Colt 1903 in US Military Service (and for the OSS)

Published on November 13, 2023
Duration: 8:39

The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, or Model M, saw significant US military adoption during WWII, particularly by intelligence and special operations units like the OSS. While initial military interest was low, the need for compact sidearms led to procurement of over 17,000 .32 ACP and 3,000 .380 ACP pistols. Late-war production saw cost-saving changes like Parkerized finishes and updated sights and slide serrations.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless was adopted by the US military during WWII for personnel needing compact sidearms, including the OSS for covert actions. Late-war production featured cost-saving Parkerized finishes and improved sights, with over 17,000 .32 ACP units procured.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless
  2. 00:33WWII Military Context & Procurement
  3. 01:02Distribution to Military Intelligence & OSS
  4. 01:58OSS Covert Actions & Historical Use
  5. 02:55Late-War Production Changes: Finish & Sights
  6. 06:00Serial Numbers and OSS Provenance
  7. 07:21Total US Government Purchases (.32 & .380 ACP)

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless used for by the US military in WWII?

During WWII, the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless was issued to personnel not requiring a full-size pistol, including Military Intelligence, detectives, and crucially, the OSS for covert operations.

How many Colt 1903 pistols did the US government purchase during WWII?

Between 1941 and 1945, the US government purchased approximately 17,330 Colt 1903 pistols in .32 ACP and 3,113 in .380 ACP, with the latter often serving as General Officers' pistols.

What changes were made to the Colt 1903 during late-war production?

In late 1944, Colt switched to a Parkerized finish to save costs, enlarged the rear sights for better accuracy, and increased slide serrations from 17 to 19 to share tooling with the M1911.

Are there specific markings to identify a military-issued Colt 1903?

Yes, military-issued Colt 1903 pistols often bear the 'U.S. PROPERTY' marking on the frame. Contract serial numbers typically fall within the range of 541,000 to 572,000 for .32 ACP models.

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