Small Arms of WWI Primer 057: Belgian Contract Colt 1903

Published on August 15, 2017
Duration: 33:00

This video details the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, a John Browning design scaled down for the commercial market. It covers the pistol's development, design evolution through its Type I-III variants, and its internal mechanism. Notably, it highlights the Belgian contract during WWI, where Colt produced over 24,000 units for the Belgian government-in-exile, identifiable by a specific acceptance mark.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, designed by John Browning, is a blowback pistol scaled for the commercial market. Belgian Contract models from WWI feature an 'A' in a diamond mark and specific serial numbers, produced after FN's occupation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt 1903 Model M
  2. 01:30John Browning's FN & Colt Relationship
  3. 04:22Development of the Pocket Hammerless
  4. 07:31Colt 1903 Design Evolution (Type I-III)
  5. 13:14Internal Mechanism Animation & Blowback Action
  6. 14:54Range Testing & Ergonomics
  7. 18:11The WWI Belgian Contract Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt Model 1903?

The Colt Model 1903, also known as the Model M, is a blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning. It was scaled down from the larger FN Model 1903 for the commercial pocket pistol market and chambered primarily in .32 ACP.

How can I identify a Colt 1903 from the Belgian Contract?

Belgian Contract Colt 1903 pistols, produced during WWI, are identified by a specific acceptance mark: an 'A' inside a diamond. Additionally, their serial numbers typically fall between 165,854 and 241,966.

What are the main design types of the Colt 1903?

The Colt 1903 evolved through three main types. Type I featured a 4-inch barrel and a separate barrel bushing. Type II reduced the barrel length slightly to 3.75 inches. Type III simplified the design further by eliminating the separate barrel bushing.

What caliber is the Colt 1903 typically chambered in?

The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless was most commonly chambered in .32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning). Some later variants, like the Model 1908, were chambered in .380 ACP.

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