Colt 1903 Pocket Auto

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carguy

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I'm intrigued by this cool 32 cal C&R pistol. Wondering if there is anything in particular anyone might know of that I need to look out for in picking up a shooter. Not looking for collectible value just a beater I can bring to the range and make a project out of refinishing and restoring for my personal appreciation. I just want to know what to look out for when buying a beater. Advice and opinions are appreciated...:D
 
I had one years ago and really liked it. To disassemble the pistol: retract the slide, lock it open with the safety, then rotate the barrel out of engagement with the frame, and remove it and the slide. If I remember correctly, it is a little tedious to reassemble. You can find parts for it at Numrich Gun Parts.
Regards,
Greg
 
I don't have any pics but I own one of the 1908s in .380. Very neat little pistols. It is very accurate for it's size and although I only shoot ball out of it it's been 100% reliable.
 
Thanks, glad to hear no issues stand out. I've got a line on a "project" pistol that appears mechanically sound but the finish has alot to be desired.
 
carguy ... carguy ... that name sounds familiar ...

The Colt 1903 has a long a storied history! I've always thought about getting one. At the local gun shows they can still be found fairly cheap.
 
carguy

Well one thing's for certain, they sure made a lot of them. From 1903 to 1946, Colt sold over 572,000 of the .32 model, and another 138,00 of the .380 model. Probably the most common of the Model 1903s is the Type 3 variant, of which some 363,000 were manufactured from 1910 to 1926. The main difference with the Type 3 model is that it did away with the barrel bushing found on the two previous models. Serial numbers ranged from 105,051 to 468,096. One of these should make for a great shooter at an affordable price.
 
They are neat little pistols. Mine is a 3rd variant 1903 .32acp (145xxx) manufactured in 1913. For some reason it it hard on firing pins. I get anywhere from 200 to 300 rounds on a firing pin. These are 2 piece affairs and the front piece tends to bend as if it might be a shade too long. Mine will not cycle anything but FMJ reliability. I've tried Silvertips and it becomes a jamomatic but with the FMJ it cycles 100%. These pistols were designed to shoot FMJ so I suppose I can't complain. :)
I am getting ready to send mine off to Sams Custom Gunworks for a set of new sights, refinish, and for him to check out the firing pin issue. I have seen a 1903 that Sam's worked on and it really looks nice.


:evil:
 
nice condition ones are not so cheap anymore...

I have seen them for 1200+

:rolleyes:

I bought one a while back, I found a nice one with pearl grips - sweet litttle gun!
 
Mine came from my uncle's dad to him, to my Dad when he passed away, to me. My uncle's dad (from 1920's to 1950's) owned a hardware store in a small N. Texas town, and as most hardware stores did, sold guns. He received this one from the Colt representative for high sales of Colt products in the 30's. My Dad used to drive the old gentleman (my Dad in his early teens), around, and he carried it in his coat pocket. He would occasionaly have my Dad slow down so he could "Keep his eye sharp" shooting fence posts as they went by. All told, it is in excellent condition, and since I grew up hunting with my Dad and Uncle, my Dad thought it only right I should have it. It is a true family treasure to me. The New Service in the case with it was My Uncle's brothers sidearm as County Sheriff in the 40's -50's.

E.jpg

I'm still working on the box lining, and had to watch the auctions for a couple of years for the complete boxes of period ammo.

ps: Mine is an 08 in .380 of course, but same gun, and a joy to shoot. the machining and fitting on the inside are amazing in the days before CAD-CAM.
 
One thing to keep in mind is that quality magazines for the these pistols are hard to come by. The aftermarket mags don't work well.
 
Northbender...not surprised to see how you get around! 8~)

Nortexed...I've seen that beautiful presentation of yours on other forums...very nice!

Makster...thanks I've heard that before...I'm still working on another "find" as one has no mag and no matter how inexpensive it is, adding another $100 for a mag makes it not such a good deal!

Thanks everyone for the advice, it is just what I needed to push me over the edge...now to put together a deal that makes sense!!
 
Love mine! The finish is a little rough, but I don't care, I occasionally use it for carry! Be sure to change out the recoil spring and the firing pin spring, after all, these guns are comin up on 100 years old.....The .380's are a bit scarcer than the .32's and command a higher price. You can still find .32's for around $300 if you look hard.
P6010009.jpg
[/IMG]
 
Rough doesn't begin to describe the condition of mine. Doesn't matter much, as it has only sentimental value. My dad left it to me and his dad left it to him. My original grips were broken so I found these at a gun show. Most I see with the same amount of wear as mine are somewhere around $400.

100_0236.jpg
 
I detail striped mine once... The real bugger was getting everything aligned so the safety would go in and getting the main spring was a pain in the a**!
 
love my 1903!

before:
1903_5.jpg


after a little work from Dave Sams:
sams_1903_4.jpg


sights you can see!
sams_1903_6.jpg


she shoots OK too:
sams_1903_tgt.jpg


carry comparo:
Dsc02835.jpg


good luck in your hunt for one!
 
Lindermant,

Do you have a web page or email address for Dave Sams? Also, how much did that beautiful restoration job cost?


GaryP,

Do you have contact info for Sams Custom Gunworks?

I have a 1908 .380 made in 1932 that could use some tender loving care.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire
 
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