Colt Model 1903 Pistol Review

Published on July 8, 2016
Duration: 14:09

This guide details the field stripping process for the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, a John Browning design. It covers safety precautions, disassembly steps including slide removal and barrel extraction, and reassembly. The video emphasizes the pistol's historical significance and elegant design, offering insights into its condition and market value.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, a John Browning design from 1903-1945, is valued between $700-$1,000. Chambered in .32 ACP, it offers mild recoil for fast follow-up shots. Historically used by military officers and famous outlaws, its field stripping involves slide removal and barrel extraction after pushing out the slide stop pin.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt Model 1903
  2. 01:17Design and Caliber (.32 ACP)
  3. 01:54Condition and Market Value
  4. 03:17Historical Significance (Military & Gangsters)
  5. 05:23Physical Specifications and Features
  6. 07:20Range Performance and Ballistics
  7. 09:56Field Stripping and Reassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless?

The Colt Model 1903, a John Browning design, was famously issued to US military officers like Eisenhower and Patton, and was also favored by notorious figures such as Al Capone and John Dillinger. Bonnie Parker even used one to facilitate Clyde Barrow's escape.

How does the .32 ACP cartridge perform in the Colt Model 1903?

The .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) offers mild recoil, allowing for very fast and accurate follow-up shots. While less powerful than 9mm or .380 ACP, its manageable recoil makes it effective for quick shooting scenarios.

What is the typical market value for a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless?

While pristine examples can command prices in the thousands, good quality Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistols generally sell in the range of $700 to $1,000 on the current collector's market.

How do you field strip the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless?

Field stripping involves ensuring the pistol is unloaded, pulling the slide back to align the slide stop pin with the disassembly notch, pushing the pin out, sliding the slide off, and then removing the recoil spring, guide rod, and barrel.

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