|
|
07-18-2018, 08:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
1903 colt at Estate sale
Knew this was coming up. Was one of the first vultures to hit the estate sale. Cal. 32.
Last edited by 4011; 07-27-2018 at 12:13 AM.
|
The Following 45 Users Like Post:
|
03hemi, 6518John, 824tsv, Absalom, chief38, cndrdk, Darkenfast, desi2358, dr. mordo, DWL, george_lehr, Grayfox, H Richard, Hunter Keith, JayCeeNC, JH1951, Jimmyjones, ki5mc, krsmith58, kwselke, lawandorder, les.b, Lewel, LoadedRound, loc n load, LPD256, medic15al, Mike Q., mj2008, muddocktor, Muley Gil, OldChief, Ozark Marine, Papaw, pmanton, Porkie, REM 3200, rjm6120, Seaburry, shouldazagged, sigp220.45, smitty_bs, snowman.45, stansdds, zipty6 |
07-18-2018, 09:52 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 778
Liked 1,974 Times in 694 Posts
|
|
Rode hard and put up wet a bunch of times.
That is certainly a shame.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-18-2018, 10:22 PM
|
US Veteran SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: upstate SC / Mtns SW Va
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 3,064
Liked 9,875 Times in 1,986 Posts
|
|
Those are classics. Carries like no other. You gonna like that one.
Charlie
__________________
Charlie
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-18-2018, 10:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Mid NC
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 4,874
Liked 5,727 Times in 2,130 Posts
|
|
Charlie is right on the money. A true classic. Shoot it and start looking for another.
|
07-18-2018, 10:27 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peoples Republic of Calif
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 1,233
Liked 6,036 Times in 2,149 Posts
|
|
Those are great little guns, especially now that you can get good quality magazines for them at a fair price. I have three, one early, one middle and one late. I even load for .32 auto just so I can afford to feed them. Ammo cost as much as cheap 9mm now.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-18-2018, 10:56 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
Used to carry one in my vest plate pocket on forth watch. Can't have too many.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-19-2018, 12:34 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 2,905
Liked 5,333 Times in 1,869 Posts
|
|
Condition wise that one is strictly in the shooter category. They are a lot of fun so if you bought it please enjoy it!
Jim
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-19-2018, 12:43 AM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,387 Times in 11,802 Posts
|
|
I'm envious. I've wanted a 1903 for years, and one of my ex-wives won't sell me hers.
__________________
Oh well, what the hell.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-19-2018, 08:28 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
Funny you said that!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by shouldazagged
I'm envious. I've wanted a 1903 for years, and one of my ex-wives won't sell me hers.
|
This came from an ex that her husband died this month!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-19-2018, 10:13 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: So. Illinois
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 1,397
Liked 3,328 Times in 1,427 Posts
|
|
Wouldn't it be awesome if Taurus started making those?
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-19-2018, 11:32 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4011
Knew this was coming up. Was one of the first vultures to hit the estate sale. Cal. 32.
|
So, you little "vulture", how much did it end up costing you??
Inquiring minds wanna know!
|
07-19-2018, 11:42 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 7,843
Liked 25,702 Times in 8,685 Posts
|
|
That and the .380 & .25 are amongst my FAV's!
|
07-20-2018, 01:37 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Indian Hills Airpark AZ
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 3,708
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,169 Posts
|
|
That was my first handgun purchase when I turned 21 in 1959. I think it was less than $30
__________________
Paul
Salome, AZ
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-20-2018, 02:44 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: South-Central PA
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 19,188
Liked 6,502 Times in 2,034 Posts
|
|
I am a fan of the 1903 Colt for sure. Oil that baby up and take it to the range. If you have never shot one, I am very interested to hear your first impressions....
|
07-20-2018, 03:36 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,423
Likes: 23,421
Liked 26,298 Times in 9,118 Posts
|
|
Dad ended his days in January, he had 3of the 1903 32's. My brother and I would each like one of his but his wife ain't sharing!
Ivan
|
07-20-2018, 05:10 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Wentzville Mo
Posts: 47
Likes: 26
Liked 43 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
I have one handed down from my Dad. It is a 1927 vintage, pretty rough finish but internals are great. The action is as smooth as butter. Great carry gun in my opinion.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-20-2018, 05:30 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by max503
Wouldn't it be awesome if Taurus started making those?
|
Um no? Not really.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-20-2018, 05:32 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
|
|
I hyave a 1903, a 1908 (380), and a 1908 vest pocket (25). I am amazed at the quality of craftsmanship in these old handguns.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-21-2018, 03:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
I got nothing against the plastic guns but the fitting of the moving parts on the little colts is great. Never shot my .25. But the .32 and the .380 operate like a Swiss watch. I'll not give the cost of this one but I offered and paid a fair price.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-21-2018, 06:16 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,109
Likes: 27,904
Liked 33,820 Times in 5,284 Posts
|
|
The 1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of the finest concealed carry guns ever made. I carry mine often.
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-23-2018, 04:11 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
Thanks for all the likes. Ref. The little Colt. There was a pair of Bond arms derringers there but they don't seem to be very popular.
|
07-23-2018, 08:12 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Meadows Place, Texas
Posts: 5,805
Likes: 25,080
Liked 16,412 Times in 4,160 Posts
|
|
What continues to amaze me is how much many people will spend on a shooter level example like yours. I can't remember the last time I saw one under $500, and when you start getting into 90+ condition, forget about it.
I like yours, a lot.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-23-2018, 08:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 99
Likes: 131
Liked 53 Times in 29 Posts
|
|
According to my book by R. L. Wilson it appears that your fine little .32 auto was made in 1912. You can't beat the quality of these pistols.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-23-2018, 09:58 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Antonio Texas
Posts: 410
Likes: 109
Liked 321 Times in 151 Posts
|
|
Back in the early 60s when there were a lot of racial troubles in South Louisanna a parish deputy gave my Grandad a 1903 that he had "taken off a darky" (his words not mine) when he found out Pawpaw didn't have any type pistol. My uncle tried shooting 32S&W through it w little success. Since I understood what 32 ACP was I got it after both my grandparents passed. My Dad grabbed it for me because i was the only one who could get it to shoot. Until I got it I made sure my uncle never saw me shoot it w ACP. I left the 32S&W ammo box in the drawer where the pistol stayed and made sure Grandma had a 20 gauge shotgun if she needed to shoot a critter. I also bought Dad a 681 so he wouldn't be tempted to try to figure it out. It's a sweet little pistol.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-23-2018, 11:47 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hammond in U.S.A.
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 1,323
Liked 3,927 Times in 939 Posts
|
|
They are much like the 3rd generation S&W autos they just run and run.
The only thing that may break is the firing pin.
__________________
age is just a number
|
01-05-2020, 12:08 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
Colt 1903 and the 18 yr old granddaughter
Took the granddaughter shooting again. Her request. 22 mdl. 34 first up. Then my new shield. She didn't like it. Then the 3 inch 36. She was hitting center mass like a pro. Next the 1903. Now she likes it. After several rounds thru it. She moved up to head shots. That girl makes an old guy smile. Outa 145 rounds in four different pistols she only had four rounds that didn't score something. The four she got off the target were shooting head shots and hands were getting tired. No more bragging till next outing.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 12:25 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 104,950
Liked 22,296 Times in 4,529 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by max503
Wouldn't it be awesome if Taurus started making those?
|
I don't think so. They are currently being made under license from Colt by U S Armament. They make several different finishes. Also make new magazines that interchange with the originals.
Here is my original Colt 1903, from the 20s, I can't remember the exact year right now, but around 1926.
It is a great little gun, and has never malfunctioned (well, since I've had it...it was made twenty years before I was born!). Pictured with its little brother.
Enjoy these little gems...they were made to shoot, and do so very well!!
Best Regards, Les
__________________
SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064
Last edited by les.b; 01-05-2020 at 12:29 AM.
|
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 01:07 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 5,138
Liked 2,955 Times in 1,021 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by max503
Wouldn't it be awesome if Taurus started making those?
|
Or, much better IMO, one of the economy 1911 companies doing good work like ATI or Rock Island should offer them. Though I personally would prefer a repro 1908 as .380 has a lot more bite than .32.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 01:59 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 104,950
Liked 22,296 Times in 4,529 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by dr. mordo
Or, much better IMO, one of the economy 1911 companies doing good work like ATI or Rock Island should offer them. Though I personally would prefer a repro 1908 as .380 has a lot more bite than .32.
|
See my post above....US Armament makes a very nice one, and are reputed to be working on a .380 version. Authorized by colt and marked as the originals. Parts are reputed to interchange. They are a beautiful "reissue".
Photo from their website.
Best Regards, Les
__________________
SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064
Last edited by les.b; 01-05-2020 at 02:02 AM.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 02:26 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,999
Likes: 24,504
Liked 29,290 Times in 10,885 Posts
|
|
I'd much rather see a new build CZ Model 1924 pistol with a more sensible grip angle, but I am a rabid fan of unusual/rare/wacky firearm operating system.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
01-05-2020, 08:20 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: North Huntingdon Pa.
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 7,650
Liked 9,978 Times in 2,953 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by les.b
See my post above....US Armament makes a very nice one, and are reputed to be working on a .380 version. Authorized by colt and marked as the originals. Parts are reputed to interchange. They are a beautiful "reissue".
Photo from their website.
Best Regards, Les
|
I looked at one of the new production with the parkerized finish. They were asking $850 IIRC. Out of my price range.
__________________
I told you not to use Lifebuoy
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 08:41 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: nc
Posts: 662
Likes: 689
Liked 861 Times in 389 Posts
|
|
ALWAYS SEE THEM IN BOGART MOVIES... PERFECT POCKET PISTOL .
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 09:20 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 3,790
Liked 3,912 Times in 1,196 Posts
|
|
1903 Colts were my first collecting love. Thru the years, I switched over to S&W. I kept the best of the 3 I had, though.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 11:41 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,747
Likes: 1,642
Liked 9,149 Times in 3,379 Posts
|
|
Nice Colt!
The 1903 Hammerless is a great little pistol.
The 32's were always more fun to shoot than the 380,,at least for me.
If the right grip is as nice as the left in the pic and I was going to shoot and carry the pistol,,I would remove the orig grips and replace with a set of checkered Walnut repros like the later issue 1903's had.
Those orig grips in nice condition (no cracks, no missing chips, ect) are a very expensive article when you go shopping for a set.
They can bring in some decent $$ for you if you choose to sell them. Or just to save their nice condition,
The material is Hard Rubber, orig called Vulcanite. It's very brittle now with the passage of time.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 06:25 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,595
Likes: 239
Liked 29,105 Times in 14,073 Posts
|
|
I ran across a fairly nice first model Colt 1903 at the local gun show today, I'd say about 80% (mainly due to finish wear on the slide). Seller wanted $650. I was tempted but passed. I also ran across a somewhat later 1903 in slightly better condition at the same price. Seller indicated he would be willing to negotiate but I decided I didn't need any more guns today. At one time I had a sizable collection of US-made pocket pistols, among which were several 1903s and 1908s which I sold off 20+ years ago, along with most of the others. I kept only several Savages and Remington 51s as they were my favorites and I couldn't bear to part with them.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 06:52 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 3,838
Likes: 11,203
Liked 18,124 Times in 2,527 Posts
|
|
The Colt Pocket Auto has been a very popular gun for over 100 years, I run into a lot of vintage holsters made for them. And I agree, they’re fun to shoot.
This holster has an Ohio deputy’s name written inside and is dated 1923.
Regards,
turnerriver
__________________
turnerriver
|
The Following 12 Users Like Post:
|
6518John, ACORN, bill-in-texas, BillyMagg, desi2358, ditrina, dr. mordo, Geronimo Jim, les.b, Muley Gil, s&wchad, tops |
01-05-2020, 07:06 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 3,411
Liked 3,157 Times in 1,026 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt
I ran across a fairly nice first model Colt 1903 at the local gun show today, I'd say about 80% (mainly due to finish wear on the slide). Seller wanted $650. I was tempted but passed. I also ran across a somewhat later 1903 in slightly better condition at the same price. Seller indicated he would be willing to negotiate but I decided I didn't need any more guns today. At one time I had a sizable collection of US-made pocket pistols, among which were several 1903s and 1908s which I sold off 20+ years ago, along with most of the others. I kept only several Savages and Remington 51s as they were my favorites and I couldn't bear to part with them.
|
I've wanted one for some time in .380 maybe that's a different model, they just look so nice
__________________
This is the way....
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 07:29 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Arkansas Ozarks
Posts: 6,265
Likes: 7,266
Liked 34,018 Times in 3,680 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ACORN
I looked at one of the new production with the parkerized finish. They were asking $850 IIRC. Out of my price range.
|
Actually, I think they're running closer to just over $1K, but considering what it takes to make these in a quality manner that's not a bad price point.
I have a couple of .32's from 1924 that are in very nice condition for guns approaching a century in age.
__________________
- Change it back -
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 09:22 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 778
Liked 1,974 Times in 694 Posts
|
|
This is the key.They are slick guns no doubt.
I have three of the 03s and an 08. I was also lucky enough to pick up a copy of John Brunner's book on them a few years ago.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-05-2020, 10:37 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,595
Likes: 239
Liked 29,105 Times in 14,073 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Erocksmash
I've wanted one for some time in .380 maybe that's a different model, they just look so nice
|
The Colt 1903 is in .32 ACP. The 1908 is much the same but in .380. Then there is the 1908 Vest Pocket which is the small .25 which was the inspiration for a plethora of small .25 pistol copies from numerous European manufacturers. Back when I was a kid, I remember that there were cap guns made which closely resembled the 1903/1908. I had one of them, and it was one reason I had an early interest in pre-WWII US pocket pistols. With the exception of the Remington 51 and possibly the Savage (different opinions on that), all others were pure blowback, so the .380 was the largest caliber the American pocket pistols were made in. The father of all of them was the .32 FN-Browning Model 1899, still an excellent design.
Last edited by DWalt; 01-06-2020 at 02:53 PM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-06-2020, 12:46 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 3,929
Liked 50,496 Times in 6,016 Posts
|
|
The little Colt 1903 Hammerless guns were great designs (John Browning, natch) and were very well put together by Colt. They can still serve as effective discreet carry pistols.
I have two, illustrated here. The second one one belonged to Sheriff Harry Wheeler, who also worked his way up through the Arizona Rangers to become that organization's captain. After the Rangers were disbanded, he became the 3-term sheriff of Cochise County and was the moving force behind the Bisbee Deportation. You may find it interesting to look that one up, for sure. He purchased this gun while on his way to serve in France during WWI. His grave is in Bisbee's Evergreen cemetery, about 30 yards or so from my own maternal grandparents' graves.
John
__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
Last edited by PALADIN85020; 01-06-2020 at 12:51 PM.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|