

Put in a strong box so that nothing will get lost when it comes back...

Maybe Jim Keenan might be interested. He just loves putting 1903 Colt Pocket Automatics back together...

 

[timn]

Old Fuff sez:

Go ahaed and field strip the pistol, but do not make the serious mistake of trying to disassemble the frame and the components within it. Browning designed a great pistol, but taking it fully apart is not for the faint of heart.

There is a secret set of cuss words that must be recanted several times in the re-assembly process of these little beauties.