loads for Colt 1908 .380

[jimherb]

I have an old Colt 1908 in .380. I'm wondering if it can handle modern factory loads. I would like to carry it, but I don't want to beat it to pieces.

 

[Old Fuff]

Post a serial number, because they were made from 1908 to about 1946, and the age of the springs should be taken into consideration. Also some of the earlier ones have nothing on the hammer face to stop it from following down if the sear lets it go. These pistols should be carried with the chamber empty.

 

[entropy]

I shot .380 ball and a couple Glasers from mine when I had it, functioned well with both.

 

[Jim K]

While the age and condition of the gun should always be considered, the Colt pocket model (1903/1908) is one of the best made and most reliable auto pistols ever built. Unless there are obvious problems (bad barrel, signs of deliberate damage, etc.) I have never had qualms about firing them.

Jim

 

[VA27]

My 32 works fine with Silvertip.

 

[Tallball]

This is just me, YMMV.

I would disassemble it and examine parts for breakage and/or excessive wear. I would replace the mainspring.

After that I would expect it to do just fine with moderate FMJ loads.

I have the 1903 32acp version and shoot it regularly with zero problems.

 

[alleycat7002]

Ask Patton..

Sent from my LGMS395 using Tapatalk

 

[Sistema1927]

The 1903 and 1908 are both somewhat overbuilt for their calibers. I would think that if it is in good condition and with new springs that you should be good to go with any factory ammo.

I sold a minty 1908 with box, factory instructions, factory target,and even the trigger guard hang tag way back in the day to pay for a semester of grad school. I am still kicking myself more than 25 years later.