Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless

[wamj2008]

Is this the quintessential 32 ACP gun? If I was building a 32 ACP collection, is this gun an absolute MUST? Does anyone here carry this gun at all?

I just bought a Beretta model 1935 and that's a nice looking gun, but I'm almost wishing I had gone for the smooth lines of the Colt 1903 first.

 

[Old Fuff]

John Browning invented the .32 ACP cartridge (known in Europe as the 7.62 mm Browning) and also the first pistols to use it. Most .32 pocket pistols are based in one way or another on Browning patents.

In the United States the 1903 Pocket Model was the most popular of all, and remained in production (1903 - 1945) longer then any competitor. Many are still carried or kept for home protection even today. They were, and still are reknown for reliability because a round is guided into the chamber by cartridge guides, so feeding isn't dependent on magazine lips.

On the down side good examples are getting to be expensive and reliable top-quality magazine aren't always available.

I don't think that any collection of .32 pocket automatics would be complete without one.

 

[gazzmann]

Very simple design. easy to field strip and sweet to shoot.

 

[okdee]

I have carried mine some. Not alot , by any means. It is smooth and slender. Sort of a Black Tie affair kinda carry. Yes, everyone should have 2!

Merry Christmas

 

[wamj2008]

Was the original finish a shiny black or a shiny navy blue?

 

[Old Fuff]

Up until about 1922 they were charcoal blued, which is a glossy black/blue finish. After that they were gas oven blued, which left a satin blue/blue color that was unique to Colt's. Pistols manufactured during World War Two were mostly Parkerized. Nickel plate was offered as an optional finish from about 1904 to 1941. A handful were factory-plated with gold or silver, and usually had pearl grips.

 

[berettaprofessor]

To the OP's question; yes, I think it's the quintessential 32 and I don't think a collection would be complete without one. However, I hesitate to carry mine because I don't want to put any more wear on it than it already has. If they were available new today, though, I'd buy and carry one in a second.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Does anyone here carry this gun at all?

Before concealed carry was strickly legal my Wife and I carried these two Colts.





One day on the way to work I was involved in a quick stop gas station holdup, three BG's, no shots fired.
I felt REALLY outgunned. When I got home I replaced the 32 with a 1911A1 45.

 

[Old Fuff]

I hesitate to carry mine because I don't want to put any more wear on it than it already has.

Admittedly some of those that are like new, or like new/in box have pushed up into the $800 and even higher range. But there are many guns available with cosmetic wear and perhaps a little “frosting” in the bore that will be found for less then half what the “perfect collectables” go for. These are still good shooters and any additional finish wear wouldn’t be noticed. They also make a good representative example for a pocket pistol collection.

 

[wamj2008]

M2, those are gorgeous! It's too bad a gun cannot publicly compliment an outfit, because that would be my suit piece any day of the week!

 

[gazzmann]

Beautiful guns.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I just bought a Beretta model 1935 ...

Unlike (reputedly) that one, the Colt cannot bite your hand with the hammer.

 

[mm6mm6]

I think a Colt Pocket Hammerless is an absolute must!

 

[Comanche180]

M2 Carbine,

Who got to carry the engraved one? Both are very pretty.

I have two but blued and show wear. One I paid $165 and the other $275. I'm happy with that. Good shooters.

 

[M2 Carbine]

M2 Carbine,

Who got to carry the engraved one? Both are very pretty.

That was my Wife's pistol. I called it her sissy gun.



WOW mm6mm6!!
That's about as nice as they come.

 

[Billy Shears]

Personally, I've always preferred the Model 1908 -- same gun, but in the slightly more potent .380 ACP. I used to carry it occasionally, but these days, when I really need a gun for concealment under very light clothing, I carry the Colt's contemporary: my Remington Model 51.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I carry mine at least once a week on its own, and additonally as backup to my bigger guns.

[/IMG]

 

[wamj2008]

You guys have some beautiful guns. I found a place that has one for $400, I'm going to hopefully pick it up tomorrow.

 

[silversport]

mm6mm6,

That is one BEAUTIFUL pistol...
Bill

 

[Ditto_95]

I see you are wrong handed Sharpsdressedman.

What make of holster is that?

 

[silversport]

you might be right handed but we Southpaws are correct handed...
Bill

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Left hand ankle rig by Kramer Leather. I love it!

 

[NG VI]

You guys are making me feel a little jealous. Maybe I need to check out older, smaller than full sized pistols.