Got my 1903 Colt

[RCouch]

Picked up my New(to me) 1903 Colt yesterday. It's beautiful. Really feels good in your hand. I don't plan to shoot it much, but would like to try it out and wonder if regular .32 ACP ammo is OK. It's a type 3(serial # 300xxx).

 

[Sistema1927]

If you are unsure about its safety, I would advise having it checked out by a competent gunsmith. I would be surprised if it wasn't, since these are very robust guns (both the 1903 and the 1908) for the calibers they shoot, and most of them were shot very little.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

I have one in .380 ACP, I guess it's called the 1908 Pocket Auto. Same exact gun as the 1903, but in .380 ACP instead of .32 ACP. Yes, they feel good in the hand, like a well worn bar of soap. Nothing sharp to catch on clothing. They are designed, after all, for the pocket. Miine is completely reliable with FMJ. I have never tried hollow points in it. How many mags did yours come with? Mine only has one, and I would like another, but they are hard to come by. Good luck with it, and congratulations.

 

[RCouch]

It has been checked out and is OK, very tight. The blue is thin, but no pits or rust and has a good patina. Got it from John Burda at Twin Oak Arms in East Granby, CT. I was very pleased with the sale. Paid $375 for it, which may be a little high, but I'm satisfied.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Sounds like you did well. Keep in mind that a replacement barrel in good shape can run $70 and so if you have a complete gun in good shape and not a heavily pitted barrel that needs replacing, you should be very happy.

The 1903 is fine for regular .32 acp ammo.

 

[kokapelli]

Shot my 1903 32cal thursday.

It would not feed silvertips!

S&B and Fiocchi jhp worked fine.

 

[Rodgerp]

For what It's worth, It appears to have been made around 1919. (Reference:Coltautos.com)
I'm also picking one up this week at a local shop

 

[NORTEXED]

My keepsake from my Uncle's Dad to him to me (They didn't have kids):

 

[News Shooter]

Mine

 

[NORTEXED]

ps: Don't they feel so sweet in the hand, you can kinda close your eyes and be back on the running board of Ford chasing Bonnie and Clyde, ahhhh

 

[Coyote3855]

I have a 1903's in both .32 and .380. Sweet little guns. Both work fine with hardball. Enjoy.

 

[hso]

I'm another fan of the 1903s. I've got 3 in .32ACP and one .380. One of the .32s is a General Officer's sidearm.

 

[ACORN]

Dang, you guys are making me jealous! I've always wanted one of those!

 

[Old Fuff]

Regular .32ACP hardball should work fine in the gun, because that's what it was made too shoot. But given its age I suggest that you replace the recoil and magazine springs with new ones.

 

[pawncop]

Got the 380 version last year, and mine did well with Cor Bon rounds. If you are nervous though, have it check out. It should do well.

 

[cvb]

380

Those pics remind me of the first time my
old man let me shoot a handgun. The warnings,
the yelling heck I was 10 back then. Couldnt keep it
from jumping around, he made me shoot half hiding
behind a wall. I remember we ran into some hard times
and he sold that 1908. Gotta have one, someday.

 

[aspen1964]

I know what you mean... ..gave(loaned ) this to my Dad for a house gun..but will buy another for myself...SLICK!!

 

[outofbattery]

I've only just fired one,but it's an example with a unique history.A friend of mine's father was a General and this was his pistol that he even carried in Vietnam.

His father,for anyone interested: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/selollis.htm