|
|
11-24-2020, 01:44 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,840
Liked 13,680 Times in 1,730 Posts
|
|
C O L T
There, I said it.
A four letter word on the Smith and Wesson forum.
I was able to fulfill a bit of a 'gotta have' today.
Picked up this C O L T 1903 in the venerable .32 ACP cartridge.
I have always admired the total design of this hundred year old pistol.
It has quite the provenance also.
Got it home tonight and disassembled it. Ha. First time jitters. Came apart really smooth.
Re-assembly, not real smooth. But, I did it.
Holding this 'melted down' gat in my hand was quite an experience.
Light weight, smoothed over and comfortable to hold. And, no hammer bite.
Anyone help with the year of manufacturing?
Enjoy,
bdGreen
Tap image to enlarge.
Last edited by bdGreen; 11-24-2020 at 01:45 AM.
|
The Following 84 Users Like Post:
|
03hemi, 22hipower, 29aholic, 78bagger, Absalom, adwjc, ars1876, Beauetienne, bigchuck83, bmcgilvray, Bob L, Borderboss, CajunBass, CAJUNLAWYER, Chino74, colt_saa, CQB27, crazyhorse, desi2358, ditrina, Dr Charlie, duman444, Erich, fdover, Frank46, Golddollar, gregintenn, GyMac, hannstv, hotshot357, huthike, JD3006, JeffG, Jet guy, JH1951, John F., JohnRoc65, jringo8769, ladder13, Lee Barner, leonardocarrillo, LoadedRound, lrrifleman, MilwGuitarist, Modified, Moo Moo, msauter, mscook, Muddyboot, Nedroe, NY-1, Ozark Marine, pawncop, petepeterson, plvickers, Porkie, R.J. in Phoenix, Redcoat3340, Retired W4, Richard Simmons, rjm6120, RobertJ., robertrwalsh, Rock185, S&WIowegan, Sandman4delta, Seven High, sigp220.45, SLT223, stansdds, Stevens, Texas Star, TheHobbyist, Thuer, tops, torizus, trashy, Tubbsy, Tytan01, Valmet, VaTom, vonn, Walter Rego, wetdog1911 |
11-24-2020, 02:10 AM
|
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,996 Times in 8,452 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdGreen
Picked up this C O L T 1903 in the venerable .32 ACP
Anyone help with the year of manufacturing?
|
1916. Good condition for that vintage. Nice find!
Last edited by Absalom; 11-24-2020 at 02:13 AM.
|
The Following 14 Users Like Post:
|
78bagger, bdGreen, Bro. Dave, clang444, CQB27, desi2358, Erich, Golddollar, Lee Barner, Muley Gil, Ozark Marine, Tadeus67, TheHobbyist, Thuer |
11-24-2020, 06:23 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 240
Liked 6,215 Times in 1,575 Posts
|
|
C O L T
1908 and 1917. One with no finish at all and the other reblued......
Last edited by moralem; 11-24-2020 at 06:24 AM.
|
The Following 17 Users Like Post:
|
bdGreen, Bro. Dave, desi2358, Erich, Golddollar, JH1951, Lee Barner, mscook, Muddyboot, Muley Gil, Ozark Marine, Rock185, TheHobbyist, Thuer, Tytan01, VaTom, wetdog1911 |
11-24-2020, 06:36 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 4,035
Likes: 3,246
Liked 3,862 Times in 1,968 Posts
|
|
I’ve always thought those old Colts were some of the coolest handguns. Nice score OP
__________________
Some Might Say.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 06:43 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 7,854
Liked 25,753 Times in 8,706 Posts
|
|
I own one in each calibre, .25, .32 & .380. I didn't buy them for SD/HD, didn't buy them for competition, but simply because they are SUPER COOL! BTW I do shoot them and not one jam out of any of the three since I've owned them!
I have a bunch of magazines for each calibre and most are original two tone cyanid treated versions. Just love these little things!
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 10:34 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 2
Liked 3,455 Times in 987 Posts
|
|
bd- that holster is cool.
I also have all three, here are the .25 and the .380 couldn't find a picture of the .32.
__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames
Last edited by glenncal1; 11-24-2020 at 10:37 AM.
|
The Following 13 Users Like Post:
|
bdGreen, desi2358, Erich, Golddollar, jeffrefrig, JH1951, Lee Barner, old tanker, Rock185, Tadeus67, Thuer, Tytan01, VaTom |
11-24-2020, 10:48 AM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 11,218
Liked 18,134 Times in 2,529 Posts
|
|
An informal survey of hundreds of Heiser holsters shows that the Colt pocket autos are a close second to the Government Model in popularity.
Does your holster have a maker’s mark ?
Regards,
__________________
turnerriver
|
The Following 11 Users Like Post:
|
bdGreen, desi2358, Golddollar, inspcalahan, jframejoey, John F., Lee Barner, Muddyboot, Rock185, Thuer, Tytan01 |
11-24-2020, 11:26 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,840
Liked 13,680 Times in 1,730 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by turnerriver
An informal survey of hundreds of Heiser holsters shows that the Colt pocket autos are a close second to the Government Model in popularity.
Does your holster have a maker’s mark ?
Regards,
|
The holster does not have a makers mark.
It, I suspect, is custom made and much newer than the Colt.
I would be interested in finding a period holster for my Colt. The one in your picture of the Heiser is very nice.
Someone went to a lot of trouble to fabricate the custom case and holster for this guy.
Happy to have it.
bdGreen
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 11:33 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: The Netherlands Rotter
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 1,363
Liked 2,053 Times in 570 Posts
|
|
Love that pistol. The 1903 is the only pistol in my collection. Mine is from 1940. I do like yours. It is a early one.
Last edited by Thuer; 11-24-2020 at 11:37 AM.
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 12:14 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: southern illinois
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 2,266
Liked 2,401 Times in 1,015 Posts
|
|
Grips on these little dudes are a constant debate....Grandpa left me mine , from 1912....I see all kinds of logos on the grips...lots of reproductions....I've been told to get some cheap ones for shooting,as the orig. ones break easily, not sure about that though....nice pistol
|
11-24-2020, 12:28 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 10,450
Liked 6,095 Times in 1,249 Posts
|
|
[QUOTE=bdGreen;140971883]There, I said it.
A four letter word on the Smith and Wesson forum.
I was able to fulfill a bit of a 'gotta have' today.
Picked up this C O L T 1903 in the venerable .32 ACP cartridge.
I have always admired the total design of this hundred year old pistol.
It has quite the provenance also.
Got it home tonight and disassembled it. Ha. First time jitters. Came apart really smooth.
Re-assembly, not real smooth. But, I did it.
Holding this 'melted down' gat in my hand was quite an experience.
Light weight, smoothed over and comfortable to hold. And, no hammer bite.
Anyone help with the year of manufacturing?
Enjoy,
bdGreen
Tap image to enlarge.
Why they could almost be Colt Model 1903 brothers. Your nice new .32 is less shabby than this one, also from 1916, but mine's first rate mechanically with a bright bore.
Last edited by bmcgilvray; 11-24-2020 at 12:29 PM.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 12:59 PM
|
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,996 Times in 8,452 Posts
|
|
Even though in contrast to WW II, these did not see any use in WW I, many specimen from that decade sure were well used. Mine is a year later, from 1917.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 02:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 3,153
Liked 3,122 Times in 776 Posts
|
|
Model M s are a toss up with 1911s as my favorite JMB pistol design.
Sleek, thin, very accurate, and one of the most ergonomic handgun designs, even to this day. Boringly reliable too.
Below is my "1908" in .380 (they're really all 1903 Pocket Hammerless as far as Colt named them). Mine is a Type III, from 1926.
Last edited by .357magger; 11-24-2020 at 02:35 PM.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 03:50 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 8,093
Liked 12,204 Times in 2,777 Posts
|
|
Nice bd, great leather for it too. I don't have a 1903 but here's my only 1908. Nice to have a chance to show these "off brands" once in awhile.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 03:54 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: South-Central PA
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 19,212
Liked 6,515 Times in 2,037 Posts
|
|
Congratulations on your new-to-you Colt!
Take it out and shoot it - I think you will be quite impressed!
For me, the 1903 is one of the most accurate and reliable 'smaller' size handguns ever produced. They are also a pleasure to carry as they really do not get in the way or bog you down.
Here's one of mine from 1924:
Last edited by JH1951; 11-24-2020 at 04:04 PM.
|
The Following 18 Users Like Post:
|
.357magger, 22hipower, bdGreen, bmcgilvray, Bro. Dave, Charlie Foxtrott, dave b, Erich, gregintenn, huthike, John F., Lee Barner, Muddyboot, ralph7, Retired W4, Thuer, Tytan01, Walter Rego |
11-24-2020, 04:04 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: High Desert of NM, USA
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 9,419
Liked 8,912 Times in 2,574 Posts
|
|
I don't like Colts all that much in general, but I sure am glad I clicked on this thread.
__________________
Now go make God proud...
Last edited by Erich; 11-24-2020 at 04:05 PM.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 06:28 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Occupied California
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 1,527
Liked 5,592 Times in 1,613 Posts
|
|
Bogie inspired me. A Model 1908 .380 from 1922 that shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in St. Louis.
Last edited by Walter Rego; 11-24-2020 at 06:32 PM.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-24-2020, 08:13 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Texas Gulf Coast...
Posts: 5,530
Likes: 9,966
Liked 23,048 Times in 3,244 Posts
|
|
Guess I have gone gangster to.
Climbed out of the deer stand this am and made a
couple stops.
Picked this up:
Book shows 1922
.380 with what I think are genuine MOP stocks.
|
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 12:31 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 240
Liked 6,215 Times in 1,575 Posts
|
|
C O L T
I will stray a wee bit here and offer up another .32 just not a Colt but a Savage from 1919.......
Last edited by moralem; 11-25-2020 at 12:35 AM.
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 12:41 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,618
Likes: 2,935
Liked 18,701 Times in 4,789 Posts
|
|
Another happy owner of the trio here. Wonderful guns and very natural pointers.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 01:15 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Northeast FL
Posts: 5,805
Likes: 7,461
Liked 15,209 Times in 3,630 Posts
|
|
It's ok to say it out loud. Many of us have some Colts in the corral.....of course these 1903s are so classic that everyone should have one. My uncle left me this one.
Colt 1903 32 ACP (1).jpg
Colt 1903 32 ACP (2).jpg
__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 01:48 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Hot-as-Hades, Arizona
Posts: 203
Likes: 1,086
Liked 463 Times in 122 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem
I will stray a wee bit here and offer up another .32 just not a Colt but a Savage from 1919.......
|
Very nice Savage and very nice Colts! You guys never fail to make me smile with all of your expansive collections.
A friend of mine has one of these Savage pistols in 32 acp. It's not in as nice a shape as OP's but it's a nifty pistol. His father kept it in tool box at his work for years and when he passed away it went to my friend.
I had a 1903, also in 32 acp. Mine was considered a 3rd gen. made in 1941-ish if I remember correctly. had to sell it a decade ago to help finance a move but now that I'm settled for good...I'm gonna get me another one.
|
11-25-2020, 02:26 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Central Arkansas
Posts: 124
Likes: 13
Liked 164 Times in 68 Posts
|
|
I only have one Colt...
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 02:27 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,445
Likes: 2,499
Liked 13,197 Times in 4,576 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Erich
I don't like Colts all that much in general, but I sure am glad I clicked on this thread.
|
Yes, fun thread. Colts don't do all that much for me, except maybe Single Action Armys, and I've dumped all of my Colts except a very old Colt Cobra that was a gift from a dear friend, but these pistols are top notch and I might acquire one again some day.
__________________
Come and take it!!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 09:52 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N/W Florida
Posts: 5,667
Likes: 2,434
Liked 6,218 Times in 2,425 Posts
|
|
It's funny. The original post mentioned "hammer bite".
My wife did not like to shoot my 1903 because it always bit her. I finally decided that what was happening was she was holding her grip so high on the gun that when the grip safety was squeezed in, the web between her thumb and the rest of her hand would go into the space between the top of the grip safety and the bottom of the grip safety indentation. Then when she relaxed her grip after shooting, the grip safety would come back and pinch the web of her hand.
I had never seen nor heard of that happening to anyone, before or since.
__________________
I always take precautions
|
11-25-2020, 11:59 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 3,153
Liked 3,122 Times in 776 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem
I will stray a wee bit here and offer up another .32 just not a Colt but a Savage from 1919.......
|
I'll see your Savage from 1919, and raise you a Savage from 1923 (1917 Model).
Also a 32 acp, they're intriguing little poppers too imo.
Last edited by .357magger; 11-25-2020 at 12:00 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 03:47 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
|
|
You are among friends here. I have the trifecta.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-25-2020, 06:10 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
|
|
If you really want to test your manual dexterity and patience, take apart and reassemble a 51 Remington.
|
11-25-2020, 08:15 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 967
Liked 2,108 Times in 855 Posts
|
|
Have four of these little jewels. Granddaughter likes the 32 cal. Have some info that I can email if anyone wants it.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-29-2020, 08:54 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 681
Likes: 7,902
Liked 924 Times in 416 Posts
|
|
A literary question.
A series of 'private detective' stories the the main charecter carried either a 1903, or, 1908 Colt Auto.
My wife and I read a boatload of them back in the early 90's, before internet.
I keep flashing on "Spenser for hire", but it doesn't feel right.
Anyone have any clues?
Rob
|
11-30-2020, 12:12 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: South of Gritville
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 1,113
Liked 2,547 Times in 1,006 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by wetdog1911
A literary question.
A series of 'private detective' stories the the main charecter carried either a 1903, or, 1908 Colt Auto.
My wife and I read a boatload of them back in the early 90's, before internet.
I keep flashing on "Spenser for hire", but it doesn't feel right.
Anyone have any clues?
Rob
|
Philip Marlowe
"He always keeps a .32 ACP Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistol along with him while investigating different cases."
__________________
μολὼν λαβέ
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-30-2020, 12:20 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 BourbonCowboy
I only have one Colt...
|
Well, iffen ur only gonna have 1 COLT, hard to find a better one to own!
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-30-2020, 10:17 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 8,093
Liked 12,204 Times in 2,777 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by wetdog1911
A literary question.
I keep flashing on "Spenser for hire", but it doesn't feel right.
Anyone have any clues?
Rob
|
Thanks for triggering those memories. In the Spenser novels I remember he usually carried a S&W 38 Chiefs Special. According to Wikipedia he also had a few other firearms, but no Colt 1903/1908:
In the 1970s and 1980s, Spenser usually carried a Smith & Wesson Model 36, .38 Special caliber, "Chief's Special" revolver. He would sometimes carry a .357 Magnum revolver that he usually kept in the top drawer of his office desk, for "just in case" situations. Spenser also had a small .32 caliber revolver that he carried as a "back up" weapon in the 1970s and early 1980s. In the novel The Widening Gyre, Spenser carried a .25 caliber semiautomatic as a back up, and had it in his hand when confronted by two assassins - killing both. In 1992, Spenser started regularly carrying a Browning Hi-Power 9mm semi-automatic pistol. In 2010, Spenser replaces the Browning with a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In 2012, he starts carrying the Chief's Special again while working, but also carries the .357 Magnum or the .40 caliber Smith & Wesson, in addition to the .38 Special, when anticipating a possible gunfight. On rare occasions, Spenser would use a rifle or shotgun when the situation required them. Spenser of the TV show carried a Beretta 92 9mm semi-automatic pistol. He also used a revolver, mostly in the first season.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-03-2020, 10:29 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: On da Bayou Teche
Posts: 18,471
Likes: 18,598
Liked 58,976 Times in 9,683 Posts
|
|
VERY enjoyable thread. BD those are some very good pictures
__________________
Forum consigliere
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-03-2020, 11:34 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 3,449
Liked 11,368 Times in 1,323 Posts
|
|
C O L T
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thuer
Love that pistol. The 1903 is the only pistol in my collection. Mine is from 1940. I do like yours. It is a early one.
|
Just bought this 1940 yesterday, probably close serial number, mine’s 541841
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-03-2020, 11:35 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cedaredge Co.
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 11
Liked 2,764 Times in 984 Posts
|
|
Screwed up badly a couple of months ago. LGS had a nice condition .380 on consignment for $700. Got them down to $650 and then passed on it. Excellent price in the condition it was in.
|
12-03-2020, 02:39 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Milwaukee, WI.
Posts: 65
Likes: 129
Liked 125 Times in 28 Posts
|
|
Colt HK S&W Glock Beretta etc etc etc. i like them all because i'm a GUN NUT! don't care who makes it if i like it i'm getting it -
|
12-03-2020, 03:17 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 23
Liked 2,126 Times in 588 Posts
|
|
Not dirty, just different. I posted back in July about NEVER having owned a Colt revolver, snd how I fixed that by buying a 1968 Trooper . 357 (aka poor man's Python) and received nothing but love and support!
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|