Vintage Colt Auto Range Day

[tmd17]

It was a vintage Colt Auto sort of range day for me. Over five centuries worth of American steel still functioning as designed!

Top Left - Colt Model 1905 Military .45 ACP - Rimless Smokeless - Mfg 1909

Top Center - Colt Model of 1911 U.S. Army .45 ACP - Mfg 1917

Top Right - Colt COMBAT COMMANDER .45 ACP - Mfg 1974

Bottom Left - Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (Type III) .32 ACP -Mfg 1921

Bottom Center - Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket Hammerless .25 ACP - Mfg 1920

Bottom Right - Colt Woodsman Bullseye Match Target .22 LR - Mfg 1938

 

[S&W ucla]

Great collection! Don't shoot 230gr ball in your 1905. They were designed for a slower 200 gr load. I occasionaly shoot 200gr lswc in a target load through mine. Factory 185gr match ammo if you don't reload. Even then I would limit the amount of firings in such a fine antique. The 1905, 1911, and the Match Target are 3 of my favorites

 

[smithra_66]

You have good taste, sir.

 

[tmd17]

..limit the amount of firings in such a fine antique. The 1905, 1911, and the Match Target are 3 of my favorites

Thanks for the concern, and yes I am well aware. I have had the 1905 about 6 years now, and this is only the 3rd time to take her out. She is fed some of my very soft hand loads.

While I DO shoot ALMOST every gun I own, I handle these with the care they deserve. I have plenty of new production guns to play with when I want to hit hard.

 

[jeffrefrig]

That Match Target caught my eyes instantly! I don't remember seeing one like that; the grip is kinda artsy looking. Any other pics of it? Peace!

 

[Pisgah]

Oh, my. I am humbled...

 

[tmd17]

That Match Target caught my eyes instantly! I don't remember seeing one like that; the grip is kinda artsy looking. Any other pics of it? Peace!

This is the only other picture I have.




I will get it back out today and take a few more for you. Interesting looking gun for sure. It is really hard to find one with the stocks still intact. They are made from ONE PIECE of wood and the 'elephant ears' extend well below the grip area/magazine well. The design was intended to allow a better hand grip for target shooting.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Love love that Woodsman!

And I'd be scared that I'd break those ears off!

 

[Heinz]

Great photos but too few . Awesome group. Thanks for posting

 

[tmd17]

Love love that Woodsman!

And I'd be scared that I'd break those ears off!

Many of these did not survive intact! Mine have! She is stored in a hard case in the safe and handled with extreme care on the rare days I take her out to play.

 

[tmd17]

Great photos but too few . Awesome group. Thanks for posting

I posted a new thread for the Colt Woodsman Bullseye Match Target with plenty of pics.

Enjoy.

Mitch

 

[chief38]

I am headed to the Range today with my .25acp Colt M1908 Vest Pocket Model and a M1903 in 32 acp. Last week I shot my 1908 in .380 acp. I do love to shoot the pieces of history at least a few times a year. I get a kick out of the Range Officer's trying to figure out what I am shooting. When they find out they are all about 100+ years old they ask to look at them more closely. If they want. I let them shoot a magazine full.

My main Range gun today will be my M41. Haven't shot that in a while.

 

[.357magger]

I'm working on my own pre war Colt automatic collection.

Not as extensive as yours...but I'm still on the hunt for a 1908 Vest Pocket and a Woodsman. Below are a military 1911 circa 1918, and a pair of Model M's in 32 and 380, circa 1917 and 1924. All get out to the range from time to time.

Great group you have tmd17. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[tajada]

Excellent collection, but we love pics.

 

[chief38]

Well I shot the antique Colts today and as always, never a hic-cup! Even the miniature .25acp 1908 vest pocket pistol has never had a FTF or jam!

 

[tmd17]

Well I shot the antique Colts today and as always, never a hic-cup! Even the miniature .25acp 1908 vest pocket pistol has never had a FTF or jam!

Same with mine Chief, same with mine! Amazing guns!

 

[824tsv]

Colt 1902 Sporting (1907) .38ACP

I shoot this a few times a year. The slide reciprocates in slow motion and the tiny sights are a challenge for old eyes, but they are neat pistols. You really need to hand load for these.

 

[4barrel]

I shoot this a few times a year. The slide reciprocates in slow motion and the tiny sights are a challenge for old eyes, but they are neat pistols. You really need to hand load for these.

You just keep pulling stuff out of your hat.

 

[tmd17]

I shoot this a few times a year. The slide reciprocates in slow motion and the tiny sights are a challenge for old eyes, but they are neat pistols. You really need to hand load for these.

GORGEOUS piece of history you have there!

 

[Tex1001]

My heart has always belonged to the 1911s, but the early colts with the dual links are really special. I wish I could afford one.
I make a point of shooting all of my handguns but a 1902/05
I don't think I would shoot, soft handloads or not. If I cracked a
slide I couldn't live with the guilt.
All of your Colts are beautiful.