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From the Vault: The Colt 1903 & 1908 Pocket Models

Brownells, Inc.
Published on November 19, 2021
Category: Reviews
Duration: 2:57

This video from Brownells' 'From the Vault' series, featuring Keith Ford and Steve Ostrom at Rock Island Auctions, provides an expert overview of the Colt 1903 and 1908 Pocket Models. The discussion highlights their purpose as personal protection firearms, common calibers (.32 ACP, .38 ACP, .380 ACP), and potential confusion between models. It also touches on variations, rare contracts, and their increasing collector value.

Tags

Colt 1903 Pocket
Colt 1908 Pocket
Colt Pocket Hammer
.32 ACP
.38 ACP
.380 ACP
Pocket Pistol
Personal Protection
General Officers Pistol
Rock Island Auctions
Colt History

Quick Summary

The Colt 1903 and 1908 Pocket pistols were designed for personal protection. The 1903 is typically a .32 ACP, while the 1908 is a .380 ACP. While the .32 was more popular, rare variants like the 1938 Tokyo contract add collector value.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction with Keith Ford & Steve Ostrom
  2. 00:17Focus on Colt 1903 Pocket Pistol
  3. 00:31Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer (.38 Auto)
  4. 00:45Distinguishing the Colt 1908 Pocket (.380 ACP)
  5. 00:51Similarities and Differences in Pocket Models
  6. 01:10Original Purpose: Personal Protection
  7. 01:19Popularity of .32 Caliber Pocket Guns
  8. 01:40U.S. Property Marked Examples
  9. 01:47Rare Tokyo Contract 1903s
  10. 02:03Variations in Early Models
  11. 02:18Increasing Collector Value
  12. 02:30Thanks to Rock Island Auctions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Colt 1903 and 1908 Pocket pistols?

The primary distinction lies in their caliber. The Colt 1903 Pocket pistol is typically chambered in .32 ACP, while the Colt 1908 Pocket pistol is chambered in .380 ACP. Both were designed as compact firearms for personal protection.

Are the Colt 1903 and 1908 Pocket pistols rare?

While common in general, certain variations are rare. For instance, a small contract of Colt 1903 pistols made for Tokyo in 1938 is considered extremely rare. U.S. Property marked models are also notable.

What was the intended purpose of the Colt 1903 and 1908 Pocket models?

These pistols were specifically designed and marketed for personal protection, intended to be carried discreetly on a person. Their compact size made them ideal for concealed carry.

Which caliber was more popular for the Colt Pocket models?

The .32 ACP chambering, found in the Colt 1903, was significantly more popular and sold better than the .38 ACP or .380 ACP variants. Many people opted for the smaller caliber for easier carry.

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