Colt 1903 Hammerless Pocket pistol question

[GregM]

Thanks for the offer!

[Rags]

I don't believe in fate, but it sure makes a good excuse for buying guns.

While nosing around at Bill's the other day, I spotted a Colt 1903 in very good condition and priced to fit my budget.

I said to myself: "First I hear about the 1903 on the MNGunTalk forum, and now I'm face to face with one. This gun has been waiting here just for me." So I bought it.

What an incredibly elegant little pistol!

Great! So what did you get, .32 or .380? Amount of blueing left? Wooden grips? And what year is it? (Check Coltautos.com for that.)

[GregM]

It's a .32 Auto with 90%+ bluing and a tiny bit of rust in the serrations at the back end of the slide. Some very minor holster scuffing on the slide. The grips are brass and very dark. The bore has no pitting and the rifling is strong. I did a basic disassembly and what I could see appears to be in excellent condition.

There's a small abrasion on the right side of the frame, just below the extractor. The biggest flaw is the little bolt that is on the right side of the frame, opposite the safety / hold-open lever --- half of the head has been broken off and the finish is scratched. Looks like someone over-torqued it and snapped it off.

The serial number is 90895, so this thing was born in 1909.

[mcdriver]

I know of another Colt 1903 in .32 that might be for sale if the price is right.

I saw the one at Bill's, and I thought about my friend's version. It is in as good or better shape.

If there is any interest, e-mail me and I can send info and pictures.

[Squib Joe]

For the record, that particular 1903 sat on my desk all day before I forced myself to bring it out to the case. I can't adopt them all!

[tt3]

I'm looking around at online parts stores and found Numrich, and they have a magazine catch to replace the old one. How do I tell if it's the catch that is worn down or the frame?

To recap, my .32 magazine catch works free after shooting a few magazines. If the shooter is paying attention there is time to push it back in, but once it comes out I have to take the whole thing apart and put it back. So, theories? Either the catch is worn, the frame is worn or the spring holding it in is worn. Though, considering how tough it was getting the spring back in, I'm doubting that.
I guess I answered my own question, I have to take the whole thing apart and look closely...

[LarryFlew]

One of the few guns that I have sold over the years that I wish I had back. Had a pair from the railroad (issued to supervisors walking the tracks) complete with wooden grips, holster and spare mags for both. Someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

[tt3]

Yeah, I love this gun and would love even more to having it running well again.

There are a few guns my wife would let me buy but if I ran across another one I doubt I could walk away from it.

[870TC]

I know several of these guns that were taken apart (not by me I won't mess with that one) and put back together incorrectly or in the wrong sequence....they then go full auto, some after the trigger is pulled the first time (Have seen the 7 pockmarks on the plaster wall) and some go as the slide is closed on the first round. (watched the rounds stitch across a gravel pit that time). So if you take one apart, only load a couple rounds in the magazine the first time you try it, and be prepared for possible multiples. Other then that, they are very nice guns and all seem to shoot very accurately.

[Drizzle]

I have my grandpa's .32 Colt he took to Burma with him in WWII. Not a lot of finish left, and I replaced the cracked original Colt grips, but ut still shoots nice. I always feel a little like Bogie in Key Largo when I shoot it.

If we ever do that pre 1940 Steel Shoot I was mentioning last summer, this might be one I'd use.

[Countryfried Frank]

I had the opportunity to shoot one chambered for .32ACP several months ago with Mrs. Country. It was her fist time shooting a handgun and ended up hating it. I however was an immediate fan. I will continue working on the owner to give it up but my guess is that I'll have to get it from his estate. I like the guy (slightly) more than I do the gun so I guess I'll have to wait.

[Timmer2183]

I really like the history behind them. Gangster backup pocket guns and used by various B-17 and B-24 pilots during WWII due to their compact size and light weight. My dad has one that he gave to my brother...not too happy about that, though I did get all of the shotguns.

Very cool little gun!

[tman]

I really like the history behind them. Gangster backup pocket guns and used by various B-17 and B-24 pilots during WWII due to their compact size and light weight. My dad has one that he gave to my brother...not too happy about that, though I did get all of the shotguns.

Very cool little gun!

It sounds like your brother HAS one, your dad HAD one...