Colt Pocket Hammerless

[Chopper1388]

I picked this Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless up at a Ft. Worth gun show back in 2018 and I'm finally getting around to posting it. I wanted to try out the .380 Auto cartridge and figured why not hunt down an example of the best designed gun for it. I try not to keep too many Colts around, but I can make an exception for a pre-war example. Shooting the gun is much more fun than chasing the brass down and reloading the tiny cartridges, probably the reason it doesn't get shot as much as my revolvers. There is no denying that the ergonomics and look of the gun are just pure, classic cool though.

 

[Lonestar57]

Great slim designed handgun in my opinion. I taught the Texas LTC course for 10 years and I actually saw a number of these brought to the qualification portion of the class. I've got one along with a 1903 (.32) and enjoy shooting both of them from time to time. I wouldn't hesitate a bit in carrying one for personal protection if ever needed.

 

[Faulkner]

Very nice looking 1908. Have you determined the year of manufacture?

I have several 1903's in .32 ACP and have kept an eye out for a 1908, but nice one's like yours are not easy to come by these days. Good catch.

 

[arjay]

I think a 32 or a 380 (or both) are the last of my grail guns
That's a gem!

 

[Gene L]

Very nice pistol!

 

[Chopper1388]

Have you determined the year of manufacture?

The serial number is 52203 does that mean 1920, if my google search is right?

 

[AJ]

Nice pistol. Have toyed with picking up another one. I have a Colt 1903 Hammer that I carry from time to time..

 

[Lonestar57]

I like original pistols but I did buy these two. A .32 and .380 both identically lightly engraved and finished in antique Nickel.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I do not have my Brunner's book in front of me.

The serial number is 52203 does that mean 1920, if my google search is right?

But they did not go to Walnut grips until 1924. So if your gun does date to 1920, then the grips are not original. However that is a really clean gun otherwise and I would jump all over it at a decent price. And I have four of them already.

 

[AJ]

52203 is 1921 Serial Number Data

 

[schutz5]

Those are just plain nice looking pistols!
Mine is a 1903.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Very clean and un-worn finish for a 1908 of that era. I'd like to find a similar condition 1908 to go with my WWII era G.I. issue 1903.

 

[squidsix]

This one belongs to my brother. Its a wonderful full Novak custom gun.
Mine is less awesome, but still a great pistol. They were WAY ahead of their time!

 

[squidsix]

This is mine. Holly grips and Novak sights.

 

[deadin]

And they run forever...
Here's one made in 1909. Looks like ****, works just fine....

 

[nutsforsmiths]

My 1908 also looks awful! The other side is much worse than the side pictured. It was made in 1913. I got it and the 1903 25ACP below it for nothing. Both needed grips, which neither are factory original of course. The 1908 did come with an original magazine though, which is a plus! The 1908 also needed a recoil guide and spring. Got those parts. I have to say that the 1908 shoots great and is so much fun to shoot. It fits very well in my hand! The 1903 looks really bad, but functions just fine!

 

[AJ]

I had one that had almost zero finish and some pitting. Had it parkerized and it looked very good. Guy offered me about twice what I had in it and he then owned it.

 

[max503]

Compare the looks of these guns to an S&W 380 EZ.
I'd buy the Smith if it wasn't for the looks. Guess I'm old fashioned.

 

[.357magger]

The Model M is perhaps my favorite Colt auto. (and yes, I have and shoot more than a few 1911s).

Original Model M from 1926 in 380 scp, and the wife's refinished Model M in 32 scp from 1917. They both run like sewing machines, and with original 2 tone magazines too.

And a neat latigo laced, elk lined, floral carved OWB circa 1930s-40s a la Ebay.

Finally, one of my favorite historical pics of the Model M and a famous owner (and there LOTS of famous owners), I give you Mark Twain and his 1903.

 

[raljr1]

My uncle left me a 1903 in very nice condition. It lived in his nightstand for 45 years. I decided I needed a 1908 and found one at a local shop. It is not near as nice. I always enjoy seeing these in the old gangster movies.