I can't shake the Colt 1903's siren song

[Snowdog]

Keep us posted when you find the right M1903 for you.

Thanks Eugen. I am bidding on one now. I'm looking forward to using my C&R FFL again. I believe I've renewed it twice since I used it last to purchase anything. If I win, I will absolute post pictures!

Look at the wooden grips on mine, pictured towards the top. IIRC, they are inexpensive and easy to find.

I'll be certain to keep that in mind. The one I'm bidding on also has wood grips and appear to be acceptable, though it's hard to tell from the pictures.

 

[Snowdog]

Well, I just purchased one off gunbroker and the finish isn't suppose to be so good (but mechanically perfect, according to the seller).

I'm going to look around for companies that offer a deep gloss blue. I already have a couple prospects, but can anyone suggest a trustworthy company who can do this kind of work?

Once I receive it, I'll be sure to post pictures.

 

[czhen]

You don't any reason to justify, why to buy that pistols.
They are just beautiful and elegant pistols.
Going around on the local shows always come back to stand to see them.

Just when I think I've gotten past the urge to shop for a Colt 1903, I find myself on Gunbroker looking again. I went through the same thing with a S&W 60. I scratched that itch by buying one, mint with box made in '76 and couldn't be happier with it.

Other than wanting a type3 1903, what should I look for (or avoid) when shopping for a Colt 1903 and what kind of price should I expect? I'm hoping I can find a nice specimen for $600 (about half what I was willing to pay a year ago) before fees. I would love something with a nice original finish, but I'm far more concerned with it being in good mechanical condition. A reblue (or something with a worn finish) isn't much of a concern to me. Something loose, rusty or covered in gouges is.

I'm going to try to justify the purchase of this as a ploy to get my wife back to the range. Just like I did for the Taurus TX22... and a few other pistols.
Are these nearly century-old firearms up to a few range trips using standard Fiocchi or S&B fodder, say 100 or so rounds a session? I can't imagine why not, but I'm no expert.