Colt 1903 magazines

[dusty14u]

My neighbor has a 1903 Hammerless in .32acp and needs some mags for it. I have found National mags at Midway and Triple K makes mags for it also. It doesn't look like either company has a good reputation for their mags.

Does anyone know of an alternative magazine or has good experience from either company? I wanted to stay away from "original" mags that cost anywhere from $100 on up because I don't know how original they are without being able to inspect them.

 

[Jim K]

I would try to find an original mag. (Make sure you get .32.) The two tone mags are pricey, but an ordinary all blue ones are not that expensive at gun shows and if he is willing to trade a little rust for reliability, they can be relatively inexpensive.

Jim

 

[Onmilo]

Gun Parts inc. occasionally has original magazines for the 1903
They also show up on Gun Broker and Auction Arms from time to time.
Beware of reproductions being sold as originals.

 

[bigfatdave]

I'm looking for some as well

I bought two of the MidwayUSA offering, need to test them out, I'm hoping they'll be usable as range mags, they don't seem particularly great but they go in and out of the gun OK. I'd test more but I'm trying to get a move across town done, shooting is on hold and dummy ammo got packed up a while ago.

 

[dusty14u]

I think there is a gunshow this weekend but my wife and I will be out of town. I hate to spend the money on an on-line auction for an "original" and find out it isn't an original and a cheap knockoff.

I might take my chances on a Triple K and rework work them if needed. I am a design engineer and did many years as a tool & die/machinist before that so I should be able to modify the mags to get them to work. I have a full machine shop to use so I shouldn't have an issue with lack of proper equipment. I have seen spring sets for the mags so if that is an issue I could re-spring them if needed.

I wanted to get this pistol running for my neighbor as he has never fired it and it has been handed down to him through the family. It has some sentimental value and he wants to be able to pass it on to his son after we get it working. Thanks for the advice!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I'd try as much as possible to find OEM mags. If you get Triple K, check the vendor's return policy as you might have to sort through a few before you find one that works. This company, however, is one of the few sources of any mags for old, oddball or obsolete guns.