Problems with possible Colt 1903 purchase

[ryan3465]

Hello All,

I have the opportunity to pick up a Colt Model 1903 Pocket in .32 ACP. It has some light holster-type wear and some light pitting on one side, but other than that looks to be sound. The shop is asking 400$ for it. There is one SIGNIFICANT problem however; the grip safety. While checking the function of the pistol in the shop, (and after checking it was unloaded, of course) I attempted to depress the trigger without depressing the grip safety, and the pistol clicked on an empty chamber. It was my understanding that with this model, the sear was solidly blocked until the grip safety was depressed. I did a little reading online after this incident and I read several places that it was possible to reassemble the pistol wrong, and this would be one of the resulting problems. Is this true? Can anyone shed any light on this issue and if it can be fixed? If so, is that a decent price for this pistol?

Thank you for any and all advice,

R

 

[ku4hx]

If this is the gun you're considering, it's listed for $375 here (with $25 S&H) for one that is described as fully functional. http://www.gunsamerica.com/917797874/Colt_Model_1903_Pocket_Hammerless_32_ACP.htm

 

[CZguy]

To me, the deal breaker for the one on Guns of America is the missing magazine and front sight. The worn barrel is also an issue.

To the OP you can usually find these on Gun-broker in good condition in the $300--500 range.

The pocket Colts are nice pistols. Also consider a 1907 Savage.

 

[ryan3465]

Thanks for the advice guys, one more question: the only thing wrong with the gun is the grip safety not preventing the hammer from falling when not depressed. This gun will be a range piece only and will ONLY have a round chambered when it is on the line. Would the malfunctioning grip safety be a deal breaker for you if it was just going to be used at the range?

 

[tarosean]

Yes a deal breaker, it's not like you can just run down and pick up parts easily. The price is about average..

 

[leeggen]

Why would you want to buy a fualty gun??????

 

[rcmodel]

+1

If it don't work right for $400?

You could have a $500 - $600 gun before it does.

that it was possible to reassemble the pistol wrong,

As far as I know, there is no way to put a John Browning designed gun together wrong.
But especially still have it work at all.

Let alone work at all with a safety design not working!

That right there is internet BS!!
Ol' John didn't ever row his boat that way with any of his firearms designs.

rc.

 

[Powerglide]

Only one direction for the sear blocker to fit.Probably, the part is missing or dremeled to death.Forget that deal.

 

[tipoc]

The M1903 is a popular gun and there will be another one along soon.

In my experience if you see a 1903 for $400. it is priced to be a shooter. All safety devices should work on it. If not make an offer of $250 to 300. understanding that it is a fixer upper or a parts gun.

You don't know what is wrong with it. You can't disassemble it to examine it. You can guess, but why do that?

In a few weeks another one will pass in front of you.

tipoc

 

[ryan3465]

Thank you everyone for your responses, I will look long and hard for another one