Colt 1903 Value

[keelbolts]

Quick question:
I bought a third model 1903 .32 ACP on line. It showed up with a bad barrel. I contacted the seller, who appears to be a standup guy, and he said send it back or make an offer for it as it stands.

I'd try to post a photo, but I am at work. Finish is fair-to-midlin' with some bluing and no pits, but some small indentations, at the trigger guard, that indicate it was put in a vice once. At least one of the grips will need to be replaced. Again, needs a new barrel. This is one without the bushing so I don't know if a replacement barrel would require much fitting to the slide.

What would you offer the seller?

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I'm not an appraiser but I have 2 Colt Model M's in .32. One we inherited and loved it so much I bought another made in 1930 for my Wife. We paid $650 last Summer and it has decent blue but some wear. Not a LNIB gun but a very nice using pistol.

That same gun right now, 1 year later would sell for $900 or so easily. I think base price for a "user" grade 1903 Model M in shooting condition is about $900



I can't get to Numrich Arms right now but I think I have priced replacement barrels at $150. So a little math and some money for wiggle room? The Gun is worth between $650 and $750 depending on condition and a lot of variables. That's to me and what I'd pay...I'm looking for another Colt 1903 in .32 that is mechanically sound but has a trashed exterior. I wanna refinish it for a carry gun.

In a 3rd model a replacement barrel should be drop in or minimal fitting by a gunsmith. Nicks in the guns from abuse? Knock some $ off for that...the gun we paid $650 for last year has some light scratches (like it sat in a dresser drawer for 50 years...) that are barely noticeable in the hand.

YMMV and good luck with your quest!

VooDoo

 

[krupparms]

I also own 2-1903/.32acp. pistols . One I inherited from my Dad. That one was carried in a back pocket or thrown in a box he carried his tools in. It is all beat up on the out side, but it shoots like a dream. Dad worked on nukes for the USAF & had to carry a 1911. He considered handguns as just another tool. The other one is in much better condition & was bought for parts, but has not reached that stage yet it shoots very well. So far it is has only been shot a few times. I have not checked prices on line for a 1903 in some time. So didn't know they were going for the price mentioned above. If that is the price now Vencie is probably right. If you decide to keep it & use it for a shooter, I would recommend buying a parts gun as parts will be needed. I hope you find that barrel as these are good carry guns. Just the right size for most. Good luck!

 

[Jim K]

I don't know if they still have them, but Gun Parts Corp had replacement barrels for the 1903 (.32 ACP) in all versions. Check their web site.

Jim

 

[baylorattorney]

400 tops.

 

[blue32]

If possible, shoot it before making any decision. My version 3 made in 1922 has a pretty rough bore reminiscent of corrosive primers of the day. Lands and grooves are still somewhat defined, however, it will frequently post quarter inch groups at 15 yards with factory ammo. Using 78gr. LRN reloads, it will just about clover leaf at 12 yards if I really take my time. I was so impressed with accuracy and function I sent it back to colt for a reblue and later added aftermarket grips.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I was so impressed with accuracy and function I sent it back to colt for a reblue and later added aftermarket grips.

Of all the guns I own and love my inherited Colt 1903 built in 1918 would be the last gun I'd ever let go....that one is gorgeous in a reblue. Can I ask how much you have invested in that? I love those after market grips - I bought some decent ones from Numrich in black plastic that are nice but those have excellent detail.

Where'd you get 'em?

VooDoo

 

[blue32]

Grips are from vintagegungrips.net. Didn't take but a week to get them either and they don't shift around as much as the factory plastic. I want to say I sent the gun to Colt around 2011 or so. The original charcoal blue was not an option. I wanted an attractive yet classic finish even if it wasn't period correct so I went with Royal Blue. The only drawback is now the tiny sights are even more difficult to see because what contrast I had with a worn finish is shiny as a mirror now. For the inside of the gun, they polish and give it a matte blue finish. All the internals are blued and per the job, a function check is performed. With the magazine, the floor plate is given a Royal Blue finish but the body is in matte blue. Unfortunately, they did not retain the original two tone finish and blued the entire body but its not a big deal to me.

Entire process took about 7 months from shipping off to receiving at FedEx. When I opened up that case my jaw dropped. Roll marks were perfect. What pitting was on the pistol before was now the deepest most perfect blue I've ever seen in my life. Thumb safety was tight and clicked into position very positively. No wobble on the grip safety and depressing was easy. Lockup was tight and the rear where the slide meets the frame looks like... well, perfect. I paid a miniscule $350 for the pistol on gunbroker from an older gentleman. The reblue cost me $330 and included shipping. Like I said, the barrel isn't perfect and retains some gouges on the front locking lug where some joker obviously used a wrench to take down the gun. But I LOVE the design, it shoots like a match grade pistol, and yells "John Browning" whenever I shoot it. $680 for all that and I feel very happy.

By the way; a few months in I called to check on status and was told they had to send the gun to a "specialist" for the job but wouldn't tell me who. I'm guessing Turnbull but they could have brought back to life a master craftsman from the early 20th century for all I know.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Thanks Blue!

My local gunsmith has a well used 1903 for about 1930...no gouges or severe pitting but the gun was reblued at one time already and have been carried in a pocket much since. The finish is *horrible* but the bore is pristine and there is so little wear on any internal surfaces that one might suspect the gun, if it has been shot at all, has very few rounds thru it.

Grips are trashed, the recoil spring has been dog legged by someone botching reassembly but it is a tight functional gun. I can get it for a song and I'd love to have it refinished and fix her all up. So, If I can get the kind of refinish you have plus the price of the gun I'll have less than $700 in it.

Can't find a viable pistol on GB or anywhere else for that kind of money.

VooDoo

 

[silicosys4]

the local pawnshop has had a 1903 .32 for sale for a few years. Poor cold reblue job with lots of pitting under the blue, and is missing the rear sight...they want $450 "no deals". When the gun first came up they wanted $800
I'd say as a shooter that needs work its worth maybe $300 if the bore is good.

 

[Arobbins]

I inherited one the front has plier marks but shoots great it was my grandfathers.according to him it was used in ww2 it needs the grips i did not know the value